on the negative side

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the negative side" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to indicate disadvantages or consequences contrary to the advantages or benefits mentioned before. For example, "The new software is easy to use, but on the negative side, it is not available on older devices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the negative side, maybe no one has colonised it because the public aren't interested.

The Guardian

On the negative side, it has one of the weirdest economies I've ever encountered.

TechCrunch

On the negative side, I didn't know where I was.

The New Yorker

'The film dwelt on the negative side far too early.

The Guardian

"We had some on the negative side last year.

The New York Times - Sports

"On the negative side, it can impact improvements," he said.

The New York Times

On the negative side, they're more complicated and costly.

The New York Times

On the negative side are two huge unresolved issues.

The New York Times

They're always on the negative side of that.

Harvard Business Review

On the negative side, few undocumented migrants pay taxes.

The Economist

If yours is a bit on the negative side, don't despair.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the negative side", ensure you've clearly established the positive aspects or benefits first for a balanced presentation. This creates a clear contrast for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting with "on the negative side" without previously discussing the positives. This can lead to a skewed perception and may confuse the reader about the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the negative side" functions as a transitional phrase to introduce a disadvantage, drawback, or contrasting point following a statement of positive aspects. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable expression in written English, often used to provide balance in an argument or description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the negative side" is a versatile phrase used to introduce disadvantages or contrasting points following positive statements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "the disadvantage is" or "a drawback is that". Ensure you establish the positives first for a balanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the downside

Replaces "side" with "downside", implying a less formal and slightly weaker contrast.

the downside is that

Similar to "on the downside", but more explicitly introduces the disadvantage.

the disadvantage is

Directly states a disadvantage, creating a stronger emphasis on the negative aspect.

a drawback is that

More explicitly identifies a disadvantage, adding a slightly more formal tone.

a problem is that

Highlights an issue, focusing on a specific difficulty or challenge.

on the other hand

Presents an alternative perspective, not always negative, but often used to introduce a contrasting point.

negatively speaking

Directly indicates a negative perspective, often used to introduce a negative consequence or problem.

conversely

Offers a more direct and concise contrast, lacking the specific implication of a disadvantage.

in contrast

Provides a general contrast, without necessarily highlighting a negative aspect.

however

A simple conjunction that introduces a contrasting statement but does not explicitly indicate a negative aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "on the negative side" in a sentence?

Use "on the negative side" to introduce a disadvantage or drawback following a statement of advantages. For instance, "The phone has a great camera, but "on the negative side", its battery life is poor."

What phrases are similar to "on the negative side"?

Alternatives include "on the downside", "the disadvantage is", or "a drawback is that". Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "on the negative side" formal or informal?

"On the negative side" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using phrases like "the disadvantage is" or "a drawback is that".

Can I use "on the negative side" at the beginning of a paragraph?

It's best to avoid starting a paragraph with "on the negative side" unless you've clearly established the positive aspects in the preceding paragraph or sentence. Starting with the negative without context can confuse the reader.