bodes poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bodes poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a situation or event is likely to have negative consequences or outcomes. Example: "The lack of preparation for the presentation bodes poorly for the team's chances of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

All this bodes poorly for the future.

The New York Times

And that bodes poorly for our future.

The Guardian

That bodes poorly for Medco and Express.

The New York Times

But the current atmosphere bodes poorly for peaceful elections.

The New York Times

To do otherwise bodes poorly for justice in New Jersey.

The New York Times

It also bodes poorly for the quality of the mortgage-related assets lurking in banks' books.

The New York Times

(Joanna also reportedly has a new love interest by Chris Conroy, which bodes poorly for Tyrell).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a deeply destructive dynamic that bodes poorly for the American project.

The New York Times

The rhetorical divide, while predictable, bodes poorly for negotiations on a new labor deal.

The New York Times - Sports

The lack of basic necessities for the sport also bodes poorly.

The New York Times - Sports

This bodes poorly for the company's governance, and perhaps its financial prospects, as a public company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "bodes poorly" is generally appropriate for formal and semi-formal writing, less formal alternatives might be better for casual communication.

Common error

Avoid using "bodes poorly" in overly casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "doesn't look good" or "suggests trouble" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bodes poorly" functions as a verb phrase indicating a prediction or forecast of negative future outcomes. It serves to express concern about potential adverse consequences, often based on current conditions, and is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bodes poorly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a situation suggests a negative future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal and semi-formal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While alternatives like "augurs ill" or "suggests trouble" exist, "bodes poorly" offers a concise way to convey concern about potential adverse consequences. When using this phrase, consider your audience and avoid overuse in overly casual settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "bodes poorly" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portends badly

Emphasizes the predictive aspect, suggesting the future looks bleak.

augurs ill

A more formal and literary alternative, implying an ominous sign.

suggests trouble

A more direct and less formal way of indicating potential problems.

foretells misfortune

Highlights the negative aspect of the prediction, focusing on bad luck.

indicates a downturn

Specifically refers to a decline or negative trend, often in economic contexts.

promises a decline

Highlights a future decrease.

is a bad omen

Emphasizes that a sign means something bad will happen.

doesn't look promising

Expresses a lack of optimism about the future outlook.

is a harbinger of bad news

Highlights that it's an indicator of bad news.

points to a negative outcome

Directly states that the situation suggests an unfavorable result.

FAQs

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

Use "bodes poorly" to indicate that a current situation suggests a negative future outcome. For example, "The company's declining sales figures "bodes poorly" for its long-term prospects".

What are some alternatives to "bodes poorly"?

You can use alternatives such as "augurs ill", "portends badly", or "suggests trouble" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bodes poorly" in formal writing?

Yes, "bodes poorly" is suitable for formal writing. It's a concise way to express that a situation suggests negative future consequences. However, ensure it fits the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "bodes poorly" and "doesn't look promising"?

"Bodes poorly" is slightly more formal and suggests a stronger negative prediction than "doesn't look promising". The latter is a more general expression of concern.