tested negative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tested negative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or testing contexts to indicate that a test result did not show the presence of a particular condition or substance. Example: "After undergoing the COVID-19 test, I was relieved to find out that I tested negative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second tested negative.

The New York Times - Science

It tested negative".

The New York Times

The patient ultimately tested negative.

The New York Times

That tested negative; no Ebola.

The Economist

Both tested negative for Ebola.

The Guardian

That letter tested negative for anthrax.

The New York Times

Another brother, 15, tested negative for it.

The New York Times - Health

Both have tested negative for avian flu.

The Guardian

The worker eventually tested negative for Ebola.

The Guardian

A second male partner also tested negative.

The New York Times - Health

Both tested negative for the virus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tested negative", ensure the context clearly specifies what was being tested for. For instance, "tested negative for COVID-19" is more precise than simply "tested negative".

Common error

Avoid using "tested negative" without specifying the substance or condition being tested. Ambiguity can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Always provide the specific context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tested negative" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the outcome of a test, specifically that it did not detect the presence of a particular substance or condition. As Ludwig AI also points out, the phrase is widely used across many sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tested negative" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that a test did not detect a specific substance or condition. Ludwig's analysis, corroborated by numerous real-world examples, reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig also indicates that the phrase is widely used, and you can use alternatives like "received a negative result" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a negative result

This alternative uses a noun-based structure instead of a verb-based one, focusing on the outcome of the test.

showed no presence of

This phrase emphasizes the absence of a specific element or condition, providing a slightly more detailed explanation.

was found to be clear of

This alternative suggests a state of being free from something, often used in medical contexts.

indicated absence of

This phrase is more formal, highlighting that the test result pointed to the non-existence of something.

did not detect

This option focuses on the inability of the test to find a particular substance or condition.

presented a negative outcome

This alternative stresses the result itself being negative, using a more formal tone.

returned an all-clear

This phrase implies a situation where concerns have been resolved, and the test indicated no issues.

was free from

This alternative emphasizes a state of being without a specific condition or substance.

ruled out

This phrase means that a particular condition was excluded based on the test results.

exclusion confirmed

This is a formal alternative, primarily highlighting that something was effectively excluded from consideration due to testing.

FAQs

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

You can use "tested negative" to indicate the absence of a specific condition or substance. For example, "The patient "tested negative" for the flu."

What's the difference between ""tested negative"" and "received a negative result"?

"Tested negative" is a more direct, verb-focused phrase, while "received a negative result" emphasizes the outcome of the test. Both are generally interchangeable.

Which is correct, ""tested negative"" or "tested positively"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Tested negative" indicates the absence of something, while "tested positively" indicates its presence.

What can I say instead of ""tested negative""?

You can use alternatives like "received a negative result", "showed no presence of", or "was found to be clear of" depending on the context.