on the upside

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the upside" is a perfectly acceptable expression in written English.
It is typically used when discussing a situation that has both positive and negative aspects. For example: "The new project is going to take a lot of time and effort, but on the upside, it's sure to bring in some lucrative business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jean-Claude Trichet, the bank's president, cautioned that inflation risks remained "on the upside".

The Economist

That's because no one could explain it on the upside either.

Forbes

On the upside, this appears to be one way to get corporate money out of politics.

Independent

But there is one area where the law already appears to be surprising on the upside.

The New York Times

Inflation surprises on the upside.

The Economist

Leverage is great on the upside.

The New York Times

On the upside, Mr. St.

The New York Times

We're on the upside of the downside.

The New York Times - Sports

On the upside, passion can mitigate burnout.

The Guardian

But that's about it on the upside.

The Guardian - Sport

Few object to riots on the upside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the upside", ensure it directly contrasts with a previously mentioned downside to provide balance and context. For example: "The project is behind schedule, but, "on the upside", we're under budget."

Common error

Avoid using "on the upside" in contexts where there is no clear negative aspect or contrasting point. The phrase is most effective when used to provide a counterpoint to a negative situation. Otherwise, it can sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the upside" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces a clause or sentence. It serves to highlight a positive aspect or advantage within a given situation. Ludwig's examples show it often contrasts with a negative aspect, creating balance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a common English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the upside" is a commonly used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effective for introducing a positive aspect that balances a negative one. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. To maximize its impact, ensure it directly counters a downside, and avoid using it in contexts lacking a contrasting negative element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the plus side

A very close synonym, differing only in the substitution of "plus" for "upside", keeping the same structure and meaning.

on the bright side

Another very close synonym, similar to "on the plus side", with "bright" replacing "upside".

on a positive note

Emphasizes introducing something positive, differing slightly in tone by directly highlighting positivity.

looking at the positives

Focuses on actively identifying and considering the positive elements of a situation, shifting the focus to an action.

a silver lining

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight a positive aspect within a negative situation, providing a more nuanced connotation.

the good news is

Directly introduces positive information, changing the structure to a declarative statement.

to its advantage

Shifts the perspective to highlighting an advantage, providing a more direct and concise alternative.

one benefit is

Highlights a specific benefit, focusing on a particular positive aspect rather than a general outlook.

a good thing is

Simplifies the expression to a basic statement of something positive, reducing formality.

in a more favorable light

Suggests presenting something in a positive manner, focusing on the way it is viewed rather than an inherent positive aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "on the upside" in a sentence?

Use "on the upside" to introduce a positive aspect that counterbalances a negative one. For example, "The job is demanding, but, "on the upside", it offers excellent career growth."

What's a similar phrase to "on the upside"?

Alternatives include "on the plus side", "on the bright side", or "looking at the positives", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "on the upside"?

Yes, "on the upside" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to introduce a positive aspect of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

When is it appropriate to use "on the upside"?

It's best to use "on the upside" when you want to highlight a positive aspect that exists despite a negative one, providing a balanced perspective. This ensures the phrase is used effectively and naturally.