bodes ill

USAGE SUMMARY

'bodes ill' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means that something unpleasant or unfortunate is likely to happen. For example, you might say "The dark clouds rolling in over the horizon bode ill for our picnic plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anecdotal evidence bodes ill.

The Economist

It all bodes ill.

The New Yorker

It bodes ill for democratic government.

The Economist

That bodes ill for international co-operation.

The Economist

This bodes ill for regional stability.

The Economist

That bodes ill for the government.

The Economist

Much bodes ill for Ukraine's future growth.

The Economist

That bodes ill for Madagascar's local species.

The Economist

McGill believes the city's expansion bodes ill.

The Guardian - Business

It all bodes ill for future relations.

The Guardian

That bodes ill for regulatory reform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bodes ill" to signal an impending negative outcome based on current signs or events. It is particularly effective when you want to add a touch of formality or gravity to your writing.

Common error

While "bodes ill" is appropriate for formal and semi-formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "doesn't look good" are more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bodes ill" functions as a predictive expression, suggesting a negative future outcome based on current signs or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bodes ill" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that current signs or events suggest a negative future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use, particularly in news and media. Its function is primarily predictive, serving to warn or express concern about potential negative consequences. While versatile, "bodes ill" is best suited for formal or semi-formal contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "augurs poorly" or "suggests a grim future", can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone or emphasis. Use "bodes ill" when you aim to convey a sense of gravity or foreboding about impending events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portends badly

This alternative suggests that something is an omen of negative events, similar to "bodes ill" but using a more formal verb.

augurs poorly

Using "augurs poorly" implies that the signs or omens are not favorable, echoing the meaning of "bodes ill" with a slightly different tone.

foretells trouble

This phrase clearly indicates that trouble is predicted, akin to the warning conveyed by "bodes ill".

suggests a grim future

This alternative focuses on the negative future implications, similar to "bodes ill" but more descriptive.

is a bad sign

A straightforward way of saying something indicates a negative outcome, similar to "bodes ill" in its predictive negativity.

does not look promising

This phrase indicates a lack of positive expectation, similar to "bodes ill" but less direct.

spells disaster

Emphasizes a severe negative outcome, conveying a sense of impending catastrophe, similar to "bodes ill" but stronger.

heralds misfortune

This phrase suggests that misfortune is on its way, functioning similarly to "bodes ill" but with a more literary tone.

is a harbinger of bad news

This alternative explicitly states that something is a precursor to negative information, akin to "bodes ill" in its indicative nature.

indicates a downturn

This phrase is more specific, suggesting a decline or worsening condition, similar to "bodes ill" when referring to specific situations like economic forecasts.

FAQs

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

You can use "bodes ill" to indicate that something suggests a negative future outcome. For example, "The declining economy bodes ill for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "bodes ill"?

You can use alternatives like "augurs poorly", "suggests a grim future", or "is a bad sign" depending on the context.

Is "bodes well" the opposite of "bodes ill"?

Yes, "bodes well" is the antonym of "bodes ill". "Bodes well" suggests a positive future outcome, while "bodes ill" suggests a negative one.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bodes ill"?

The phrase "bodes ill" is appropriate in formal writing or speech when discussing situations where current events suggest a negative outcome is likely. It adds a sense of gravity and foreboding.