Meaning & use
on a positive note
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to introduce a good or hopeful point, especially after discussing something bad or difficult.
Grammar: It usually comes at the beginning or end of a sentence and is followed by a clause or noun phrase.
Patterns
- on a positive note, ...
- end on a positive note
- finish on a positive note
The meeting was long and tiring, but on a positive note, we agreed on the new budget.
On a positive note, the weather is supposed to improve tomorrow.
She ended her speech on a positive note by thanking everyone for their hard work.
Common combinations
- end on a positive note
- Let's end the meeting on a positive note and celebrate our small wins.
- finish on a positive note
- The team finished the season on a positive note with a win.
- start on a positive note
- The conference started on a positive note with an inspiring speech.
Synonyms and how they differ
- on the bright side
- This also introduces a positive point, but it often suggests looking at the good part of a bad situation, while 'on a positive note' is more about ending or adding a positive remark.
- positively
- This is an adverb meaning 'in a positive way'; it does not have the same phrase structure as 'on a positive note'.
Opposites
Commonly confused: on a positive note or on a positive note?
on a positive note vs on a positive note
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'on a positive note' meaning 'with a positive tone', but the phrase is fixed and means adding a good point.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'on a positive note' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 1 correctly introduces a good point after other information. Option 0 is wrong because the news is negative. Option 2 is wrong because 'on a positive note' does not mean 'about positive things'; it introduces a positive point. Option 3 is wrong because the phrase is not used to describe a regular writing style.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on a positive note”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.