bodes well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bodes well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is likely to have a positive outcome or result. Example: "The team's strong performance in the first half of the season bodes well for their chances in the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Never bodes well.

The Economist

But "Oxfam" bodes well.

The New Yorker

"The analysis bodes well.

The New York Times

That bodes well".

The Guardian

It bodes well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The single bodes well.

The Telegraph

"That bodes well for us".

The New York Times

This bodes well for spectators.

The New York Times

This bodes well for 2012.

The New York Times

Guatemala's tentative improvement bodes well.

The Economist

None of that bodes well.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bodes well" to express optimism about future events or outcomes based on current indicators. For example, "The company's strong earnings report bodes well for its future growth."

Common error

Avoid using "bodes well" based solely on superficial observations. Ensure there's a logical connection between the indicator and the anticipated positive outcome. A sunny day, for instance, doesn't automatically "bode well" for a company's financial performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bodes well" functions as a predictive expression, indicating that current circumstances suggest a positive future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to interpret present indicators as favorable signs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bodes well" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that current circumstances suggest a positive future outcome. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "bodes well" conveys optimism and forecasts positive developments, it's crucial to ensure a logical connection between the observed indicators and the anticipated results. Considering related phrases like "augurs favorably" and "is a promising sign" can also enhance your writing and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

augurs favorably

Focuses on predicting a positive future, emphasizing a promising sign.

portends good things

Highlights the indication of future positive events.

is a promising sign

States directly that something indicates a positive outcome.

suggests a positive outcome

Emphasizes the suggestion of a favorable result.

indicates a bright future

Highlights the indication of a successful future.

gives reason for optimism

Focuses on the creation of a hopeful outlook.

is an encouraging indication

Highlights the supportive nature of the indication.

looks promising

Offers a straightforward assessment of a favorable outlook.

holds potential

Highlights the inherent possibility of future success.

is cause for hope

Focuses on the creation of a hopeful outlook.

FAQs

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

Use "bodes well" to indicate that a current situation or event suggests a positive future outcome. For example, "The high number of early registrations "bodes well" for the conference's success".

What's a simple alternative to "bodes well"?

A simpler alternative is "is a good sign". For example, instead of saying "This news bodes well for the economy", you could say "This news is a good sign for the economy".

What is the difference between "bodes well" and "promises well"?

"Bodes well" suggests an indication or omen of a positive outcome based on current signs, while "promises well" implies a strong likelihood of a positive result due to inherent qualities or guarantees. They are largely interchangeable but "promises well" conveys a stronger sense of certainty.

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

Yes, "bodes well" is suitable for formal writing. It's a relatively sophisticated phrase that conveys a sense of optimism and positive prediction, fitting well in business reports, academic papers, and news articles.