are bound to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are bound to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong likelihood or inevitability regarding a future event or situation. Example: "With the current trends in technology, new innovations are bound to be developed in the coming years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

are bound to be futile.

The New York Times - Books

There are bound to be upsets.

The Guardian - Sport

There are bound to be glitches.

The Guardian - Tech

There are bound to be parodies.

The Guardian

There are bound to be more.

The Guardian

The results are bound to be different".

The Guardian - Books

Thrilling occasions in contemporary music are bound to be rare.

The New York Times - Arts

The two interests are bound to be in conflict.

The Guardian

And whose collisions are bound to be just as explosive.

The New York Times - Arts

They are bound to be up for it.

The Guardian - Sport

Then there are bound to be issues about selling it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are bound to be" to express a strong degree of certainty about a future event or outcome based on current conditions or trends.

Common error

Avoid using "are bound to be" when the outcome is only a possibility, not a near certainty. Using phrases like "may be" or "could be" is more appropriate when expressing uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are bound to be" functions as a modal expression indicating a high degree of certainty or inevitability. Ludwig provides various examples showing its use in predicting outcomes or expressing strong expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are bound to be" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong likelihood or inevitability, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While it's important to avoid overstating certainty, using this phrase can effectively communicate conviction about future events. Remember to use it with plural subjects, and consider more formal alternatives like "are certain to be" in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are certain to be

Emphasizes certainty rather than just likelihood.

are sure to be

Similar to "are certain to be" but slightly less formal.

will definitely be

Uses "definitely" to highlight the assuredness of the outcome.

are destined to be

Suggests a predetermined or fated outcome.

are guaranteed to be

Implies a promise or warranty regarding the outcome.

are very likely to be

Uses "very likely" to indicate a high probability.

can be expected to be

Focuses on the expectation of a particular outcome.

are poised to be

Indicates readiness or preparation for a particular outcome.

are anticipated to be

Highlights the anticipation or expectation of an event.

it is inevitable that

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "are bound to be" to indicate a high probability or inevitability. For example, "With these new policies, changes "are bound to be" implemented soon".

What's the difference between "are bound to be" and "are likely to be"?

"Are bound to be" suggests a stronger certainty than "are likely to be". While both indicate probability, "are bound to be" implies the outcome is almost unavoidable, while "are likely to be" suggests a good chance, but not a guarantee. You can replace it with "are likely to be" in contexts where you need to tone down the certainty.

Is it correct to use "is bound to be" instead of "are bound to be"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is bound to be" with singular subjects and "are bound to be" with plural subjects. For example, "He is bound to succeed", but "They "are bound to be" successful".

What can I say instead of "are bound to be" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "are certain to be", "it is inevitable that", or "can be expected to be". These options often convey a more professional tone than "are bound to be". For example, you can replace it with "are certain to be" in contexts where you need a more formal tone.