bound for

USAGE SUMMARY

"bound for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to indicate that someone or something is heading in a certain direction. For example, "The train was bound for London."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You're bound for years to come.

The New York Times

We were bound for the graveyard.

The New Yorker

Carmelo Anthony is bound for New York.

The New York Times - Sports

It was bound for Salem, Ore.

The New York Times

They are bound for Eastern Europe.

The New York Times - Food

He took another boat bound for Canton.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was bound for Italy.

The New York Times

We were bound for Galway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Benjamin is bound for Pitt.

The New York Times - Sports

He was bound for stardom.

The Guardian - Arts

Pusztay was bound for Vietnam.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound for" to clearly indicate the intended destination of a person or object. It adds a sense of direction and purpose to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bound for" when simply stating a plan without certainty. "Bound for" implies a strong likelihood or inevitability of reaching the destination, not just an intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound for" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb of motion or state. It indicates the direction or destination towards which someone or something is moving, as supported by Ludwig's examples of ships, planes, and people being "bound for" various locations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound for" is a versatile adverbial phrase that effectively indicates a destination or expected outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and other varied sources, the phrase carries a neutral tone making it suitable for both formal and informal content. To avoid confusion, remember that "bound for" implies a high degree of certainty in reaching the specified destination. Alternatives like "heading to" or "destined for" can be used to refine the nuance. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can confidently and accurately incorporate "bound for" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heading to

Focuses more on the action of moving towards a destination.

destined for

Emphasizes a sense of fate or inevitability about reaching a destination or outcome.

en route to

Specifically indicates being on the way to a particular place.

on the way to

A more general way of saying that something is progressing toward a destination.

scheduled to arrive in

Highlights a planned arrival at a specific location.

making its way to

Describes movement, often over a longer distance or time period.

with the destination of

A more formal way of indicating the intended final location.

targeting

Suggests aiming for a specific outcome or location as a goal.

on course for

Implies following a specific path to reach a destination.

traveling toward

Simply indicates movement in the direction of a place.

FAQs

How to use "bound for" in a sentence?

The phrase "bound for" is used to indicate that someone or something is traveling towards a specific destination. For example, "The ship is bound for Italy" or "He is "bound for success"".

What can I say instead of "bound for"?

You can use alternatives like "heading to", "destined for", or "en route to depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bound for" or "bound to"?

"Bound for" indicates a destination, while "bound to" indicates something that is likely or certain to happen. For example, "The train is bound for Chicago" versus "It is bound to rain tomorrow".

What's the difference between "bound for" and "destined for"?

"Bound for" generally refers to a physical destination, while "destined for" implies a predetermined or fated outcome or destination. For example, "The package is bound for New York" versus "She is destined for greatness".