bound to differ

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to differ" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that people or opinions are likely to be different or disagree on a particular issue. Example: "Given our diverse backgrounds and experiences, our perspectives on this matter are bound to differ."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The questions are hard, and the answers -- all in good faith -- are bound to differ.

The New York Times

Because corporate centers add value in different ways depending on a company's strategy and the businesses in which it competes, the appropriate size and nature of staff functions are bound to differ, too.

Harvard Business Review

Though the former type and I encounter similar obstacles, our approach to overcoming those obstacles is bound to differ.

Forbes

Although the original English versions of SF-36 and RAND-36 are identical, a new translation is bound to differ from an existing translation.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

This is always a local question and answers to it are bound to differ according to the specific jurisdiction in which they are asked.

SEP

Suitably abstracting from our earlier worked example, we can see that any connectives satisfying the conditions induced by even one pair of opposite determinants (whether or not any remaining determinant-induced conditions are satisfied) are bound to differ on a pair of pure and simple sequents.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While crystal structures of NW bound to GluA2 LBD differ little when the pH of the crystallization medium is changed from 6.5 to 3.5, the ITC results suggest that the binding interactions in the charged form differ significantly from those in the uncharged form.

Biochemistry

That one is bound to land in differing ways from the director Dominic Dromgoole's current version, which stands as certainly the most bare-chested — and, yes, homoerotic — account of this perennial favorite in my experience.

The New York Times

The hybridomas all respond to the HC gp-39(263–275) epitope when bound to HLA-DR4(but0401) but differ in their fine specificities.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Therefore, because DOX was bound to the conjugates differently, the pharmacokinetics differed significantly.

BioMed Research International

An established marriage is bound to have partners with differing interests and schedules, but going completely separate ways or getting caught up in a boring routine (set meals, dinner at the same time, TV every night) can be signs of a slump.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound to differ" when you want to express that differences are not just possible, but highly probable given the circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "bound to differ" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "likely to diverge" or "certain to contrast" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to differ" serves as a modal verb phrase, indicating a high probability or inevitability of divergence or disagreement. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in expressing expected differences across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound to differ" is a modal verb phrase used to express a strong likelihood or inevitability of differences. It's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, as shown by Ludwig. While suitable for various writing styles, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "likely to diverge" or "certain to contrast" to maintain writing variety. Overall, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and useful for indicating expected differences in opinions or outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to diverge

Focuses on the probability of moving in different directions, rather than a guaranteed difference.

certain to contrast

Emphasizes the certainty of showing differences, with a slightly stronger connotation.

sure to vary

Highlights the expectation of changes or differences across instances.

destined to disagree

Implies a preordained difference in opinion.

inevitably dissimilar

Stresses the unavoidable nature of the differences.

fated to diverge

Conveys a sense of destiny in the difference.

guaranteed to be distinct

Emphasizes the assurance of separate and clear differences.

predisposed to vary

Indicates an inherent tendency to be different.

liable to conflict

Suggests a potential for clashing or disagreement.

prone to deviate

Highlights the inclination to stray from a common path.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound to differ" to express that opinions or outcomes are likely to be different. For example: "Given their different backgrounds, their opinions on the matter are bound to differ."

What are some alternatives to "bound to differ"?

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

Is it correct to say "bound to be different" instead of "bound to differ"?

Yes, "bound to be different" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "bound to differ". However, "bound to differ" specifically implies a difference of opinion or perspective.

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

"Likely to differ" suggests a higher probability of differences, while "bound to differ" suggests a near certainty or inevitability of differences. The latter implies a stronger expectation.