does not augur well for

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
It implies that something is a bad omen or portent for the future, and can be used when something is seen as a sign of bad things to come. For example, "The crumbling facade of the building does not augur well for its future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

That does not augur well for the future.

The New York Times - Tech

This does not augur well for the democratic transition.

The New York Times

That does not augur well for Her Majesty's Government.

Independent

All of which does not augur well for the debates.

The New York Times

"All this does not augur well for Ms. Banerjee and the party," Mr. Suman said.

The New York Times

This is a record that does not augur well for Mr Aziz.

The Economist

Such restraint, even if sensible individually, does not augur well for the gross domestic product.

The New York Times - Magazine

After the fireworks of Mr Klaus, it does not augur well for a calm, constructive presidency.

The Economist

A brown butterfly does not augur well for the year ahead.

The Guardian - Opinion

A culture of such deep distrust does not augur well for American democracy.

The Washington Post

The chemistry between the two, and their very different backgrounds, does not augur well for compromise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject clearly connects to the predicted negative consequence. For example, "The company's declining sales figures does not augur well for its future profitability."

Common error

Avoid using "does not augur well for" in very informal contexts. It is a relatively formal expression, so using it in casual conversation or informal writing might sound unnatural or pretentious. Consider a simpler phrase like "isn't a good sign for" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not augur well for" functions as a predictive expression, indicating that a current situation or trend suggests a negative future outcome. It's used to forecast potential problems or difficulties based on present indicators, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not augur well for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a current situation suggests a negative future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it serves to express concern or warn about potential negative consequences. While relatively formal, it's important to use it cautiously in informal settings. Consider more colloquial alternatives like "isn't a good sign for" in casual conversation. The phrase's widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for expressing pessimistic forecasts in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodes ill for

Replaces "augur well" with its antonym and uses a more concise expression.

is a bad omen for

Uses a more direct and less formal way to express a negative prediction.

spells trouble for

Emphasizes the problematic consequences that are likely to arise.

is a harbinger of bad things to come for

Highlights that the current situation foreshadows future negative events.

is not a good sign for

Simplifies the expression to a more common and easily understandable form.

portends negatively for

Uses a more formal synonym for "augur" to maintain a similar level of sophistication.

suggests a bleak outlook for

Focuses on the pessimistic perspective that the situation implies.

does not inspire confidence in

Shifts the focus to the lack of reassurance or trust in the future.

raises concerns about

Indicates that the situation is causing worry or apprehension.

is a worrying development for

Highlights the troubling nature of the event and its impact on something else.

FAQs

How can I use "does not augur well for" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate that a current situation suggests a negative future outcome. For example, "The high unemployment rate "does not augur well for" the country's economic recovery".

What is a less formal alternative to "does not augur well for"?

You could use phrases like "isn't a good sign for", "doesn't look good for", or "spells trouble for" as less formal alternatives.

Is it correct to say "augurs badly for" instead of "does not augur well for"?

While grammatically possible, "augurs badly for" is less common and may sound awkward to some. "Does not augur well for" is the more standard and widely accepted expression.

What's the difference between ""does not augur well for"" and "bodes ill for"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but ""does not augur well for"" is slightly more descriptive, while "bodes ill for" is more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.