does not bode well for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not bode well for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a situation or event is likely to have negative consequences or outcomes. Example: "The lack of preparation for the presentation does not bode well for the team's chances of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not bode well for them.

The Guardian - Sport

This does not bode well for Russia".

The Economist

That does not bode well for Baltimore.

The New York Times - Sports

This does not bode well for them.

The Guardian

History does not bode well for the American way.

The New York Times

This does not bode well for whatever comes next.

The New Yorker

This does not bode well for stability of the pact.

Independent

This does not bode well for the Africans in Guangzhou.

The New Yorker

This does not bode well for airline security.

The New Yorker

Does not bode well for the Huskers of Corn.

The New York Times

And that does not bode well for the country's future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not bode well for" to express a negative outlook or prediction based on current circumstances. It's particularly effective when you want to sound less direct or alarmist than simply saying something is "bad" or "doomed".

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "does not bode well for" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doesn't look good" or "isn't a good sign" to maintain a natural, conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not bode well for" functions as a prognostic indicator, suggesting a likely negative outcome based on current events or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, it commonly introduces a prediction or assessment of future prospects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not bode well for" is a widely used phrase that effectively conveys a negative prognosis or cautionary outlook. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and business contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase to connect a current event to likely negative outcomes, but be mindful of the context, as it's more suited for formal or analytical writing rather than casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "is not a good sign for" in less formal settings. This helps ensure your message is both clear and appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not a good sign for

Replaces "bode well" with a more straightforward expression of a negative indication.

is a bad omen for

Substitutes "bode well" with "omen", directly indicating a sign or portent, but still implying a negative future.

augurs poorly for

Uses "augurs", a synonym for "bodes", maintaining a formal tone, but with a slightly different connotation of prediction.

is a worrying development for

Highlights the concern associated with the situation's implications.

portends trouble for

Emphasizes the anticipation of negative events or difficulties.

foretells a grim outcome for

Uses "foretells" to directly imply prediction, and "grim" to emphasize the negativity.

suggests a bleak future for

Focuses on the pessimistic outlook implied for the future.

is a harbinger of bad news for

Highlights that the situation is a sign that something negative is coming.

spells disaster for

Uses a stronger term, "disaster", to highlight the potential negative impact.

offers little hope for

Shifts the focus to the lack of positive expectations.

FAQs

What does "does not bode well for" mean?

The phrase "does not bode well for" means that something is not a good sign for someone or something and suggests a negative outcome is likely.

What can I say instead of "does not bode well for"?

You can use alternatives like "is a bad omen for", "is not a good sign for", or "augurs poorly for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "does not bode well for" in formal writing?

Yes, "does not bode well for" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news, academic, or business contexts, as it conveys a sense of educated and considered judgment.

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

Use "does not bode well for" to link a current situation or event to a likely negative consequence. For example: "The company's declining sales do not bode well for its future profitability."