remain positive

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain positive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to stay hopeful and optimistic in difficult times. For example, you could say, "It's been a tough year, but let's remain positive and keep striving for our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shannon tried to remain positive.

The Washington Post

"We remain positive," Mr. Soloway said recently.

The New York Times

Today Mr. Ley tries to remain positive.

The New York Times - Food

Konta did her best to remain positive.

The Guardian - Sport

Overall, remain positive and enthusiastic throughout.

The Guardian

We remain positive about the group's prospects for the future.

The Guardian - Business

Afterwards Morgan did his best to remain positive.

The Guardian - Sport

Through all the change, residents say, the vibes remain positive.

The New York Times

We remain positive that we have an underlying profitable business".

The Guardian - Business

There was reason to remain positive about the future.

The Guardian

She had one shining reason to remain positive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, framing communications with a "remain positive" outlook can foster a more collaborative and productive environment.

Common error

Avoid using "remain positive" in situations where acknowledging negative emotions or realistic concerns is more appropriate or necessary for problem-solving. Sometimes, a balanced perspective is more effective than forced optimism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain positive" functions as an imperative or exhortative expression, encouraging a continued state of optimism. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically sound and widely accepted, thus reinforcing its role in everyday communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain positive" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to encourage optimism and resilience, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to motivate a constructive mindset, even amidst challenges. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to apply it judiciously, acknowledging the need for empathy and realism in certain situations. Remember, while fostering a positive outlook is valuable, it should complement a balanced and pragmatic approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay optimistic

Emphasizes maintaining a general sense of hopefulness.

keep a positive attitude

Focuses on consciously maintaining a favorable disposition.

look on the bright side

Suggests focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, often used informally.

maintain a hopeful outlook

Highlights the preservation of hope for the future.

keep your chin up

An idiomatic expression encouraging resilience and positivity in the face of adversity.

preserve optimism

Highlights preservation of a positive outlook.

cultivate positivity

Suggests actively developing and nurturing a positive mindset.

embrace optimism

Highlights embracing of a positive outlook.

find the silver lining

Focuses on discovering something positive in a difficult situation.

think positively

Highlights acting and reflecting in a optimistic way.

FAQs

How can I use "remain positive" in a sentence?

You can use "remain positive" to encourage someone or yourself to maintain an optimistic attitude during difficult times. For example, "Despite the challenges, it's important to "remain positive" and focus on solutions."

What are some alternatives to saying "remain positive"?

Some alternatives to "remain positive" include "stay optimistic", "keep a positive attitude", or "look on the bright side", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "remain positive"?

While encouraging, telling someone to "remain positive" may not always be appropriate, especially if they are experiencing significant grief or hardship. In such cases, empathy and validation of their feelings may be more helpful initially before suggesting a positive outlook.

What is the difference between "remain positive" and "being realistic"?

"Remain positive" emphasizes maintaining an optimistic outlook, while "being realistic" focuses on acknowledging and addressing the current situation, including its challenges. It's often beneficial to balance both—to "remain positive" while also addressing practical realities.