this is a positive development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a positive development" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express a positive or favorable change or advancement in a situation or issue. Example: "The new policies implemented by the government have resulted in a significant increase in job opportunities. This is a positive development for the economy and the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Nkhata Bay is in the process of developing terms of reference for the clubs; this is a positive development as it appears that clubs are inactive because of a lack of imagination in devising the scope of activities.

Unicef

"Without question, this is a positive development," he said.

The New York Times

This is a positive development on two counts.

The New York Times

This is a positive development but the shares have performed strongly and valuation is now stretched.

The Guardian - Business

"This is a positive development, which of course we welcome," said a senior official at the European Commission in Brussels.

The New York Times

"This is a positive development, which of course we welcome," a senior official at the European Commission in Brussels said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Given the damage Pruitt had already done to the planet and his use of the EPA as a sort of college frat style slush fund he actually leveraged his power to cop NCAA basketball tickets!—this was a positive development.

Vice

Everyone agreed this was a positive development — increasing the level of trust between team members and improving their ability to achieve joint goals.

Harvard Business Review

While this was a positive development, he added, "a substantial portion of the recent progress…has been concentrated in near-term budget changes, which, taken together, could create a significant headwind for the economic recovery".

The New Yorker

A young boy inside with his mouth wide open looked a bit uncertain about whether this was a positive development, but his father seemed pleased.

The New York Times

Accountancy group Ernst & Young said this was a "positive" development.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a positive development" to clearly and concisely express optimism about a particular situation or change. Ensure the context is clear, so the reader understands what the 'this' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a positive development" repeatedly in close proximity within the same piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous. Consider alternatives like "this represents progress" or "this is an encouraging sign" to diversify your expressions of optimism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a positive development" functions as a commentary or assessment, evaluating a situation or event as favorable. Ludwig provides examples showing its use across diverse contexts to express optimism. It highlights a beneficial change or progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is a positive development" is a versatile expression used to convey optimism and approval. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about the subject it refers to and consider alternatives like "this represents progress" or "this is an encouraging sign" to avoid repetition. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively integrate "this is a positive development" into their writing while maintaining clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This represents progress

Focuses on the advancement made.

This is an encouraging sign

Highlights the optimistic aspect.

This is a welcome change

Emphasizes the desirability of the alteration.

This is a step forward

Suggests advancement toward a goal.

This bodes well

Indicates a favorable prediction.

Things are looking up

Implies improvement in a general sense.

This is cause for optimism

Highlights the grounds for a positive outlook.

The outlook is improving

Focuses on the enhancement of future prospects.

This is a turn for the better

Highlights that something is changing in a good way.

This is a promising sign

Suggests that there is a high likelihood of something good to come.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "this is a positive development" in a sentence?

To effectively use "this is a positive development", clearly identify the subject to which "this" refers. For example, "The decline in unemployment is a positive development for the economy."

What are some alternatives to "this is a positive development"?

You can use alternatives like "this represents progress", "this is an encouraging sign", or "this is a welcome change" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this is a positive development" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is a positive development" is appropriate for formal writing, including business and academic contexts. It's a clear and professional way to express optimism or approval. However, adjust the tone to sound more formal, you might want to use alternatives such as "this represents progress" or "this is a promising sign".

What's the difference between "this is a positive development" and "this is good news"?

"This is a positive development" typically refers to a specific change or advancement, while "this is good news" is a more general expression of approval or happiness about something. The former is more specific and analytical, while the latter is more emotive.