started on a high note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started on a high note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive beginning to an event, project, or experience. Example: "The conference started on a high note with an inspiring keynote speech that energized the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The meeting started on a high note by clearing up some unfinished business from the previous ministerial council in 2008.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

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 "started on a high note" to emphasize a particularly successful or promising beginning, especially when contrasting it with subsequent events or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "started on a high note" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and unoriginal. Opt for synonyms like "began auspiciously" or "kicked off successfully" to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started on a high note" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the auspicious commencement of an event, period, or activity. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various domains, highlighting its role in setting a positive tone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Arts

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started on a high note" is an idiom used to describe a positive and promising beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across various domains, most frequently in News & Media. While effective in conveying optimism, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "began auspiciously" or "kicked off successfully" for variety. Remember to use this phrase to highlight genuinely successful commencements and set a positive tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opened on a positive note

Similar to the original but uses "positive" instead of "high".

got off to a flying start

Implies a rapid and impressive beginning.

launched promisingly

Indicates a start filled with potential and good prospects.

began auspiciously

Emphasizes the favorable or promising nature of the beginning.

began with great promise

Stresses the potential and hope associated with the commencement.

kicked off successfully

Focuses on the successful launch or initiation of an event or project.

commenced favorably

Highlights the positive conditions under which something started.

made a strong start

Focuses on the power and effectiveness of the beginning.

initiated well

Highlights the competent and effective manner of the start.

opened strongly

Emphasizes the forcefulness and impact of the initial phase.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "started on a high note"?

Saying something "started on a high note" means it began very well or successfully. It implies a positive and promising commencement of an event, project, or endeavor.

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

You can use "started on a high note" to describe the positive beginning of something, such as "The conference "opened on a positive note" with an inspiring keynote speech."

What can I say instead of "started on a high note"?

You can use alternatives like "began auspiciously", "kicked off successfully", or "launched promisingly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "started on a high note" in formal writing?

While "started on a high note" is acceptable in various contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "commenced favorably" or "initiated well" in highly formal or academic writing to maintain a professional tone.