on a negative note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a negative note" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are about to introduce a negative point or opinion. For example, "On a negative note, the economy appears to be slowing significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Never one to end on a negative note, mum countered with, "It's a very special time of your life, to be a hipster, it's when you're carefree, young, experimenting, loving, and open to life".

Vice

Never one to end on a negative note Mum countered with, "It's a very special time of your life, to be a hipster, it's when you're carefree, young, experimenting, loving, and open to life".

Vice

While a lesser political discussion might end on a negative note, this one ends with a goodnight kiss.

Huffington Post

He started this campaign on a negative note".

The New York Times

Overall the market ended the week on a negative note.

The Guardian - Business

Once again, a good day ends on a negative note.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

On Tuesday a negative note from Liberum did the damage.

The Guardian - Business

It would be churlish though to end this article on such a negative note.

The Guardian - Sport

Even worse, many lesbians felt Chaiken had betrayed her community by ending on such a negative note.

The Guardian

British Land is leading the FTSE 100 fallers after a negative note on the UK property sector from Morgan Stanley.

The Guardian - Business

HSBC issued a negative note on G4S, moving from neutral to underweight with a target price cut from 260 to 220p.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a negative note" to smoothly transition into discussing unfavorable aspects, especially after presenting positive points, ensuring a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive paragraphs with "on a negative note". Use a variety of transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a negative note" functions as an introductory phrase or transitional expression. It signals a shift in tone or focus, typically indicating the introduction of unfavorable information, criticism, or a contrasting viewpoint, as supported by examples available on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a negative note" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a negative aspect or viewpoint, effectively transitioning the discussion to unfavorable information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Business, writers might opt for more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a less positive note

This subtly indicates a shift towards a more negative perspective.

on the downside

This alternative focuses on the disadvantageous aspects of a situation.

on a cautionary note

This introduces a warning or something to be careful about.

on a discouraging note

This alternative emphasizes the discouraging nature of the information being presented.

turning to the negative side

This phrase directly signals a move towards discussing negative aspects.

on a somber note

This phrase highlights the seriousness or sadness associated with the topic.

a drawback is that

This alternative introduces a specific disadvantage or problem.

a point of concern is

This highlights a particular issue that is causing worry or anxiety.

conversely

This single word alternative serves as a straightforward transition to a contrasting or negative point.

however

A simple conjunction to introduce a contrasting or negative element.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a negative note" to introduce a contrasting or unfavorable point after discussing positive aspects. For example, "The project was successful overall; however, on a negative note, budget overruns need to be addressed."

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

You can use alternatives like "on the downside", "conversely", or "however" to introduce a negative aspect.

Is it appropriate to start a presentation with "on a negative note"?

Starting a presentation with "on a negative note" is generally discouraged, as it can set a pessimistic tone. It's often better to begin with positive or neutral information before addressing concerns.

Can "on a negative note" be used in formal writing?

"On a negative note" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "on a less positive note" or "a drawback is that" for a more polished tone.