bad omen

USAGE SUMMARY

'bad omen' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or occurrence that is seen as a warning of future misfortune or trouble. For example, "The dark clouds in the sky were a bad omen of the storm to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad omen.

The New Yorker

A bad omen?

Forbes

That's a bad omen".

The New Yorker

It is a bad omen.

The New York Times

WAS it a bad omen?

The Economist

It seemed a bad omen.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a bad omen.

The Guardian - Business

IT was a bad omen.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was a bad omen.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We thought that was a bad omen".

The New York Times - Arts

"And it's like a bad omen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose synonyms like "ill portent" or "ominous sign" for formal contexts, or stick with "bad omen" for general use.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something seems like a "bad omen", it will inevitably lead to a negative outcome. Recognize that it's an interpretation, not a guaranteed prediction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad omen" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object. It describes something that is interpreted as a sign of future misfortune or trouble. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sports

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad omen" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase, used to describe an event or sign that suggests future misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples across a range of contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and serves to express concern or apprehension about potential negative outcomes. While "bad omen" is suitable for general use, synonyms such as "ill portent" or "ominous sign" may be more appropriate for formal or specialized contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of avoiding causal fallacies and ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ominous sign

Emphasizes the threatening nature of the sign.

unfavorable sign

Focuses on the negativity and signaling aspect.

ill portent

Highlights the predictive aspect of something negative.

ill augury

A more formal term for a sign of bad things to come.

negative sign

Emphasizes the signaling aspect of something unfavorable.

unlucky sign

Simple and direct term for a sign that will bring bad luck.

troubling indication

Suggests a worrying hint about future developments.

foreboding event

Highlights an event that creates a sense of dread.

grim forewarning

A severe warning of impending doom.

inauspicious start

Refers to a beginning that does not bode well.

FAQs

How can I use "bad omen" in a sentence?

You can use "bad omen" to describe an event that seems to predict a negative outcome, for example: "The sudden power outage was a "bad omen" for the play's opening night".

What can I say instead of "bad omen"?

You can use alternatives like "ill portent", "ominous sign", or "negative sign" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a bad omen for" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a bad omen for" something. This indicates that the event is seen as a sign of potential future problems for that specific thing, for example: "The company's stock plummeting is a "bad omen" for its future growth".

What's the difference between "bad omen" and "red flag"?

"Bad omen" suggests a superstitious or interpretative sign of future misfortune, while "red flag" indicates a warning sign that requires immediate attention or investigation. A "red flag" often implies a more direct and actionable concern.