bound to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an obligation or inevitability to make a statement or comment about something. Example: "Given the circumstances, I am bound to say that we need to reconsider our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I guess someone was bound to say it.

The Guardian

Mr Schauble's bound to say what he said.

The Guardian

Many are bound to say "why bother?" Can we blame them?

MIT Technology Review

Are pro-Trump commenters legally bound to say nice things about Trump?

The Washington Post

Today, those who write on ancient myth or ritual are bound to say the same about Harrison.

Princeton University

So, because it is the truth, he is bound to say it, and that's going to offend some people.

The New Yorker

If the handyman wants to avoid promising to fix your broken generator promptly he is bound to say inshallah.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I know she was my daughter and I'm bound to say it but she was so gifted - she was amazing.

The Telegraph

"We are bound to say that we consider this concern to be somewhat fanciful," the ruling said.

The Guardian - Arts

"Will he ever be the same again?" If they were to say it about Woods they were bound to say it about Brady.

Independent

As an admirer of Jefferson and Renan and a strong nonadmirer of Lewis, I am bound to say that Lewis is more honest here.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to context. While generally acceptable, the phrase might sound overly formal in very casual settings. Consider synonyms like "likely to say" in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bound to say" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound stilted or pretentious if overused. Opt for simpler alternatives like "will probably say" or "is likely to say" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to say" functions as a hedge or qualifier, indicating that the speaker feels obliged or compelled to make a statement, often due to external circumstances or expectations. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bound to say" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey a sense of obligation, duty, or inevitability when making a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Academia contexts. While it's generally appropriate for a wide range of situations, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings, where it can sound overly formal. Alternatives like "obliged to say" or "likely to express" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to state

Replaces "bound" with "obliged", conveying a sense of duty or necessity in making a statement.

compelled to mention

Emphasizes a stronger sense of being forced or driven to make a particular point.

required to assert

Highlights a formal requirement or obligation to declare something.

likely to express

Shifts the focus to probability or expectation that someone will articulate something.

expected to remark

Indicates anticipation or presumption that someone will make a comment.

certain to declare

Implies a high degree of confidence or predictability in someone's statement.

destined to proclaim

Suggests an inevitability or predetermination in someone's announcement.

sure to articulate

Indicates confidence that someone will express something clearly and effectively.

will inevitably say

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the statement being made.

invariably inclined to state

Highlights a consistent tendency or predisposition to express something in a particular way.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound to say" to indicate an obligation, duty, or strong likelihood of making a statement. For example, "Given the evidence, I am "bound to say" that the defendant is guilty."

What are some alternatives to "bound to say"?

Alternatives include "obliged to say", "compelled to mention", "required to assert", or "likely to express", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bound to say" formal or informal?

"Bound to say" is generally considered somewhat formal, though still appropriate for a wide range of contexts. Consider the audience and situation when deciding whether a more casual alternative might be preferable.

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

"Bound to say" implies a stronger sense of obligation or inevitability than "likely to say". "Likely to say" suggests a probability based on circumstances, while "bound to say" suggests a moral, legal, or logical necessity.