on a more serious note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a more serious note" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce a subject or comment that is more serious or significant than the previous topics or comments. For example, "We were laughing and joking about the party, but on a more serious note, I think we should discuss our plans for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But on a more serious note, one thing that is guaranteed is we will be testing a lot of new music.

Vice

On a more serious note, Johnson said: "I do not for one moment believe that this election shows that London has been transformed overnight into a Conservative city".

The Guardian

On a more serious note, where are the laughs?

The Guardian - Tech

On a more serious note, he added: "Leaving was tough.

The New York Times - Style

"On a more serious note, we had some nice conversations about the material.

The New York Times

"On a more serious note, if O.P.C. thinks Lagos belongs to them alone, we'll see.

The New Yorker

On a more serious note, Wenger added: "It depends how you play always.

Independent

On a more serious note, Libya's situation has tragically deteriorated since the 2012 Benghazi attack.

The Guardian - Film

On a more serious note, getting an MBE was a huge honour, and a huge shock.

The Guardian - Sport

On a more serious note, did we learn anything from the competition?

The Guardian - Opinion

On a more serious note, he looks into the condition known as M.C.S., multiple chemical sensitivity.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a more serious note" to smoothly transition from a lighthearted discussion to a more significant topic. It signals to your audience that a change in tone is coming.

Common error

Avoid using "on a more serious note" when the preceding conversation was already serious. It can come across as redundant or condescending. Ensure a genuine tonal shift justifies its use.

Linguistic Context

Transitional Phrase: "On a more serious note" primarily functions as a transitional phrase. It signals a shift in the conversation or writing from a less serious topic to one of greater importance. Ludwig confirms this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a more serious note" is a commonly used transitional phrase that signals a shift from a lighter topic to a more important one. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively prepares the audience for a change in tone. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the preceding conversation justifies the tonal shift. As Ludwig AI shows, alternatives such as "turning to a more solemn matter" or "shifting to a graver topic" can be used to add variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a more somber note

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more melancholic tone.

shifting to a graver topic

Highlights a transition to a more weighty or significant discussion.

turning to a more solemn matter

Emphasizes a shift towards a grave or formal subject.

a more pressing matter is

Indicates the urgency and importance of the upcoming topic.

to address a critical issue

Directly introduces the importance and urgency of the subject.

turning our attention to more critical things

Highlights the switch to subjects of higher importance and relevance.

in a more earnest vein

Suggests a sincere and heartfelt approach to the following content.

let's consider the gravity of

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of a situation.

with due consideration to

Formally indicates a careful and thoughtful approach to a serious topic.

now for something weightier

Informally signals a change to a more substantial subject.

FAQs

How can I use "on a more serious note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a more serious note" to transition from a lighter topic to a more important or grave one. For example, "We've discussed the party, but "on a more serious note", let's talk about our budget."

What is a good alternative to "on a more serious note"?

Alternatives include "turning to a more solemn matter", "shifting to a graver topic", or "on a more somber note".

Is it grammatically correct to say "on a more serious note"?

Yes, "on a more serious note" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English to introduce a more significant topic.

When is it inappropriate to use "on a more serious note"?

It's best to avoid using "on a more serious note" if the preceding discussion was already serious or somber, as it can seem redundant or out of place.