the downside is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the downside is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a negative aspect or disadvantage of a situation or decision. Example: "The project has many benefits, but the downside is that it requires a significant amount of time and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The downside is very limited.

The New York Times

The downside is accountability and legitimacy.

The New York Times

The downside is lower capacity.

The New York Times - Tech

The downside is you are locked in".

The New York Times

The downside is nobody's really there.

The New York Times - Arts

The downside is the unsocial hours.

The Guardian

"The downside is these are people's homes.

The New York Times

"The downside is the long commute.

The New York Times

The downside is the commute to work.

The New York Times

But the downside is obvious, too.

The Guardian - Books

The upside is continued income; the downside is the risk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting both positive and negative aspects, use "the upside is... the downside is..." to create a balanced and clear comparison for your reader.

Common error

While acceptable in most settings, avoid using "the downside is" excessively in very informal conversations. Consider more casual alternatives like "but" or "however" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the downside is" functions as an introductory phrase to present a disadvantage, drawback, or negative consequence associated with a previously mentioned positive aspect or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and common expression. It is used to transition from positive to negative considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the downside is" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a negative aspect or disadvantage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and business. While highly prevalent, it's best practice to maintain balance with contrasting upsides and consider less formal alternatives in casual settings. By understanding the nuances of usage and potential drawbacks, writers can effectively use "the downside is" to provide balanced and informed perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the disadvantage is

Replaces "downside" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure.

a drawback is

Uses "drawback" instead of "downside", slightly altering the tone.

the negative aspect is

Emphasizes the negativity, offering a more descriptive alternative.

a problem is

Highlights an issue or difficulty, shifting the focus slightly.

the pitfall is

Introduces the idea of a hidden danger or trap.

the limitation is

Focuses on restrictions or constraints.

the snag is

Implies a small but potentially troublesome difficulty.

a weakness is

Highlights a specific area of vulnerability or deficiency.

the chief concern is

Elevates the downside to a primary point of worry.

the main issue is

Highlights that the disadvantage is a key point of contention.

FAQs

How can I use "the downside is" in a sentence?

Use "the downside is" to introduce a negative aspect or disadvantage following a statement of benefits or possibilities. For example, "The new software is powerful, but "the downside is" that it requires extensive training".

What can I say instead of "the downside is"?

You can use alternatives like "the drawback is", "the negative aspect is", or "a problem is" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "the downside is" or "the down side is"?

"The downside is" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Downside" is typically written as one word. The two-word variant "down side" is much less frequent.

What's the difference between "the downside is" and "the problem is"?

While both introduce a negative aspect, ""the downside is"" often refers to a consequence or disadvantage, whereas "the problem is" highlights a specific issue needing resolution. The first focuses on impact and the second focuses on the issue itself.