bodes badly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bodes badly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is likely to have negative consequences or outcomes. Example: "The sudden drop in sales bodes badly for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It all bodes badly for the economic outlook.

The Guardian - Business

That bodes badly for a match-up with the Pats.

The Guardian - Sport

That bodes badly for Mr Bush's plan to rein in spending.

The Economist

The emotional flatness of their work bodes badly for the genre.

The New York Times - Books

A conflict with the aluminum producer bodes badly for Mr. Lebed.

The New York Times

The incident bodes badly for Mali's future after French forces pull out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Sunday's vote boded badly for Mr. Berlusconi's chosen successor in the People of Liberty party, Angelino Alfano, a Sicilian lawmaker who had largely staked his reputation on the outcome.

The New York Times

Mr. Allawi brushed off criticism that the closing boded badly for freedom of the news media in Iraq, saying that the network's coverage of kidnappings encouraged terrorists and that immediate concerns of security for Iraqis were much more important.

The New York Times

The apologetic reply, when it came, boded badly: the group had disbanded because a couple of the guys had had marriage bust-ups and its originator had suffered a "come apart".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All this pizzazz might bode badly for the food, but dense, buttery bread, which arrives in time for you to peruse the menu, is a sign of good things to come.

The New Yorker

Analysts say Mr. Thein Sein, himself a former junta member, is now counting on the United States and European Union to lift longstanding economic sanctions to protect him from hard-liners inside his party worried that the results bode badly for general elections due in 2015.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bodes badly", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about what the negative outcome will affect.

Common error

Avoid using "bodes badly" without clearly specifying what is at risk. For example, instead of saying "The weather bodes badly", clarify with "The weather bodes badly for the upcoming harvest."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bodes badly" primarily functions as a commentary or assessment, indicating that something is likely to have negative consequences. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in predicting economic downturns, political instability, and sporting failures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bodes badly" is a correct and commonly used expression to indicate that current events suggest a negative future outcome. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most frequently used in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While grammatically sound, clarity is crucial when employing this phrase; be sure to specify what is at risk. Consider alternatives like "portends poorly" or "augurs unfavorably" for stylistic variation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "bodes badly" to convey concern about potential negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portends poorly

Replaces "bodes" with "portends", which is a more formal synonym, and maintains the negative connotation.

augurs unfavorably

Substitutes "bodes" with "augurs" and "badly" with "unfavorably", offering a slightly more literary tone.

foretells misfortune

Replaces the idiom with a more direct description of the negative prediction.

indicates a bleak future

Offers a more descriptive and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

suggests a negative outcome

Rephrases the sentiment in a more neutral and straightforward manner.

signals trouble ahead

Uses a more concise and alarming expression, focusing on imminent issues.

is a bad omen

Employs a more superstitious and symbolic expression to convey the negative forecast.

threatens a downturn

Specifically points to an economic decline as the negative consequence.

promises ill

Presents a slightly archaic or dramatic alternative to the original phrase.

spells disaster

Conveys a sense of impending catastrophe.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "bodes badly"?

When something "bodes badly", it indicates that current signs or events suggest a negative outcome or unfavorable future situation is likely. It's a way of saying the outlook isn't promising.

Are there alternatives to saying "bodes badly"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "portends poorly", "augurs unfavorably", or "foretells misfortune" to express a similar negative prediction.

Is "bodes badly" formal or informal?

"Bodes badly" falls into a neutral to slightly formal register. While not overly technical, it's more commonly found in news, business writing, and analytical contexts rather than casual conversation.

How can I use "bodes badly" in a sentence?

You can use "bodes badly" to describe situations where current events suggest a negative future. For example, "The company's declining sales figures bodes badly for its long-term prospects."