bodes well for

USAGE SUMMARY

"bodes well for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is likely to have a positive outcome or result. Example: The recent economic growth in the country bodes well for its future prosperity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"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

That bodes well for McDonald's.

The New York Times

None of this bodes well for Germany.

The Economist

It also bodes well for Somalis.

The Economist

This bodes well for Barnard".

The New York Times

That, at least, bodes well for Vancouver.

The New Yorker

That bodes well for us moving forward".

The New York Times - Sports

None of this bodes well for Lin.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither development bodes well for progressives.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined. For example, instead of just stating "This bodes well", specify what "this" refers to and who or what it benefits.

Common error

Avoid using "bodes well for" when the positive indication is vague or unsubstantiated. The phrase should be used when there's reasonable evidence or a logical connection between the current situation and the expected positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bodes well for" functions as an idiomatic expression that serves as a predictive statement. It indicates that a present situation or circumstance suggests a positive outcome or future development for someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used in English, and is often interpreted as a positive sign.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

18%

Business

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Huffington Post

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bodes well for" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that indicates a positive future outcome based on current events or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a predictive statement, conveying optimism and confidence. The phrase is versatile, fitting in various contexts from news and sports to business and general conversations, maintaining a neutral register. To use it effectively, be sure to provide a clear subject and object, ensuring the link between the present situation and the anticipated positive result is logical and well-founded. Consider alternatives like "augurs favorably for" or "holds promise for" based on the specific tone and context you aim to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

augurs favorably for

Replaces "bodes" with "augurs", maintaining a similar sense of prediction or indication, but sounds more formal.

is a good omen for

Substitutes the idiomatic "bodes well" with a more straightforward expression of positive sign.

portends a positive future for

Uses "portends" to suggest a future event is indicated, adding a sense of anticipation.

holds promise for

Replaces the predictive sense of "bodes" with the idea of potential and future benefit.

indicates a bright outlook for

Changes the idiom to a descriptive phrase about the future, highlighting optimism.

suggests a favorable outcome for

More directly states the implication of a positive result, rather than implying it.

points to a successful future for

Uses "points to" to illustrate a clear indication of success.

is a harbinger of success for

Uses "harbinger" to suggest the phrase acts as a sign that success is coming.

promises a positive development for

Focuses on the aspect of promising good developments, rather than direct prediction.

spells good news for

Employs a more casual idiom to suggest an arrival of something positive.

FAQs

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

You can use "bodes well for" to suggest a positive future outcome based on current circumstances. For example, "The company's strong financial results "bodes well for" its future growth".

What are some alternatives to "bodes well for"?

Alternatives to "bodes well for" include phrases like "augurs favorably for", "holds promise for", or "indicates a bright outlook for depending on the context.

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

Yes, "bodes well for" is suitable for formal writing. While it's an idiomatic expression, it's widely accepted and understood in professional, news, and academic contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "augurs favorably for" can also be considered for a more elevated tone.

What does it mean when something "doesn't bode well for" something else?

If something "doesn't bode well for" something else, it means that the current situation suggests a negative future outcome. It's the opposite of ""bodes well for"" and indicates concern or pessimism about what's to come.