bound to go wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to go wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very likely to fail or encounter problems. Example: "With so many variables at play, this project is bound to go wrong if we don't plan carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Something is bound to go wrong".

The Guardian - Sport

But you're bound to go wrong.

The New York Times

Sooner or later, things were bound to go wrong.

The New York Times

Trust your instincts instead and you're bound to go wrong.

The New York Times - Books

Something, in such a vacuum, is bound to go wrong.

The Guardian

Boris Johnson has told reporters that some things are bound to go wrong during the games.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mixing genes between species seemed to be about as unnatural as you can get – here was humankind acquiring too much technological power; something was bound to go horribly wrong.

The New York Times

Genetic engineering is portrayed as untested and risky—; something is bound to go horribly wrong.

Forbes

Finally unionists, students, fascists and antifascists were going to unite under one cause and something was bound to go horribly wrong.

Vice

"That is bound to go down well".

The Guardian

It's bound to go well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound to go wrong" to express a strong expectation of failure, especially when highlighting potential flaws or vulnerabilities in a plan or situation. For a less intense and more direct tone, consider using "likely to fail".

Common error

While "bound to go wrong" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your analysis sound less objective. Instead of repeatedly using this phrase, diversify your language by incorporating alternatives such as "likely to falter" or "predisposed to failure" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to go wrong" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong prediction or expectation that something will fail or encounter problems. It indicates a high degree of certainty about a negative outcome. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound to go wrong" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong expectation of failure or problems. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English. It's found frequently in news and media contexts and to a lesser extent in academic and informal writing. When using this phrase, consider whether a more formal alternative like "likely to fail" would be more appropriate, especially in business or academic settings. Be mindful of overuse and diversify your vocabulary by considering similar phrases like "destined to fail" or "sure to backfire". It is generally used in negative contexts only.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destined to fail

Emphasizes a predetermined negative outcome, implying a lack of control or possibility of success.

sure to backfire

Focuses on the idea that an action will have unintended and negative consequences.

likely to collapse

Suggests a structural or systematic failure is probable.

inevitably go awry

Highlights the unavoidable nature of something going wrong.

poised to unravel

Implies a delicate situation that is about to fall apart.

certain to miscarry

Indicates that a plan or project will not be successfully completed.

predisposed to disaster

Suggests an inherent vulnerability that will lead to negative events.

fated to crumble

Highlights a preordained and destructive ending.

doomed to malfunction

Focuses on the inevitable failure of a system or device.

set up for failure

Emphasizes external conditions that make failure almost guaranteed.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound to go wrong" to indicate a high probability of failure or problems. For example: "With so many untested assumptions, the project is "bound to go wrong"."

What's a more formal alternative to "bound to go wrong"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "likely to fail", "predisposed to failure", or "destined to falter". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a more objective tone.

Is "bound to go wrong" the same as "likely to go wrong"?

While similar, "bound to go wrong" implies a stronger degree of certainty about the negative outcome compared to "likely to go wrong". "Likely" suggests a higher probability, but "bound" suggests inevitability.

Can "bound to go wrong" be used in positive contexts?

No, "bound to go wrong" is inherently negative. It expresses the expectation of failure or problems, so it would not be appropriate in a positive context.