bound to tell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to tell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is certain or obligated to share information or a secret. Example: "After hearing the news, she felt bound to tell her friends about the upcoming changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Someone was bound to tell Linus that his was dead on arrival.

MIT Technology Review

This was a very specialized story she was bound to tell.

The New York Times

"We are ethically and morally bound to tell the people that this place is unsafe for living".

The New York Times

"I'm not bound to tell you how much cash I have, but I have a lot of cash and a lot of real estate".

The New York Times

The oceanic gap between Heidar Helguson, the QPR striker, say, and Sergio Agüero at the other end is bound to tell across a whole season.

The Guardian - Sport

When a playwright meets with a politician, the latter is bound to tell him what his next play ought to be about.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But as the person selling you mutual funds is duty-bound to tell you, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Los Angeles Times

However, based on Kant's absolutist thinking, if the Nazis came knocking on your door asking where Anne Frank is, you would be duty-bound to tell the truth.

Huffington Post

The choice is bound to be telling, and the news may not be good.

The New York Times - Style

If you are one of those people who sits and cracks your knuckles while others wince, at some point somebody is bound to have told you that cracking your joints gives you arthritis.

BBC

Me: But when your sourcers call candidates and keep them on the phone for half an hour answering questions, aren't they ethically bound to at least tell the candidate that there is no specific job opening involved?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound to tell" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of obligation, duty, or inevitability in conveying information. For example, "As a witness, he was bound to tell the truth in court."

Common error

Avoid using "bound to tell" when you simply mean something is likely to happen. Instead, use phrases like "likely to happen" or "probably will" unless there's a sense of duty involved. For example, don't say "It's bound to tell rain tomorrow" when you simply mean "It will likely rain tomorrow."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to tell" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a subject, indicating a state of obligation or certainty regarding the act of conveying information. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound to tell" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a sense of obligation or inevitability regarding the sharing of information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while it's not the most frequent expression, it appears across varied contexts, most commonly in News & Media. Related phrases like "obliged to reveal" or "duty-bound to disclose" offer similar meanings, but the precise choice depends on the desired nuance. Be mindful of its correct usage, reserving it for situations where a true sense of duty or inescapable certainty is present, rather than simple prediction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to reveal

Emphasizes a sense of duty or moral imperative in disclosing information.

duty-bound to disclose

Highlights the formal or ethical requirement to make something known.

compelled to inform

Focuses on an internal or external force driving the act of sharing information.

required to divulge

Suggests a legal or procedural necessity to reveal something.

certain to disclose

Highlights the inevitability of the information being revealed.

destined to impart

Implies a preordained or unavoidable sharing of knowledge or a story.

sure to communicate

Focuses on the high likelihood of the information being conveyed.

guaranteed to notify

Indicates a firm assurance that someone will be informed.

fated to recount

Suggests that sharing the information is part of a predetermined course of events.

will inevitably share

Emphasizes that, without a doubt, the sharing of information will occur.

FAQs

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

"Bound to tell" is used to express a sense of obligation or inevitability in revealing information. For example, "He felt "bound to tell" his parents the truth about the accident".

What's the difference between "bound to tell" and "going to tell"?

"Bound to tell" suggests a moral or legal obligation, while "going to tell" simply indicates a future intention. If someone is "bound to tell" something, they feel compelled to do so, whereas if they are "going to tell" something, it is merely a plan.

What are some alternatives to "bound to tell"?

Alternatives include "obliged to reveal", "duty-bound to disclose", or "compelled to inform". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bound to tell" a formal or informal phrase?

"Bound to tell" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "duty-bound to disclose" may be preferred in highly formal situations.