overtly negative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overtly negative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is openly or clearly negative in tone or attitude. Example: "The review was overtly negative, highlighting all the flaws without mentioning any positives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

And he managed to be sharply critical of Mr. Ferrer without saying anything overtly negative.

The New York Times

But Jackson also refused to paint an overtly negative portrait of him.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kaufer of TripAdvisor said he initially worried that the reviews on the site would be overtly negative.

The New York Times

Morgan says it's more about being positive about small businesses with history and character than with being overtly negative (or "whiny") about larger ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her recent memoir, "Raising Trump," does not mention the incident (or any overtly negative story about her ex-husband, for that matter).

The New Yorker

Just in time for Christmas, Mitt Romney's presidential campaign has begun mailing out one of the more overtly negative attacks in New Hampshire, attacking rivals on immigration and looking to give them a black eye -- literally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Whereas Ripley starts with a positive notion (${\cal M}, w \models \Box A$ iff $\llbracket A\rrbracket \in N w)$), in order to introduce a negation $\osim $, one may also stipulate that ${\cal M}, w \models \osim A$ iff $\llbracket A\rrbracket \not \in N w)$, so as to obtain a connective that is more overtly a negative impossibility operator.

SEP

Though often subtle, and rarely overtly hostile, negative provider attitudes and focusing on the disability rather than on the person can result in withholding treatment, giving inferior treatment, and neglecting general and preventive care[ 6, 11].

BMC Medical Education

However, the proportion with overtly negative reactions varied from 17.4% to 2%.

BMC Public Health

It is an overtly risky proposition to go negative about a billionaire.

The New Yorker

Therefore, on the one hand, leaders need to be aware of the potential negative consequences of an overtly good relationship with a follower in the first place.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overtly negative", ensure that the context supports the direct and unambiguous nature of the negativity you are describing. Avoid using it when the negativity is subtle or implied.

Common error

Be cautious not to use "overtly negative" when a more nuanced description is appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem biased or hyperbolic. Consider if terms like "critical" or "unfavorable" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overtly negative" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the quality of being openly and obviously negative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overtly negative" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that is openly and clearly negative. Ludwig AI highlights that it is used across various domains, from News & Media to Science. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral contexts, be mindful of the potential impact of its negativity on your audience. Consider alternatives like "blatantly negative" or "explicitly negative" depending on the desired nuance. When using "overtly negative", ensure the negativity is, indeed, direct and unambiguous to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blatantly negative

Emphasizes a more obvious and conspicuous negativity.

clearly negative

Indicates a lack of ambiguity in the negativity.

obviously negative

Highlights the self-evidence of the negativity.

explicitly negative

Stresses that the negativity is expressed directly and without implication.

openly critical

Focuses on the critical aspect of the negativity, suggesting a more active expression of disapproval.

patently negative

Implies that the negativity is undeniable and easily recognized.

distinctly negative

Highlights that the negativity is clear and not easily confused with something else.

markedly negative

Implies that the negativity is noticeable or significant.

unambiguously negative

Emphasizes the lack of any possibility of misunderstanding the negativity.

decidedly negative

Indicates a firm and resolute negativity.

FAQs

How can I use "overtly negative" in a sentence?

You can use "overtly negative" to describe something that is openly and clearly negative. For example, "The review was "overtly negative", focusing only on the product's flaws."

What are some alternatives to "overtly negative"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "blatantly negative", "clearly negative", or "explicitly negative".

Is it better to be "overtly negative" or subtly critical?

The choice depends on the context and your intended message. Being "overtly negative" is direct and unambiguous, while being subtly critical allows for nuance and avoids being perceived as overly harsh. Assess whether clarity or diplomacy is more important in your communication.

What is the difference between "overtly negative" and "slightly negative"?

"Overtly negative" implies a clear and obvious negativity, whereas "slightly negative" suggests a mild or subtle negativity. The choice depends on the degree of negativity you wish to convey.