augurs ill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "augurs ill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is a bad sign or suggests negative outcomes in a situation. Example: "The sudden drop in sales augurs ill for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The audience applaud wildly anyway, but it augurs ill.

The Guardian - Music

That augurs ill for Britain's economic prospects—and for Gordon Brown's increasingly beleaguered government.

The Economist

TODAY'S news of coordinated and very deadly bomb attacks in Baghdad clearly augurs ill for Iraq in the coming year.

The Economist

But the mess in the UN's top human-rights agency augurs ill for the reform of the UN as a whole.

The Economist

The outlook for the euro-area economy is deteriorating fast, which augurs ill for attempts to wrest the finances of indebted countries under control.

The Economist

That augurs ill for consumer spending, which has been buoyed over the past couple of years by another bout of rapid house-price inflation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Does this augur ill?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When the breadbasket was finally presented, it augured ill.

The New York Times - Travel

Job cuts, slumping asset prices and a worsening credit drought augur ill for consumer spending too.

The Economist

His arrest early in January 1808 seemed to augur ill for the colony's more prosperous settlers, including the corps officers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This increasingly alarmed the populace and augured ill for the future of the federalist party of Quebec.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "augurs ill" to signal that a current situation is a warning sign for potential future problems. For example, "The company's declining market share augurs ill for its long-term viability."

Common error

While "augurs ill" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "doesn't look good" or "suggests trouble" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "augurs ill" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a prediction or sign about a future event. It's used to express that current circumstances suggest an unfavorable outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "augurs ill" is a phrase used to indicate that something is a negative omen or foretells a bad outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence in formal contexts like news and academic writing. While effective in conveying concern about potential problems, it's important to consider the register and opt for simpler alternatives in less formal settings. The phrase effectively serves as a warning, emphasizing the importance of current conditions as indicators of future negative developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodes poorly

Emphasizes the negative prediction or indication, similar to "augurs ill".

portends badly

Highlights that something is foreshadowing a negative outcome.

is a bad omen

Focuses on the idea of the event as a sign of future misfortune.

suggests trouble

Indicates the possibility of future problems or difficulties.

foretells misfortune

Emphasizes the prediction of an unfortunate event.

indicates a downturn

Specifically points to a decline or worsening situation.

is a harbinger of bad news

Presents the event as a precursor to negative information.

spells disaster

Suggests a very negative outcome is likely.

is an inauspicious sign

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the sign or event.

raises concerns

Points out that the situation is worrying or problematic.

FAQs

What does "augurs ill" mean?

"Augurs ill" means that something is a sign of bad things to come or that it foreshadows a negative outcome. It suggests that the current situation is likely to lead to unfavorable results.

What can I say instead of "augurs ill"?

You can use alternatives like "bodes poorly", "portends badly", or "is a bad omen" depending on the context.

How can I use "augurs ill" in a sentence?

You can use "augurs ill" to describe situations where current events suggest a negative future. For example, "The lack of rainfall augurs ill for the upcoming harvest."

Is "augurs ill" formal or informal?

"Augurs ill" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "doesn't look good" or "suggests trouble" may be more appropriate.