on a sweet note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a sweet note" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to end a conversation or letter in a pleasant or optimistic way. For example, "It was great catching up with you; on a sweet note, have a lovely weekend!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Nonetheless, we ended on a sweet note.

The New York Times

Desserts, however, always ended our visits on a sweet note.

The New York Times

To end on a sweet note, I pureed dragon fruit with ice and condensed milk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will be lighter, less filling meals, but still end on a sweet note.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It got a nice laugh and ended on a sweet note," Mr. Mazin said, "and it reflected Amanda's sensibility.

The New York Times

We always finish on a sweet note, some homemade cake or yoghurt with fruit and nuts, drizzled with linden honey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Deck out her bedroom, kitchen or garden in your favorite photos from the last year, with a sweet note on the back of each one.

HuffPost

Found on high-end cheese and charcuterie plates, Quince paste is a popular choice as a sweet note on the savory and sour plate.

Forbes

Do you feel most loved when your partner leaves you a sweet note on the nightstand, says you look smokin' hot in those jeans or gives you a pep talk before a big presentation at work?

Huffington Post

Try cooking their favorite meal, leaving a sweet note on the counter for them, or doing a household chore that they typically take care of.

WikiHow

On my way out, I took a pen and paper out of my bag and wrote him a sweet note with my number on it, left it on the doormat and walked out.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a sweet note" to create a positive and memorable conclusion to your writing or conversation. It signals a desire to leave the audience feeling good.

Common error

Avoid using "on a sweet note" in serious or somber contexts. This phrase is better suited for lighthearted or positive situations; otherwise, it can come across as insensitive or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a sweet note" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is concluded. It indicates ending something in a pleasant or agreeable way, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Lifestyle

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Food

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a sweet note" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that adds a touch of positivity and pleasantness to the conclusion of various forms of communication. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase functions to convey a favourable impression, aligning with contexts in news, lifestyle, and general conversation. It's best suited for lighthearted situations, and while versatile, should be used cautiously in more serious or formal settings. Alternatives include "with a delightful finish" or "ending pleasantly", but the original phrase holds its unique charm in creating a positive closing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a delightful finish

Emphasizes the pleasing quality of the ending.

in a charming way

Focuses on the engaging and attractive aspect of the conclusion.

ending pleasantly

Directly states the agreeable nature of the conclusion.

with a positive conclusion

Highlights the optimistic outcome of the ending.

in an agreeable manner

Stresses the harmonious and pleasing way something concludes.

with a gratifying resolution

Underscores the satisfying nature of the ending.

culminating beautifully

Highlights the aesthetic quality of the conclusion.

finishing agreeably

Emphasizes the consent and satisfaction associated with the conclusion.

with a satisfying end

Focuses on the fulfilling nature of the conclusion.

in a delightful fashion

Highlights the enjoyable and pleasing way something concludes.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a sweet note" to conclude a conversation or piece of writing positively. For example, "The dinner was fantastic; let's end the evening "on a sweet note" with some dessert."

What's a more formal alternative to "on a sweet note"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in conclusion" or "to summarize." While "on a sweet note" is generally acceptable, it's less appropriate in highly formal or academic contexts.

Can "on a sweet note" be used in business communication?

Yes, but sparingly. It's best suited for internal communications or informal client interactions where a friendly and positive tone is desired. Avoid using it in highly formal reports or legal documents.

What's the difference between "on a sweet note" and "on a high note"?

"On a sweet note" suggests a pleasant or agreeable ending, often related to positive feelings or experiences. "On a high note", however, implies ending with great success or achievement, emphasizing accomplishment rather than simple pleasantness.