are bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a strong obligation or inevitability regarding an action or outcome. Example: "Given the circumstances, we are bound to follow the rules set forth by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are bound to.

The New York Times - Arts

Private sales are bound by confidentiality agreements.

The New Yorker

More such incidents are bound to follow.

The Economist

And we are bound by them.

The New York Times - Sports

We are bound to grow up".

The New Yorker

Blessing and curse are bound together.

The New Yorker

The commercial pressures are bound to grow.

The Economist

Some hardware incompatibilities are bound to exist.

The Economist

These things are bound to rub.

Independent

You are bound to pose more.

Independent

This is done and they are bound.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are bound" to express a strong likelihood or obligation based on existing conditions or agreements. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of inevitability or duty.

Common error

While "are bound" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation where simpler phrases like "are going to" or "will" might sound more natural. Consider your audience and the desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are bound" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase indicating a state of obligation, necessity, or strong likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and widespread. Examples show it expressing both legal obligations and inevitable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are bound" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong sense of obligation, necessity, or likelihood. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its prevalence in news, business, and wiki sources makes it suitable for a range of contexts, though overuse in very informal settings should be avoided. When considering alternatives, "are obligated" and "are required" offer more formal substitutes, while "are going to" suits casual conversation. Remembering these nuances will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are obligated

Replaces "bound" with a more formal synonym emphasizing a sense of duty or legal requirement.

are required

Indicates a necessity or condition that must be met.

are compelled

Highlights a sense of being forced or driven to do something.

are destined

Suggests a predetermined future or fate.

are certain

Emphasizes a high degree of confidence or assurance.

are sure

Expresses confidence in a future event or outcome.

will inevitably

Highlights the unavoidable nature of an event.

cannot avoid

Focuses on the impossibility of preventing something from happening.

must necessarily

Emphasizes a logical necessity or consequence.

are programmed

Conveys a sense of predetermination, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "are bound" in a sentence?

You can use "are bound" to indicate a strong likelihood or obligation. For example, "They "are bound to succeed"" or "We "are bound by the contract"".

What's a less formal alternative to "are bound"?

In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "are going to", "will definitely", or "are sure to".

Is "are bound to" always followed by a verb?

Yes, "are bound to" is typically followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "They "are bound to win"" is correct, while "They are bound winning" is not.

How does "are bound" differ from "are likely"?

"Are bound" suggests a higher degree of certainty or obligation than "are likely". While "are likely" indicates a probability, "are bound" implies a near certainty or a compelling reason for something to occur.