forebodes trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forebodes trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is a sign or warning of potential problems or difficulties ahead. Example: "The dark clouds gathering in the sky forebodes trouble for our outdoor event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The recognition by Col. Timothy R. Reese that the United States presence in Iraq causes resentment and forebodes trouble between the two countries presents a hopeful sign of evolving awareness in the American people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is not an ingratiating smile, but one that forebodes ill.

The New York Times

What makes Kaliningrad's experience significant is what it forebodes for Russia as a whole.

The New York Times

It forebodes how hazardous (and how likely to fail) Yvonne's quest to save the Consul is.

The New Yorker

I was told as a child it forebodes death to have an empty chair at a formal dinner.

The Guardian

Africa is in trouble.

Progress in Planning

"I doubt it but cross fingers, sometimes all their energy  goes into the first set and then, if it's not Nadal!, they fizzle out.... .. she forebodes.

The Guardian - Sport

For some secular Pakistanis, Mr. Sharif's return forebodes a strengthening of the religious right, which already has more seats in Parliament than when he was prime minister.

The New York Times

"You're trouble.

The New Yorker

Foul trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Some trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forebodes trouble" when you want to add a sense of impending doom or serious problems to your writing. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing or when setting a somber tone.

Common error

Avoid using "forebodes trouble" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "suggests problems" or "indicates difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forebodes trouble" functions as a verb phrase, where "forebodes" acts as a transitive verb taking "trouble" as its direct object. This construction, as seen in the Ludwig examples, serves to predict or foreshadow potential difficulties.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forebodes trouble" is a formal expression used to indicate that something suggests or predicts future problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. While the phrase itself isn't particularly common, its use is appropriate in professional and formal writing to add an element of seriousness and caution. Keep in mind that less dramatic alternatives like "signals trouble" or "indicates future problems" may be better suited in less formal contexts. Use "forebodes trouble" when you want to add a sense of impending doom or serious problems to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signals upcoming difficulty

Replaces "forebodes" with "signals" and uses "upcoming difficulty" instead of "trouble" to convey a similar meaning.

portends difficulties ahead

"Portends" is a more formal synonym for "forebodes", and "difficulties ahead" is used instead of "trouble".

indicates future problems

Uses "indicates" as a more direct synonym for "forebodes" and "future problems" instead of "trouble".

suggests impending hardship

Employs "suggests" and replaces "trouble" with "impending hardship" to emphasize the severity.

presages coming issues

"Presages" is a less common synonym for "forebodes", and "coming issues" is a more general term for "trouble".

hints at future adversity

Uses "hints at" to soften the prediction of "future adversity" instead of directly stating "trouble".

foretells tribulation

"Foretells" and "tribulation" are more archaic and dramatic synonyms for "forebodes" and "trouble" respectively.

augurs ill for

Replaces the entire phrase with a shorter, more idiomatic expression meaning to be a bad omen for something.

promises misfortune

Uses "promises" ironically to indicate that something will likely lead to negative results or bad luck.

spells disaster

A more dramatic expression indicating a very negative future outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "forebodes trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "forebodes trouble" to indicate that something is a sign or warning of potential problems ahead. For example, "The economic downturn "forebodes trouble" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "forebodes trouble"?

Alternatives include "signals trouble", "portends difficulty", or "indicates future problems". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "forebodes trouble" formal or informal?

"Forebodes trouble" is generally considered a formal phrase. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "forebodes trouble" and "suggests trouble"?

"Forebodes trouble" carries a stronger sense of impending doom or serious consequences compared to "suggests trouble", which is milder and less dramatic.