be a harbinger of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a harbinger of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a sign or indicator of a future event or change. Example: "The sudden drop in temperatures may be a harbinger of a harsh winter ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chester may be a harbinger of fiscal decline.

The New York Times

But brokers said they could be a harbinger of trouble.

The New York Times

It may be a harbinger of more stability.

The New York Times

Boring, it appears, can be a harbinger of good times.

The New York Times

The Jutland wolf may be a harbinger of a broader recovery.

The New Yorker

Scleritis can also be a harbinger of serious, life-threatening systemic illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many fear that the rumblings could be a harbinger of far worse things to come.

The New York Times

That fall, Pets.com shut down, which turned out to be a harbinger of the coming bust.

The New Yorker

The vote could be a harbinger of a broader shake-up in the government.

The New York Times

Lower capital spending, they fear, could be a harbinger of slower productivity growth.

The Economist

Germany's quiet new diplomacy may be a harbinger of a new era in Europe's politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a harbinger of", ensure the subject truly precedes and indicates a future trend or event, not just a current state. Provide clear evidence or context to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "be a harbinger of" when the connection between the current event and the predicted future outcome is tenuous or based on limited data. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can weaken the credibility of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a harbinger of" functions as a linking verb construction, connecting a subject to a noun phrase that describes or identifies it as a predictor of something. Ludwig confirms its valid usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a harbinger of" is a commonly used phrase indicating that something signals a future event or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, scientific, and business contexts. While there are numerous synonyms, such as "foreshadow" or "portend", "be a harbinger of" carries a unique nuance of predictive indication. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring a solid correlation between the present sign and the predicted outcome. This phrase, while powerful, should be employed with precision to maintain credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be a sign of

A simple and direct way to state that something represents or points to a future event or condition.

Foreshadow

Implies a hint or warning about a future event, often with a sense of impending doom or importance.

Portend

Suggests a more formal and often negative prediction of future events, carrying a sense of fate or destiny.

Presage

Similar to 'portend' but often used in literary or historical contexts, indicating a sign of something important to come.

Signal the arrival of

Emphasizes the act of signaling or announcing something's approach, focusing on the signal itself.

Herald

Implies the announcement of something important or significant, often with a celebratory or formal tone.

Foretell

Directly implies the ability to predict the future, often through supernatural or insightful means.

Be indicative of

Highlights that something serves as an indicator or a sign, focusing on the representative nature of the event.

Indicate

A more general term suggesting something points to or suggests a future outcome, without necessarily implying a strong prediction.

Promise

Suggests a positive expectation or likelihood of something happening in the future, often with a sense of hope.

FAQs

How can I use "be a harbinger of" in a sentence?

You can use "be a harbinger of" to suggest that a current event is a sign or predictor of a future event. For example, "The early bloom of flowers may "be a harbinger of" a warm spring."

What phrases are similar to "be a harbinger of"?

Similar phrases include "be a sign of", "foreshadow", or "portend". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "be a harbinger to" or "be a harbinger of"?

"Be a harbinger of" is the correct and idiomatic usage. "Harbinger" takes the preposition "of". Using "to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "be a harbinger of" and "signal the arrival of"?

"Be a harbinger of" implies a predictive quality, suggesting a future event is foreshadowed. "Signal the arrival of" "signal the arrival of" simply indicates an announcement or early sign, without necessarily implying prediction.