bound to cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is certain to lead to a particular outcome or effect. Example: "The heavy rain is bound to cause flooding in low-lying areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was bound to cause trouble.

The Guardian

Apparently, they were "bound to cause trouble".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was bound to cause problems.

The Guardian - Music

This much poison is bound to cause something catastrophic.

The New York Times

Such searing expansion is bound to cause more growing pains.

The Economist

Flooding, blocked roads and major power shortages are bound to cause problems for the refiners.

The New York Times

Critics of Harvey have long argued that any portrait of Hindley was bound to cause controversy.

The Guardian - Arts

That's bound to cause all kinds of profound and complex intimacy issues somewhere down the line.

The Guardian - Film

Despite that awkward spell, Spain were bound to cause Germany distress sooner or later.

The Guardian - Sport

One insoluble problem is the damage that any form of tanker-unloading is bound to cause.

The New Yorker

Any new French president is bound to cause some realignment in Europe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound to cause" to clearly indicate a high probability of a specific outcome, ensuring the context supports this level of certainty. It can add emphasis and conviction to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bound to cause" when the outcome is merely a possibility, not a near certainty. Overusing it can weaken your argument and make your claims seem exaggerated. If there is no certainty then use "likely to cause".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to cause" functions as a predictive expression, indicating a high probability or inevitability of a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to suggest that a certain action or situation will almost certainly lead to a particular result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound to cause" is a versatile phrase used to express a high degree of certainty about an outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overstating the certainty of an outcome and instead rely on "likely to cause" when appropriate. Remember to employ this phrase when there is virtual inevitability and the context lends itself to the high degree of certitude that "bound to cause" expresses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure to bring about

Highlights the certainty of the outcome with a focus on the act of causing it.

certain to produce

Emphasizes the sureness of the outcome but uses a different verb.

guaranteed to create

Emphasizes the assurance that something will be created as a result.

destined to generate

Suggests a preordained or inevitable outcome, adding a sense of fate.

likely to result in

Indicates a high probability but with a slightly less definitive tone.

bound to spark

Suggests the beginning of something, like a reaction or event, is inevitable.

set to instigate

Suggests planning and intent, also means that something is inevitable

poised to trigger

Implies readiness and immediacy in causing the outcome.

liable to provoke

Implies a tendency to incite a particular reaction, especially a negative one.

apt to generate

Indicates a natural tendency or suitability to produce a specific result.

FAQs

How can I use "bound to cause" in a sentence?

Use "bound to cause" to indicate that a particular action or situation will almost certainly lead to a specific outcome. For example, "Such a policy change is bound to cause confusion among the employees."

What are some alternatives to "bound to cause"?

You can use alternatives like "certain to produce", "likely to result in", or "sure to bring about", depending on the specific context.

Is "bound to cause" formal or informal?

"Bound to cause" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It appears in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversation. The formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What is the difference between "bound to cause" and "likely to cause"?

"Bound to cause" indicates a higher degree of certainty than "likely to cause". "Bound to cause" suggests the outcome is almost inevitable, while "likely to cause" suggests a strong possibility but not a guarantee.