positive finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positive finding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research, medical, or investigative contexts to indicate a result that confirms a hypothesis or indicates the presence of a condition or factor. Example: "The study yielded a positive finding regarding the effectiveness of the new treatment in reducing symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Service users are also positive, finding that it gives them greater freedom, and that they feel safer than they did in residential care.

The Guardian

"Of the 90 jobs there wasn't one positive finding".

The New York Times

And then there are the Nipmucs, who received a proposed positive finding by the Clinton administration on Jan . 19

The New York Times

Recurrence was defined as a positive finding on a blood test for a substance called prostate specific antigen, or P.S.A.

The New York Times - Health

The most positive finding was that imidacloprid seed coatings led to the reduced use of other chemicals to control pests.

The Guardian

Halkia has now hopped it from Beijing and returned to Greece after being informed of the positive finding.

The Guardian - Sport

For almost all the workers to be in work three years on must count as the central positive finding".

The Guardian - Business

"It really is an important positive finding for global health," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Lord Hope (Deputy President) and Lord Walker, whilst rejecting the view of the majority on direct discrimination, make a positive finding adverse to the JFS on indirect discrimination.

The Guardian - Opinion

The infected hawk -- the first positive finding of the virus in a warm-blooded animal in the country since then -- should serve as a wakeup call, he said.

The New York Times

The Italian fencing federation was awaiting results of testing of Baldini's B sample to see if it would confirm the initial positive finding.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting research outcomes, use "positive finding" to clearly indicate a result that supports your hypothesis or reveals a meaningful correlation. Be specific about what makes the finding positive within the context of your study.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "positive finding". Ensure that your claims are supported by the data and acknowledge any limitations or potential confounding factors that might affect the interpretation of results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive finding" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "positive" modifies the noun "finding". It describes a result, observation, or piece of evidence that is favorable or supportive of a particular hypothesis, condition, or conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing it frequently across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "positive finding" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe favorable or supportive results, particularly in research and medical contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread usage across diverse and authoritative sources. While its register is generally neutral to formal, the phrase effectively conveys confirmation, progress, or success. Related phrases such as "affirmative result" and "favorable outcome" offer alternatives, and focusing on clear communication ensures responsible and accurate presentation of findings. Therefore, the correct way of using it is being specific about what makes the finding positive within the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affirmative result

Emphasizes confirmation and agreement with an initial hypothesis.

favorable outcome

Focuses on the beneficial or advantageous nature of the finding.

encouraging discovery

Highlights the aspect of uncovering something new and promising.

supportive evidence

Highlights the role of the finding as proof or backing for a claim.

promising indication

Suggests that the finding points toward a positive or desirable trend.

significant correlation

Focuses on the statistical relevance of the finding.

noteworthy observation

Emphasizes the importance or unusual nature of the finding.

valid confirmation

Highlights the accuracy and reliability of the finding.

substantial verification

Focuses on the act of proving or validating something with considerable evidence.

optimistic signal

Suggests the finding provides a reason for hope or a positive outlook.

FAQs

How is "positive finding" typically used in research papers?

In research papers, "positive finding" typically refers to a result that supports the hypothesis being tested or reveals a statistically significant relationship between variables. It indicates that the data collected supports the researchers' expectations.

What are some synonyms for "positive finding" that I can use to avoid repetition?

To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms such as "affirmative result", "favorable outcome", or "supportive evidence", depending on the specific context.

In medical contexts, what does a "positive finding" usually indicate?

In medical contexts, a "positive finding" typically indicates the presence of a disease, condition, or specific marker being tested for. For example, a "positive finding" on a blood test might indicate the presence of an infection.

What is the difference between a "positive finding" and a "false positive finding"?

A "positive finding" indicates a genuine result, while a "false positive finding" is an error where the test indicates a condition or substance is present when it is not. Further testing is often needed to confirm a "positive finding" and rule out false positives.