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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
bound to defect
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "bound to defect" is not correct in standard English usage.
It seems to imply an inevitability of something failing or breaking down, but the word "defect" is not typically used in this context. Example: "The product was poorly designed, and it was bound to defect after a few uses."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
If there is an international peacekeeping force in Cambodia, some of the young people who joined the Khmer Rouge after 1979 are bound to defect.
News & Media
It received special attention because it sets paradoxical conditions to examine how and when cooperation can evolve even when a rational player is bound to defect.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
There is an effort underway by the Hamilton Electors to persuade members of the Electoral College bound to Donald Trump to defect and chose an alternative.
News & Media
On the other hand, under a physiological environment where the graphene surface was directly exposed to electrolyte solutions, ion species were directly bound to the defect sites by means of strong chemisorption [32].
Science
Both CM-DiI labeled hChonJ (red color) and CM-DiO labeled hChonJb 7 (green color) were bound to the defect area compared to the un-disturbed smooth area of the cartilage (Fig. 5a).
It is suggested that the Y7 peak comes from the recombination of an exciton bound to the point defect which is trapped by the stress field of the dislocation [17].
Science
The calculated results show that Melamine molecules are rather strongly bound to the surface of both defect and defect free GNRs; it can also be found that Melamine molecules prefer to be adsorbed on Si-doped GNR.
Science
Other class 2 mutant peptides (M535I, D539E) bound to VBC with little defect, as compared to WT (Fig. 4d, Table 2, and Supplementary Figure 5).
Science & Research
Moreover, when replacing Li+ ions, the dopant ions are bound to create some oxygen-related defect centers or Li+ vacancies for charge compensation.
Science
Moreover, on replacing Li+ ions, the dopant ions are bound to create some oxygen-related defect centers or Li+ vacancies for charge compensation.
Science
Hidden failures are caused by the device's defects or human factors, bound to weakening the device's reliability.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for clarity, consider alternatives like "certain to fail" or "likely to malfunction" instead of "bound to defect". These phrases are more conventional and easily understood.
Common error
Avoid using "bound to defect" if you intend to convey inevitable failure or malfunction. The word "defect" typically refers to a flaw or imperfection, not the act of failing.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "bound to defect" functions as a verb phrase suggesting inevitability, though its specific meaning is often misinterpreted. According to Ludwig AI, it's not correct in standard English usage, yet its presence in certain contexts indicates an attempt to convey certainty about something going wrong.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "bound to defect" is a less common expression that aims to convey the inevitability of something failing or betraying expectations. However, it's often considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct in standard English usage. While it appears in various sources, including news and scientific contexts, alternatives such as "certain to fail" or "likely to malfunction" are generally clearer and more widely accepted. Using these alternatives can help avoid misinterpretations and ensure effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
certain to fail
Emphasizes the inevitability of failure, using a more direct and common expression.
sure to go wrong
Highlights the certainty of problems arising, using more common terminology.
liable to break down
Suggests a higher probability of failure or breakdown, less forceful than certainty.
guaranteed to malfunction
Specifies malfunction as the guaranteed outcome, suitable for technical contexts.
on track to falter
Indicates a current trajectory leading to failure, less absolute than certainty.
destined to betray
Shifts the focus to betrayal as the inevitable outcome, altering the subject matter.
predestined to fall apart
Emphasizes that the unraveling is predetermined, with a slightly different tone.
doomed to collapse
Implies an inescapable collapse, often used for systems or structures.
fated to give way
Highlights the inescapable yielding or collapse of something.
likely to degenerate
Focuses on decline or deterioration as the probable outcome.
FAQs
Is "bound to defect" grammatically correct?
While the phrase "bound to defect" appears in some contexts, it's not considered standard English. It's often interpreted as meaning "certain to fail" or "likely to malfunction", but using more common phrases ensures clarity.
What are some alternatives to "bound to defect"?
Alternatives include "certain to fail", "likely to malfunction", or "destined to betray", depending on the intended meaning. These alternatives are more conventional and easier to understand.
How can I use "bound to" correctly in a sentence?
Use "bound to" to express inevitability or obligation. For example, "He is bound to succeed" means he is certain to succeed. However, avoid using "bound to defect" as a substitute for phrases like "certain to fail".
What's the difference between "bound to defect" and "likely to fail"?
"Bound to defect" is less common and may cause confusion, as "defect" typically means a flaw. "Likely to fail" is a clearer and more widely accepted way to express a high probability of failure.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested