bound to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a strong likelihood or inevitability of something happening. Example: "With the storm approaching, we are bound to experience heavy rainfall this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's bound to happen.

The New York Times

They are bound to.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's bound to be it".

The New York Times

They're bound to develop leaks.

The New York Times

"They're bound to criticise us.

Independent

Something is bound to happen.

The New York Times

It is bound to retaliate.

The Economist

It is bound to fail.

The Economist

It's bound to happen again".

Independent

Conflict is bound to ensue.

The New Yorker

"Well, I'm bound to Romney".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound to" when you want to express a strong likelihood or inevitability based on current circumstances or known factors.

Common error

While "bound to" is widely accepted, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Vary your language by substituting with alternatives like "certain to" or "guaranteed to" for a more sophisticated style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to" functions as a modal-like expression indicating a high probability or certainty about a future event. As Ludwig AI points out, it conveys that something is almost inevitable. It typically precedes a verb, forming a predictive statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound to" is a common phrase used to express a strong likelihood or inevitability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required for your writing. Alternatives like "certain to" or "likely to" can provide nuanced variations in meaning and tone. Remember to use "bound to" when you want to convey a high degree of certainty about a future outcome based on existing circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain to

Emphasizes sureness rather than obligation or inevitability.

sure to

Similar to "certain to", focusing on the lack of doubt.

destined to

Highlights predetermination or fate making the outcome inevitable.

guaranteed to

Implies a promise or assurance that something will happen.

likely to

Indicates a high probability, but with slightly less force than "bound to".

going to

A more informal way to express a future event with high probability.

will definitely

Uses an adverb to strengthen the verb, emphasizing certainty.

fated to

Suggests an unavoidable outcome, often with a sense of destiny.

set to

Suggests a plan or arrangement that makes the event highly probable.

on track to

Indicates progress towards a likely outcome, based on current trends.

FAQs

How to use "bound to" in a sentence?

"Bound to" is used to indicate that something is very likely or certain to happen. For example: "If you study hard, you are "bound to succeed"."

What can I say instead of "bound to"?

You can use alternatives like "certain to", "sure to", or "likely to" depending on the context.

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

"Bound to" means certain to happen, while "bound for" indicates direction or destination. For example: "The ship is "bound for India"" means it's heading to India.

What's the difference between "bound to" and "obliged to"?

"Bound to" suggests inevitability, while "obliged to" indicates a duty or requirement. For example, "I am "obliged to help"" means I have a responsibility to do so.