on the right note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the right note" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being done in a positive or appropriate manner, often at the beginning of an event or situation. Example: "The meeting started on the right note, with everyone feeling motivated and engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The big thing is for us to go out and finish on the right note, keep playing and understand that is one more goal".

The New York Times - Sports

He came in on the right note.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, we're starting off on the right note.

The New York Times

I hoped I'd come in on the right note.

The New York Times - Arts

"We want to finish this tournament on the right note, and that's by finishing third".

The New York Times - Sports

The key to pulling it off, she said, is to start on the right note.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

That would be like a pianist reading music and fumbling about for the right note on the keyboard each time: no music would ever be made.

The Guardian - Books

Reasonable grounds for caution, wouldn't you say?LAWRENCE HARRISONMIT Centre for International StudiesTalking TurkeySIR--Your TurkeySIR--Your TurkeySIR--Yourch 8th) finishes on exactleader righTurkey: the European Union must be quite explicit with Turkey about what it needs to do to open the door to full membership of the EU.

The Economist

An outstanding tournament ends at just the right time today, and on just the right note, with Sri Lanka meeting Pakistan in the final at Lord's.

The Guardian - Sport

(Smith) David Diao: 'TMI' (closes on Saturday) Postmasters, one of Chelsea's few consensus-aversive spaces, is leaving the neighborhood, and on just the right note, with a survey of work by the painter David Diao, who first showed at the gallery in 1985.

The New York Times - Arts

Scharre ends on exactly the right note, reminding us that ultimately, all of these machines are owned by us, and what we choose to build is within our control.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the right note" to describe the beginning or end of events, projects, or relationships. It suggests things are being handled well or appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "on the right note" when describing purely negative or unfortunate situations. It should convey a sense of positivity or suitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the right note" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

16%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the right note" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a positive or appropriate beginning, continuation, or conclusion. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of writing contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its purpose is to convey a sense of positivity and suitability. While versatile, it’s important to use it in contexts where a favorable or appropriate action is intended. Related phrases include "in a positive way" and "with a promising start", offering alternative ways to express the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a positive way

Focuses on the manner of action being positive, instead of setting a tone.

to a good start

This phrase is more generic, simply referring to the beginning as positive without specifying the exact way to achieve it.

with a promising start

Emphasizes the potential for future success based on the initial state.

with a favorable approach

Highlights the positive methodology or tactic used.

in an auspicious manner

Highlights the favorable nature of the beginning, implying good fortune.

in a fitting manner

Emphasizes the suitability and appropriateness of the action or beginning.

to a successful commencement

Refers specifically to the act of beginning something successfully. It is far more formal.

appropriately

Refers to acting in a manner that is correct or suitable.

successfully

Focuses on achieving a successful result. "Successfully" is far more generic and applicable to many more situations.

under favorable circumstances

Indicates that the initial conditions are advantageous.

FAQs

How can I use "on the right note" in a sentence?

You can use "on the right note" to describe starting something positively, like, "The presentation began "on the right note" with a compelling opening statement", or ending something well, like "The team finished the season "on the right note" with a decisive victory".

What's a good alternative to "on the right note"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to a good start", "in a positive way", or "with a promising start".

Is it better to say "start on the right note" or "begin on the right note"?

Both "start on the right note" and "begin on the right note" are grammatically correct and mean the same thing. The choice depends on your preferred style, with "start" being slightly more informal than "begin".

How does "on the right note" compare to "on the right track"?

"On the right note" typically refers to initiating or concluding something in a positive or appropriate way, while "on the right track" implies progress toward a goal is proceeding well. They are not interchangeable.