on a more optimistic note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a more optimistic note" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when transitioning to a more positive or hopeful aspect or topic in your writing. Example: "Despite the current challenges we are facing, on a more optimistic note, there are signs of progress and potential for growth in the near future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

On a more optimistic note, one respondent told us: "It is understandable that the job market is oversubscribed due to the recession but in the future I hope my degree will enable me to get a graduate position".

The Guardian

Led by two outspoken black officials, Savannah's city council refused to give final approval for the monument until the inscription was revised to end on a more optimistic note.

Journal of Historical Geography

But an editor's note that accompanied the study ended on a more optimistic note, saying it "brings us some reason for hope that efforts to address childhood obesity are well worth it".

The New York Times

"On a more optimistic note, though, it is these kinds of obvious, extreme messages that are so discomfiting young women – that they so cannot ignore –that it has given them something to fight against.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Cowger said "it's a tough market out there right now," but added, on a more optimistic note, that he believed that the sharp increases in incentives would be "mitigated" by a recovering economy in the second half of the year.

The New York Times

Mr. Bright said a steep moral decline in the life of the nation resulted from the 1963 Supreme Court decision banning school prayer, a ruling that he said "insulted God". But on a more optimistic note, Mr. Bright said he believed that through the efforts of evangelical groups like his own, the nation was on the verge of a spiritual revival.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And over on Dave Hill's blog, a more optimistic note is struck by IronEye: Totally agree about the drinking fountains - not enough but it didn't mar a brilliant evening.

The Guardian - Sport

But after months of grueling diplomacy by the administration's special envoy to the region, George J. Mitchell, officials sounded a more optimistic note on Thursday.

The New York Times

After the gloomy tone at last week's IMF spring meetings in Washington on Greece and the eurozone's prospects, the fund's top man in Europe, Poul Thomsen, struck a more optimistic note on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

Capuano sounded a more optimistic note.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year's index struck a more optimistic note, with more countries improving than doing worse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent information genuinely offers a positive or hopeful perspective to avoid undermining your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "on a more optimistic note" sarcastically or ironically, as this can confuse your audience and weaken the impact of your message. The phrase should introduce genuine positivity, not mock it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a more optimistic note" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a transitional phrase. It signals a shift in the discussion towards a more positive or hopeful perspective. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a more optimistic note" is a transitional phrase used to introduce a positive perspective, particularly after discussing challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to inject hope into various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and business, it maintains a neutral register making it widely applicable. When incorporating this phrase, ensure that the subsequent information aligns with the intended positive tone, which helps create balanced narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a more positive note

Uses "positive" instead of "optimistic", slightly broader in connotation.

on a brighter note

Emphasizes a sense of hope and improved conditions.

to look on the bright side

Shifts from transitional phrase to a direct call for optimism.

turning to a more hopeful perspective

More descriptive, explicitly mentioning a change in perspective.

let's end on a high note

Suggests concluding with something positive, often used at the end.

shifting to a more encouraging outlook

Formal and emphasizes a change towards encouragement.

on a more promising front

Focuses on the aspect of potential positive developments.

considering the upside

Highlights the positive aspects or advantages of a situation.

viewing it with rose-colored glasses

Implies an overly optimistic and potentially unrealistic viewpoint.

there is reason for optimism

States directly that there is a basis for a positive outlook.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "on a more optimistic note" in writing?

Use "on a more optimistic note" to transition from discussing challenges or negative aspects to highlighting positive developments, potential solutions, or reasons for hope. It signals to the reader that the discussion is shifting towards a more favorable perspective.

What are some alternatives to "on a more optimistic note"?

You can use alternatives such as "on a more positive note", "on a brighter note", or "turning to a more hopeful perspective" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on an optimistic note" grammatically correct?

While grammatically understandable, "on a more optimistic note" is more common and idiomatic. The inclusion of "more" emphasizes the shift in perspective, making it a smoother transition for the reader.

How does "on a more optimistic note" differ from simply being optimistic?

"On a more optimistic note" is a transitional phrase that introduces a positive viewpoint after discussing something less favorable. Being optimistic, on the other hand, is a general disposition or attitude.