bound to be wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to be wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong likelihood that something is incorrect or mistaken. Example: "Given the lack of evidence, his assumption is bound to be wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"People phone me up a week ahead and want to know what the weather'll be," Mike said, "but whatever anyone says, they're bound to be wrong".

The New York Times - Travel

Vidal's view of the world was the opposite of supple, and someone who says, "It always comes down to money," is bound to be wrong at least some of the time.

The New Yorker

How, or whether, John F. Kennedy's character and personal life affected his policymaking is a legitimate subject for interpretation, and a storyteller is free to be wrong — probably bound to be wrong — in the effort to get at some kind of truth or insight.

The New Yorker

As Osborne prepares to deliver what is in effect his third Budget of this year (one, jointly with the Liberal Democrats, before the election, one afterwards and now another to correct the mistakes of the first two), we should bear in mind that his predictions for the next five years are still bound to be wrong.

Independent

And he concedes that the Bank's estimate of the output gap and the rate at which it will close are bound to be wrong.

BBC

"All we can ever do is look at the past to predict the future," writes Leon Levy in his fine new memoir, The Mind of Wall Street, "but life is dynamic and constantly changing, so the assumptions governing predictions are bound to be wrong".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We all rely on quantum physics every time we use a computer and almost all of us are bound to be badly wrong in our understanding of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if the diagnosis is wrong in the first place, treatment is bound to be misguided.

The New York Times

The ruling is bound to be controversial.

The Economist

IT WAS bound to be a disaster.

The Economist

The figure is bound to be big.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When predicting outcomes, avoid absolutes. Phrases like "certain to happen" can sound definitive, while "bound to be wrong" acknowledges potential uncertainty.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, "bound to be wrong" can sound informal or conversational. In academic or professional writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "likely to be inaccurate" or "almost certainly incorrect" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to be wrong" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a strong belief or prediction that something is destined to be incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in expressing strong likelihood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound to be wrong" is a predicative adjective phrase used to express a strong conviction that something is destined to be incorrect. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not extremely frequent, it's a valuable phrase for expressing strong predictions of error. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required and the specific nuance you wish to convey. When used to predict outcomes avoid sounding definitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain to be incorrect

Emphasizes the certainty of the error.

sure to be mistaken

Highlights the potential for misjudgment.

destined for inaccuracy

Focuses on the predetermined nature of the error.

doomed to err

Implies a negative or unfortunate outcome due to the error.

fated to be in error

Highlights a predetermined outcome of error, often with a sense of inevitability.

likely to be false

Indicates a high probability of being untrue.

almost certainly wrong

Adds a degree of probability and conviction.

predictably incorrect

Suggests the error was foreseeable or expected.

poised to be inaccurate

Implies readiness or a setup for error.

cannot help but be wrong

Emphasizes the inability to avoid the error.

FAQs

How can I use "bound to be wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "bound to be wrong" to express a strong likelihood that something is incorrect. For example, "Given the flawed methodology, the study's conclusions are bound to be wrong."

What's a more formal way to say "bound to be wrong"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "likely to be incorrect", "almost certainly mistaken", or "predestined for inaccuracy".

Is "bound to be wrong" always negative?

Yes, "bound to be wrong" always carries a negative connotation, as it implies that something is destined to be incorrect or mistaken. The impact and interpretation depend largely on the context.

What's the difference between "likely to be wrong" and "bound to be wrong"?

"Bound to be wrong" suggests a higher degree of certainty or inevitability than "likely to be wrong". The former implies that an outcome is almost predetermined, while the latter simply indicates a strong possibility.