on a real note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on a real note' is correct and may be used in written English.
It is typically used to imply that what follows is intended to be a serious statement or a sincere opinion. For example: "On a real note, I think the new project has huge potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She let the audience laugh, then added: "But, no, on a real note, it was really great and wonderful.

The New York Times

"On a real note, I think it is safe to say that it is OK for us young performers, especially us minority performers, to step out of the box.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On a very real note, this, in essence, could affect any and all apps that rely on the Android date picker, but that's not yet confirmed.

TechCrunch

The broadcast node never fails as this would completely cease any message propagation on the network (note that on a real deployment of the network the broadcasting node would be changing constantly and so would not be a single point of failure).

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

"We have finished on a real positive note.

Independent

These next two songs we think have deep meanings.... Then we're going to end with 'Drug Free' and 'M-U-S-L-I-M,' so we can end on a real high note".

The New Yorker

Put on a real show.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, we ended on a sweet note.

The New York Times

Stop on a good note!

WikiHow

However, having seen the women at Tuesday night's New York premiere and the men on Saturday evening, I must say that the only distinction of real note was the presence, on Saturday, of the Israeli president, Shimon Peres, accompanied by a considerable security detail and heckled by members of Adalah-NY: The New York Campaign for the Boycott of Israel.

The New York Times - Arts

You don't play notes by just pressing the strings on a real guitar either.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a real note" to signal a shift in tone, indicating that you are about to share a sincere or earnest thought after a more lighthearted or humorous exchange.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "on a real note", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Use synonyms like "in all seriousness" or "to be honest" to vary your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a real note" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in tone towards sincerity or seriousness. This alerts the listener or reader that the speaker is transitioning to a more earnest or genuine sentiment. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a real note" is a grammatically correct discourse marker used to indicate a shift towards sincerity or seriousness. While recognized as valid by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "in all seriousness" or "to be honest". When incorporating it into your writing, remember that while versatile, overusing it might dilute its impact. Overall, "on a real note" serves as a valuable tool for transitioning into earnest or heartfelt statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a serious note

Directly indicates a transition to a more solemn or weighty topic, similar to the original phrase.

in all seriousness

Emphasizes a complete lack of levity or joking, focusing entirely on the gravity of the subject at hand.

to be honest

Highlights sincerity and frankness, often used when the speaker is about to reveal a genuine thought or feeling.

in truth

Suggests unveiling the actual facts or reality of a situation, often contrasting with previous assumptions or misinformation.

genuinely speaking

Underscores the authenticity of the speaker's perspective, reassuring the audience of their sincerity.

if I'm being honest

Introduces a statement of personal honesty and candor, even if it may be difficult to hear.

truthfully

Emphasizes that what follows is the unvarnished truth, without embellishment or exaggeration.

in reality

Draws a contrast between perception and actuality, emphasizing the true state of affairs.

in actual fact

Highlights factual correctness and verifiable information, often correcting a misunderstanding.

putting it plainly

Signifies a commitment to clear and direct communication, often avoiding euphemisms or ambiguity.

FAQs

How can "on a real note" be used in a sentence?

You can use "on a real note" to introduce a sincere or serious comment, often after a lighter or more humorous exchange. For example, "We've had some laughs, but "on a serious note", we need to address the budget concerns."

What's a more formal way to say "on a real note"?

For a more formal alternative, consider phrases like "in all seriousness", "to be frank", or "honestly speaking".

Is "on a real note" appropriate for all contexts?

While generally acceptable, "on a real note" might sound slightly informal in highly formal or academic writing. Assess your audience and purpose to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

Can I use "on a real note" at the beginning of a conversation?

Yes, you can use it to set a serious tone from the start. For instance, "On a real note, I wanted to discuss the project's potential risks."