bound for glory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound for glory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of purpose or destiny towards achieving something great or significant. Example: "With her determination and hard work, she felt she was bound for glory in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Bound for Glory" founder and host, Phil Shapiro, M.A. '69.

Cornell University

In 1943, his autobiography, "Bound for Glory," was published.

The New York Times

She was a special kid, but she wasn't necessarily bound for glory.

The New York Times - Books

(His other books, "Bound for Glory" and "Seeds of Man," are quasi-fictional memoirs).

The New York Times - Books

Over the past 50 years the world has changed, but "Bound for Glory" has stayed almost exactly the same.

Cornell University

The audience dances to "Bound for Glory" performers Le Vent du Nord in Anabel Taylor Hall in 2005.

Cornell University

"Bound for Glory" captures Guthrie vividly; he was fearsomely gifted and ambitious, and also egalitarian a most uncommon man.

The New Yorker

Obviously not every Bonesman is be bound for glory, but membership often seems to precede a notable career.

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Lowe was outstandingly ambitious among his schoolmates in Malibu and Santa Monica, many of whom were bound for glory.

The New York Times - Books

These two were bound for glory, though they stopped en route for stints in the Army and at Yale.

The New York Times - Books

"Listen," I snarl when I whack my head again on one of the privet's low branches, "you're bound for glory".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound for glory" to evoke a sense of destiny or inevitable success, particularly when describing someone or something with great potential or momentum. This phrase works well in motivational contexts or when narrating a story of achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "bound for glory" sarcastically or in situations where the outcome is uncertain or negative. The phrase carries a strong positive connotation and may sound incongruous if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound for glory" primarily functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a subject as being destined or certain to achieve great success or recognition, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound for glory" is a common expression used to describe someone or something destined for great success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media and academic settings. While not strictly formal, its positive connotation makes it suitable for motivational and narrative purposes. Alternative phrases like "destined for greatness" or "headed for success" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. When using "bound for glory", it's essential to consider its optimistic tone and avoid applying it sarcastically or in inappropriate situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destined for greatness

Emphasizes an inherent predestination towards significant achievement, shifting the focus from journey to outcome.

headed for success

Focuses on the direction of travel towards a positive outcome, suggesting momentum and progress.

on the road to triumph

Highlights the journey and the eventual victory, adding a sense of narrative and overcoming challenges.

poised for victory

Suggests readiness and anticipation of success, emphasizing the current state of being well-prepared.

assured of success

Conveys confidence and certainty in achieving a positive outcome, focusing on the lack of doubt.

certain to achieve greatness

Highlights the level of certainty and the ambition to reach an important accomplishment.

on track for recognition

Implies that the individual or group is moving as planned to achieve a target.

destined to shine

Uses metaphorical language to suggest a bright and successful future, implying inherent talent or potential.

guaranteed to succeed

Conveys that the outcome is assured and lacking risk.

slated for stardom

Suggests a prearranged or highly likely path to fame and prominence, often used in the entertainment industry.

FAQs

How can I use "bound for glory" in a sentence?

You can use "bound for glory" to describe someone or something destined for great success. For example, "The young athlete was "destined for glory" after winning the championship."

What are some alternatives to "bound for glory"?

Alternatives include phrases like "destined for greatness", "headed for success", or "on the road to triumph", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bound for glory" formal or informal?

"Bound for glory" is generally considered a somewhat informal and figurative expression, suitable for a range of contexts but potentially less appropriate in highly formal or academic writing. It can be used in news, media and informal conversation.

What's the origin of the phrase "bound for glory"?

The phrase gained prominence from Woody Guthrie's autobiography "Bound for Glory" and the associated folk song "This Train Is Bound for Glory", contributing to its association with themes of destiny, purpose and aspiration.