bound to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a way of expressing certainty in regard to an action that will be taken. For example: "I'm bound to leave tomorrow morning, so I'd better start packing!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their chilling images are bound to leave more of an impression than their worthy explanations.

The Guardian - Film

Such pusillanimity was perhaps bound to leave audiences distanced from cinema's grudge-driven slaughterers.

The Guardian - Film

The end of a marriage is bound to leave someone unhappy.

The New York Times

But Mr Kan is bound to leave office, for he has promised to quit.

The Economist

Blomkamp's comments are bound to leave fans of the space saga bamboozled for a number of reasons.

The Guardian - Film

But one element of the current development drive is bound to leave its mark on the Mekong: dam-building.

The Economist

Government lawyers have argued that the article 50 process is irreversible and the UK would be legally bound to leave after that point.

The Guardian

Like Alice making her way through Wonderland, she is a visitor deciphering the codes and customs of a world she's bound to leave behind.

The New Yorker

By Steve Coll An underwear bomber who attempts mass murder on Christmas Day is bound to leave many people upset and a few unhinged.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A collie felt duty-bound to leave his yard and follow me, growling tentatively, careful to examine this strange creature - a pedestrian - from a distance in case I should prove unexpectedly dangerous, like a skunk or a porcupine.

The New York Times

Might voters put similar pressure on a defeated Tory leader to go? Might David Cameron feel honour-bound to leave as soon as possible to respect the wishes of the people?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "bound to leave" can also suggest a negative consequence or outcome, so use it carefully to avoid unintended connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "bound to leave" when you only mean a slight possibility. The phrase implies a high degree of certainty, so using it for something that is merely possible can mislead your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to leave" functions as a modal construction expressing a high degree of certainty or inevitability regarding a future action or outcome. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, indicating that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bound to leave" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a strong sense of certainty or inevitability about a future action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, although primarily found in News & Media and academic sources. When using this phrase, be mindful of its strength and ensure it aligns with the level of certainty you wish to express. While there are many alternative phrases, each carries slightly different connotations. Being aware of these subtle differences will enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure to depart

Replaces "bound" with "sure", emphasizing certainty of departure but sounding slightly less formal.

going to depart

Offers a more conversational and less formal way to express the intention to leave.

certain to exit

Substitutes both "bound" and "leave" to highlight the guarantee of someone's exit.

destined to go

Implies a predetermined fate of leaving, using "destined" for a stronger sense of inevitability.

obligated to vacate

Focuses on the obligation to leave, replacing "bound" with "obligated" and "leave" with "vacate".

set to abandon

Suggests a scheduled or planned abandonment, imparting a nuance of intentionality.

required to exit

Emphasizes a requirement to leave, changing the tone to a formal necessity.

guaranteed to abandon

Stresses the guarantee of departing, but with a slightly different emotional tone.

likely to escape

Shifts the focus to a likelihood of escaping, which could imply a negative situation or constraint.

fated to flee

Evokes a sense of being compelled to escape due to fate, implying urgency.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound to leave" to indicate a strong likelihood or certainty. For example, "If he keeps working that hard, he's "bound to leave" from exhaustion."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "bound to leave"?

Alternatives to "bound to leave" include "sure to depart", "certain to exit", or "destined to go". The best option depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bound to leave" more formal or informal?

"Bound to leave" falls in the neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives such as "going to depart" lean towards informality.

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

"Bound to leave" suggests a higher degree of certainty or obligation than "likely to leave". "Likely" indicates a probability, while "bound" implies a stronger inevitability.