on a lower note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a lower note" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means to say or write something that is more somber or serious after having just said something lighter or more cheerful. For example, "We had a great time at the party, but on a lower note, I just got some bad news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

CBS was one of the many stocks that ended the day on a lower note, closing down 2.4% at $28.70.

Forbes

Curiously, the version included on pre-release cassettes of the album uses a very slightly longer loop of the sample, the phrase allowed to end on a lower note; by the time It Was Written came out, this had been tweaked to make the last note of the loop the same as the first.

The Guardian - Music

The descending call ends on a lower note than it started on.

Wikipedia

Start on a lower note making a tuba sound, go up an octave and release at the top with an "aww" back down to the starting note (you may do arpeggios if you desire).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Mediums now," Anderson said, plucking a lower note.

The Guardian - Music

When you get to the end of the song and are done with it, sing the last note (aloud or in your head), then let the pitch drop, like it's going down a slide, until you're on a much lower note than the one on which the song ended.

WikiHow

U.S. stocks closed out a difficult week on a modestly lower note Friday as investors continued to monitor Britain's frenzied debate on whether to leave the European Union.

Los Angeles Times

"Think of a sea gull gently landing on the lower note," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

To raise a note by two steps, start again with the fingering for the lower note on a four-hole instrument, with hole 5 open and 6 covered.

WikiHow

To raise a note by one step, begin with the fingering for the lower note as on a four-hole instrument, but cover hole 5 covered and leave 6 open.

WikiHow

She sang Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" and while Casey was cute and had a friendly personality, she was flat on the lower notes, got lost in the melody, lost her breath and seemed to stumble in the middle of sentences.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a lower note" to signal a shift in tone, often to introduce a more serious or somber topic after a lighter discussion. Ensure the transition is smooth and logical, providing context for the change in subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "on a lower note" abruptly or without a clear connection to the preceding content. Ensure the shift in tone is justified and relevant to the overall message, rather than appearing disjointed or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a lower note" functions as a transitional phrase, typically used to introduce a more serious or somber topic following a lighter or more positive one. Ludwig AI confirms its role in signaling a shift in tone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a lower note" is a transitional phrase used to indicate a shift towards a more serious or somber topic. It's grammatically correct and primarily found in news, wiki, and science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its role in signaling a change in tone. While not extremely frequent, it serves a valuable purpose in guiding the reader or listener through a change in subject matter, ensuring a smooth and logical transition. Use it judiciously to maintain coherence and relevance in your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a more somber note

Emphasizes the shift towards a more melancholy or serious subject.

on a more subdued note

Focuses on a reduction in intensity or liveliness.

on a more serious note

Highlights the transition to a more grave or important topic.

to strike a lower chord

Uses musical metaphor to express a shift to a less positive or uplifting sentiment.

in a more hushed tone

Emphasizes a quieter or more subdued manner of speaking or writing.

in a less cheerful vein

Indicates a move away from happiness or optimism.

shifting to a lower key

Uses a musical analogy to denote a change to a less upbeat or energetic mood.

turning to a darker shade

Implies a shift to a more negative or pessimistic perspective.

on a less optimistic note

Specifically highlights a decrease in hopefulness or positive expectations.

in a downbeat fashion

Describes an ending or continuation in a pessimistic or discouraging manner.

FAQs

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

Use "on a lower note" to introduce a more serious or somber topic after discussing something lighter. For example, "The company had a successful year; however, on a lower note, we must address the recent layoffs".

What's a good alternative to "on a lower note"?

Alternatives include "on a more serious note", "shifting to a more subdued tone", or "to strike a lower chord", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "on a lower note"?

It is appropriate to use "on a lower note" when you want to transition from a positive or neutral subject to a more serious or negative one. It signals a change in tone and prepares the audience for a shift in focus.

Is "on a lower note" the same as "on a lighter note"?

No, "on a lower note" indicates a shift to a more serious or somber subject, while "on a lighter note" signals a move towards a more cheerful or humorous topic. They are opposites.