start on a high note

USAGE SUMMARY

"start on a high note" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to signify the beginning of something in a positive, upbeat way. For example, you might say, "Let's start the meeting on a high note by discussing our recent successes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In "2," screenwriter Kay Cannon lets them start on a high note.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It starts on a high note as the performers enter the stage gradually, one by one in silence, with a deliberation that is mesmerizing.

The New York Times - Arts

The exhibition starts on a high note and ends on a poignant one".Lucian Freud: Portraits" is at the National Portrait Gallery until May 27th, and then at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth from July 1st to October 28th .

The Economist

It starts on a high note, with a verbal barrage that is one of the funniest opening scenes since Preston Sturges's "Sullivan's Travels," to which the Coens paid homage in "O Brother Where Art Thou".

The New York Times

Christon's shot was the final basket in a regular season that started on a high note, with five consecutive victories, and ended on an unexpected one.

The New York Times - Sports

It has been a tough summer for the state's environmentalists, although it started on a high note.

The New York Times

The conventional wisdom about the first season of "Smash," NBC's musical within a soap opera, was that it started on a high note it couldn't sustain.

The New York Times - Arts

In the event, it is hard to think of a less glorious term than Mr Abe's.It had started on a high note.

The Economist

The minority party started on a high note with Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, but the true feelings seemed to be manifest in the angry outbursts of the Republican House leader, John A. Boehner of Ohio.

The New York Times

Starting on a High Note On the evening of November 10th, the audience at New York's Metropolitan Opera was treated to the briefest of delights when Audrey Luna, a coloratura soprano, hit an A above high C — the highest note ever sung in the Met's hundred-and-thirty-seven-year history.

The New Yorker

Starting on a High Note My Best Podcasts of 2017 Notable Performances and Recordings of 2017 Swimming with One of the World's Oldest Sharks Starbucks and the Issue of White Space Seven Signs that Your Man's Masculinity Is Nontoxic John McCain, Honor, and Self-Reflection Subscribe to The New Yorkerfor only $1 a week.Plus, get a free tote.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start on a high note" to set a positive tone at the beginning of a speech, presentation, or project. It immediately conveys optimism and confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "start on a high note" in situations that are inherently negative or have a somber tone. It can sound inappropriate or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start on a high note" functions as an idiomatic expression. It commonly acts as a verbal phrase to describe the manner in which something begins, signifying a promising or successful commencement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start on a high note" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a promising or successful beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys optimism and positive expectations. Related phrases include "begin auspiciously" and "get off to a flying start", offering similar connotations. To ensure appropriate usage, remember to avoid using it in inherently negative or somber situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin on a positive note

This alternative is less emphatic. "High note" is often more impactful.

start well

A more straightforward and general way to describe a good beginning.

make a promising start

Focuses on the potential and promise of the beginning.

open strong

Emphasizes strength and impact at the beginning.

get off to a flying start

Implies a very rapid and successful beginning.

begin auspiciously

Suggests a promising or favorable start.

kick off positively

Describes a start that is upbeat and favorable.

commence successfully

Emphasizes the successful nature of the beginning.

launch triumphantly

Highlights the victorious aspect of the launch or start.

initiate favorably

Formal way to describe a positive beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "start on a high note" in a sentence?

You can say, "Let's "start the day on a high note" with a team-building activity" or "The company "started the year on a high note" with record sales."

What is a good alternative to "start on a high note"?

Alternatives include "begin auspiciously", "get off to a flying start", or "make a promising start". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "start on a high note"?

Yes, it would be incorrect to use "start on a high note" in situations where the beginning is negative, uncertain, or somber. The phrase implies a positive and successful start.

What's the difference between "start on a high note" and "end on a high note"?

"Start on a high note" refers to the beginning of an event or activity, while "end on a high note" refers to the conclusion. They both imply success and positivity but at different points in time.