on a higher note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a higher note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a more positive or optimistic perspective or conclusion in a discussion or narrative. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced this year, we want to end the meeting on a higher note by celebrating our recent achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The show ends on a higher note, with, surprisingly, a song.

Independent

The ascending call has a duration of about half a second, starting with a "yell" on one note and ending with a "chip" on a higher note; it is often used as a distress or warning call for unfamiliar smells and noises.

Wikipedia

On a higher note, hearing birdsong again is pretty amazing".

Independent

A week that began amid political instability in Slovenia will end on a higher note for the government.

The Economist

The unusual deal on the energy measure allowed the Senate to go into its break on a higher note than it appeared likely as late as Thursday.

The New York Times

The show couldn't end on a higher note".Snail", another exhibit, has a fat, coiling fibreglass body which opens out into a lusciously vermilion mouth.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Last night's show ended on a high note, with hints of a soapy future.

The Guardian

Never one to rest on his laurels, Wynton Marsalis ended the 20th century on a high note.

The New York Times - Magazine

It ended things on a high note.

The New Yorker

The class ended on a high note.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Homemade desserts end the meal on a high note.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a higher note" to conclude a discussion or piece of writing by emphasizing a positive aspect or improvement, even if previous points were negative or challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "on a higher note" when the situation has not actually improved or when the conclusion is not genuinely positive. It can seem insincere or dismissive if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a higher note" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a situation concludes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a higher note" is a grammatically sound and useful expression that serves to introduce a positive or optimistic conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and example sentences show its prevalent use in News & Media. Although it's not exceedingly common, it's a recognized way to signal improvement or positivity. When employing this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate to avoid insincerity or inappropriateness. Alternatives such as "on a more positive note" or "on a brighter note" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a more positive note

Focuses specifically on positivity, replacing "higher" with "more positive".

on a brighter note

Emphasizes optimism, using "brighter" to convey a more cheerful outlook.

on a more promising note

Highlights the potential for future success and improvement.

on a more encouraging note

Focuses on the encouraging aspect, replacing the general improvement with a specific type of positivity.

in a more upbeat fashion

Shifts the focus to the manner, suggesting a cheerful way of concluding something.

with increased optimism

Highlights the feeling of optimism as the defining characteristic.

in a more elevated tone

Changes the metaphor to elevation, suggesting improved quality or status.

in a more triumphant manner

Emphasizes the victory or success aspect of the improvement.

with a more favorable outcome

Shifts the focus to the result, highlighting the beneficial nature of the situation.

in an improved atmosphere

Focuses on the improved environment or setting that results from the change.

FAQs

How can I use "on a higher note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a higher note" to conclude a discussion or piece of writing with a positive or optimistic point, such as, "Despite the challenges, let's end this meeting "on a higher note" by celebrating our recent success."

What does "on a higher note" mean?

The phrase "on a higher note" means to conclude something in a positive, optimistic, or improved way. It suggests ending on a more favorable point than what preceded it.

What are some alternatives to "on a higher note"?

Some alternatives include "on a more positive note", "on a brighter note", or "in a more upbeat fashion", depending on the specific context.

How is "on a higher note" different from "on a positive note"?

While both phrases convey positivity, "on a higher note" implies an improvement or elevation in the situation or discussion, whereas "on a positive note" simply emphasizes the positive aspects without necessarily implying an upward change.