augurs poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "augurs poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is likely to have a negative outcome or result. Example: "The recent drop in sales augurs poorly for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This imbalance augurs poorly for Democrats.

The New Yorker

That, of course, augurs poorly for humans.

The New York Times - Science

This augurs poorly for what is to come.

The New York Times

"It's just not draining away," is the comment, which augurs poorly for the new drain.

The Guardian - Sport

But other lawmakers charged that FEMA's response augurs poorly for the nation's emergency preparedness.

The Washington Post

But at the very least, they point to an enthusiasm gap between the two parties that augurs poorly for Republicans.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But the flow of money into money market funds may itself augur poorly for stock returns.

The New York Times

After seven years of largely blissful beginnings, the Dow Jones industrial average recorded its first January loss, one that some market prognosticators believe may augur poorly for investors.

The New York Times

In recent years, both of these time horizons appear to be shifting in ways that augur poorly for U.S.-China relations.

The Washington Post

One tabloid newspaper reported that the last-minute reshoots for "Two Weeks Notice" augured poorly for the movie, which she both produced and stars in.

The New York Times

RF If there was any worry that recent stumbles against the Crew and, briefly, the Rapids augured poorly for the rest of LA's season, consider the Galaxy's last 210 minutes of play.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "augurs poorly" when you want to convey that current signs or events suggest a negative future outcome. It's suitable for formal writing and adds a touch of gravity to the prediction.

Common error

Avoid using "augurs poorly" in casual conversation. Its formal tone can sound stilted or overly dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

"Augurs poorly" functions as a verb phrase indicating a prediction or forecast of a negative outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that current signs or events point towards an unfavorable future.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "augurs poorly" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a negative prediction or unfavorable forecast. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, particularly in news and formal writing. Alternatives such as "bodes ill" or "portends badly" exist, but "augurs poorly" maintains a distinct formality. When using this phrase, be mindful of its register and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodes ill

Emphasizes a negative omen or sign.

portends badly

Focuses on the predictive aspect with a negative connotation.

foreshadows negatively

Highlights the anticipation of a negative event.

indicates trouble ahead

Directly points to future problems.

suggests a bleak outlook

Implies a pessimistic future perspective.

heralds misfortune

Emphasizes the arrival of bad luck or unfortunate events.

promises a downturn

Indicates a likely decline or worsening of a situation.

spells disaster

Highlights the potential for catastrophic outcomes.

is a bad omen

Focuses on the superstitious aspect of a negative sign.

doesn't bode well

A more casual way of expressing a negative forecast.

FAQs

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

You can use "augurs poorly" to express that a current situation suggests a negative outcome. For example, "The company's declining profits "augur poorly" for its future."

What are some alternatives to "augurs poorly"?

Alternatives include "bodes ill", "portends badly", or "suggests a bleak outlook", each carrying a similar sense of negative prediction.

Is it correct to say "augurs badly" instead of "augurs poorly"?

While "augurs badly" is similar in meaning, "augurs poorly" is the more common and accepted phrasing. Ludwig examples indicate that "augurs poorly" is preferred in formal writing.

What is the difference between "augurs poorly" and "bodes well"?

"Augurs poorly" indicates a negative future, while "bodes well" suggests a positive one. They are antonyms used to predict opposing outcomes based on current signs.