doesn't bode well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doesn't bode well" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that a situation or future outcome does not seem promising or favorable. Example: "The constant arguing between the two candidates doesn't bode well for a peaceful election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Doesn't bode well".

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't bode well.

The New York Times - Tech

Doesn't bode well for "girthwatch".

Independent

The title doesn't bode well.

The Guardian - Music

Frankly, that doesn't bode well.

The Guardian

The stock market's reaction doesn't bode well.

The New York Times

Which doesn't bode well for their opponents.

The New York Times

It doesn't bode well for the game".

The New York Times - Sports

It doesn't bode well for retailers".

The New York Times

Doesn't bode well for a Volume 2.

The New York Times - Style

That doesn't bode well in our conference".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase. While widely understood, it might be replaced with simpler language for very general audiences.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "doesn't bode well" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate for maintaining a relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't bode well" functions as a comment or observation about a current situation. Ludwig examples show it's used to express a negative prediction or concern about future outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doesn't bode well" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a situation suggests a negative or unfavorable outcome. According to Ludwig, it's often found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, consider the audience to avoid overuse in casual settings. Related phrases include "does not look promising" or "is a bad sign". This phrase serves as a warning or pessimistic assessment, highlighting potential problems or difficulties in the future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not look promising

Replaces "bode well" with a more straightforward expression of promise or expectation.

is a bad sign

Offers a simpler and more direct way to indicate an unfavorable omen.

is not a good omen

Uses "omen" to explicitly convey the idea of a sign or portent, often of something negative.

suggests a negative outcome

Focuses on the suggestion or indication of a potentially adverse result.

portends trouble

Uses the verb "portend" to imply a more formal or literary tone, suggesting future difficulty.

spells disaster

Emphasizes a sense of impending catastrophe or severe misfortune.

is a harbinger of bad news

Highlights the role of the situation as a precursor to unfavorable information.

foretells a grim future

More explicitly links the situation to a bleak or unfavorable future.

augurs poorly

Uses "augurs" to suggest interpretation of signs or omens, typically with a negative connotation.

is unlikely to succeed

Shifts the focus to the probability of success, expressing a low expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "doesn't bode well" in a sentence?

You can use "doesn't bode well" to indicate that a situation or event suggests a negative outcome. For example, "The company's declining profits "doesn't bode well" for its future."

What are some alternatives to "doesn't bode well"?

Alternatives include "does not look promising", "is a bad sign", or "suggests a negative outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "doesn't bode well" formal or informal?

"Doesn't bode well" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives for clarity.

What does it mean when something "doesn't bode well"?

When something ""doesn't bode well"", it suggests that the current situation indicates a negative or unfavorable outcome in the future.