bound for greatness

USAGE SUMMARY

"bound for greatness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the idea that someone or something has great potential. For example: "The young dancer is bound for greatness, already showing amazing skill and poise on the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"And Richard is not bound for greatness".

The Guardian - Books

Driven, vital, and unscrupulous, he sees himself bound for greatness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They seem bound for greatness all the same.

The New Yorker

He's convinced he's bound for greatness, yet, by the age of 40, finds himself bogged down in the messy compromises of middle-class parenthood.

The Guardian - Books

The Times critic Roberta Smith described him, in 2011, as "an immense but not fully developed talent that seems bound for greatness".

The New Yorker

Even as a teenager, Ms. Kagan struck her peers and teachers as someone who was bound for greatness, demonstrating an interest in constitutional issues and displaying qualities that made her well suited for a career in the law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She's bound for such greatness.

Vice

-- Ten years ago, Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart seemed bound for baseball greatness when he and two other people were killed by a drunk driver.

Los Angeles Times

Nick Adenhart seemed bound for baseball greatness, with lightning in an arm that produced 94-mph fastballs and sharp overhand curves, before the 22-year-old Angels pitcher was killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009.

Los Angeles Times

It was bound for Salem, Ore.

The New York Times

They are bound for Eastern Europe.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound for greatness" to describe someone or something with exceptional potential or a promising future, especially when there's a sense of destiny or high expectations attached.

Common error

Avoid using "bound for greatness" in situations where "bound for" simply means traveling to a physical location. Stick to metaphorical or aspirational contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound for greatness" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often acting as a predicative adjective to describe a person, thing, or entity poised for significant achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound for greatness" is a descriptive phrase used to express a strong expectation or belief that someone or something will achieve significant success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in journalistic and biographical contexts. While not overly common, its impact lies in conveying optimism and high hopes. Alternative phrases like "destined for greatness" or "headed for success" can be used to subtly alter the connotation, emphasizing fate or trajectory, respectively. A key point to remember is to use "bound for greatness" in metaphorical contexts, avoiding literal interpretations of travel or direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destined for greatness

Implies a predetermined future of achieving great things; emphasizes fate or preordained success.

headed for success

Suggests a direction toward achieving goals and positive outcomes, focusing on the journey rather than inherent potential.

on track for success

Indicates that current progress aligns with the requirements to be successful; highlights present actions aligning to future success.

destined to succeed

Similar to 'destined for greatness' but specifically targets achieving success, which may not always equate to 'greatness'.

poised for success

Emphasizes a state of readiness and favorable positioning for achieving success; suggests immediate potential.

marked for success

Implies someone has been identified and recognized as someone who will likely succeed.

certain to succeed

Highlights a very high probability of achieving success. It is more assertive and removes any shadow of doubt.

on the road to success

Highlights progression and momentum. Focus is less on predetermination and more on journey and progress.

slated for success

Implies that plans or preparations have been made to ensure success. It suggests deliberate action toward a favorable outcome.

primed for success

Highlights the preparation aspect, denoting someone/something is in optimal state for success. Focuses more on readiness than on predetermined outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound for greatness" to describe someone or something that shows exceptional promise or potential. For example, "The young musician is "bound for greatness", captivating audiences with every performance."

What's a good alternative to "bound for greatness"?

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

Is "bound for greatness" formal or informal?

"Bound for greatness" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for news reports, biographies, and motivational contexts.

What is the difference between "destined for greatness" and "bound for greatness"?

While both phrases suggest a promising future, "destined for greatness" implies a predetermined fate, while "bound for greatness" suggests high potential and a likely trajectory towards significant achievement. The difference is subtle, with "destined for greatness" carrying a stronger sense of inevitability.