only negative thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only negative thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the sole unfavorable aspect of a situation or item being discussed. Example: "The movie was entertaining, but the only negative thing I noticed was the pacing in the second half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Only negative thing is this cold".

The New York Times - Sports

The only negative thing that came out of it is you want to be supportive of your people.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Goncey said the only negative thing about working in a theater is that he is sick of popcorn.

The New York Times

"The only negative thing would be if I left this job and had to go back to a paper-based system," says one employee.

The Guardian

Cantu said, "The only negative thing about this to me is that if someone didn't get this treatment, that's not like saying they didn't get appropriate medical treatment".

The New York Times - Sports

ANNES, England — In 13 years on the PGA Tour, perhaps the only negative thing said about Adam Scott was that he was too nice.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The Economic Report of the President has only negative things to say about efforts to hold down drug prices.

The New York Times

"Everything written about solar energy is positive, but only negative things are written about nuclear power," he said, according to parliamentary records.

The New York Times

But those are about the only negative things I can say about it.

TechCrunch

Like most of you, I had heard only negative things about GMOs.

Huffington Post

"In truth, however, that is just about the only small negative thing you can say about the team that have fast become the undisputed kings of T20 cricket in this country, having remarkably held the equal-worst record in this tournament prior to 2008".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only negative thing", ensure the context clearly establishes the overall positive aspects to provide balance and avoid undue negativity.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on the "only negative thing" without acknowledging positive aspects, as this can create a biased or overly critical impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only negative thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and singles out a specific unfavorable aspect of something. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only negative thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for highlighting a single unfavorable aspect within an otherwise positive context. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. To use it effectively, remember to establish the overall positive elements first and avoid overemphasizing the negative without balance. Consider alternatives like "sole downside" or "single drawback" for variety. By using this phrase judiciously, you can provide balanced and nuanced assessments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole downside

Emphasizes the single, disadvantageous aspect, similar to "only negative thing".

single drawback

Highlights the one and only disadvantage, mirroring the original phrase's intent.

only disadvantage

Directly points out the single unfavorable element, closely related in meaning.

one shortcoming

Focuses on a specific deficiency or imperfection.

only imperfection

Highlights the sole flaw in an otherwise satisfactory situation.

only fault

Identifies the single defect or weakness present.

only problem

Indicates the single issue or difficulty encountered.

only issue

Similar to 'only problem', but can also imply a point of discussion or contention.

one reservation

Expresses a single doubt or concern, indicating a potential negative aspect.

minor drawback

Highlights a less significant negative aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "only negative thing" in a sentence?

Use "only negative thing" to introduce the single drawback or unfavorable aspect of something that is otherwise positive. For example, "The car is great, but the "only negative thing" is the fuel consumption".

What can I say instead of "only negative thing"?

You can use alternatives like "sole downside", "single drawback", or "only disadvantage depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only negative thing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is a common and acceptable way to express that there is just one unfavorable aspect to something.

What's the difference between "only negative thing" and "minor drawback"?

"Only negative thing" is a general term for a single negative aspect. "Minor drawback" specifies that the negative aspect is not significant.