foreboding message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreboding message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a message that conveys a sense of impending doom or a warning about something negative that may happen. Example: "The letter contained a foreboding message that left everyone feeling uneasy about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This was an awkward, if not foreboding, message to North Korea.

The New York Times

Finally, Undef should print to a foreboding message, because they should never appear in the top level.

Cornell University

One was given a foreboding message from a long-deceased aunt, another was told of the Brooklyn intersection where she would meet the love of her life.

The New York Times

Peering through the darkness, the only other evidence of things being awry is a hastily-printed poster bearing a foreboding message: "Cash Only".

The Guardian - Business

As soon as the ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol ended, the festive Jumbotrons flashed blue with a foreboding message: "Persons exiting the Mall should expect heavy pedestrian congestion … ALL EXITS NORTH ARE CLOSED". In keeping with the sober theme of the new president's address, perhaps this was all a plan to steel us for challenges ahead.

Princeton University

Just how close is Australia to being suspended by Fifa? "Welcome to day one of the 20-day PR war". That was the foreboding message I received last Wednesday by someone close to the latest chapter in Australian football's governance crisis.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A smaller, but vocal, contingent of protesters held signs with foreboding messages such as "Liar," "Cheat," "Resign" and "Impeach". One waved a scarlet A. Despite earlier hints from aides that Clinton might use Thursday's break from the first family's vacation to again address the Lewinsky scandal, he made no mention of the controversy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The trailer is 30 seconds of disconnected images underscored by deeply foreboding messages, first from Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) speaking of participating in the "great game," then from the High Sparrow Julian Gloverr) intoning how all deserve death, before finally hearing Jaqen H'ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) assure us that "a face will be added to the hall".

Los Angeles Times

The strategists worry that Republicans' foreboding immigration message is far more personal to most voters than the more modulated position of Democrats, whose push to protect the young immigrants known as Dreamers and to ensure humane treatment of undocumented people does not, in many cases, affect voters themselves.

The New York Times

Jonghyun's sister told police that she received foreboding text messages from her brother alluding to a "final farewell" and called emergency responders late Monday afternoon because she feared that Jonghyun was going to take his own life, Yonhap reported.

The Washington Post

Jonghyun's sister told police she received foreboding text messages from her brother alluding to a "final farewell" and called emergency responders late Monday afternoon because she feared Jonghyun was going to take his own life, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "foreboding message" with descriptive language to amplify its impact. For example, "The crumpled note contained a foreboding message, its words casting a long shadow of doubt."

Common error

Avoid using "foreboding message" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Instead, vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "ominous message" or "threatening message" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreboding message" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "foreboding" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "message". It is used to describe the quality or nature of the message, indicating that it conveys a sense of impending doom or warning. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreboding message" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a message that conveys a sense of impending doom or warning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in news and academic contexts. To enhance your writing, use it judiciously to create suspense and consider alternatives like "ominous message" or "threatening message" to avoid repetition. By understanding its connotations and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "foreboding message" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ominous message

Replaces "foreboding" with "ominous", emphasizing the threatening nature of the message.

threatening message

Substitutes "foreboding" with "threatening", highlighting the potential for harm.

ill-boding message

Uses "ill-boding" as a synonym for "foreboding", maintaining a sense of impending misfortune.

portentous message

Replaces "foreboding" with "portentous", suggesting that the message is a sign of things to come.

inauspicious message

Uses "inauspicious" to convey a sense of unfavorable circumstances suggested by the message.

message of doom

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the message's content.

message of ill omen

Highlights the message as a sign of negative future events.

warning of impending danger

Shifts from a noun phrase to a more explicit warning description.

premonitory message

Uses "premonitory" to indicate the message serves as a warning in advance.

message filled with dread

Focuses on the feeling of fear and apprehension caused by the message.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "foreboding message" in a sentence?

To use "foreboding message" effectively, ensure that the surrounding context supports the sense of impending doom or warning. For example, "The ancient prophecy delivered a foreboding message about the kingdom's fate."

What are some alternatives to "foreboding message"?

You can use alternatives like "ominous message", "threatening message", or "ill-boding message" to convey a similar sense of impending negativity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "foreboding message" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "foreboding message" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or critical topics. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. In some contexts, a more direct term like "warning" might be preferable.

What feeling does "foreboding message" typically evoke?

"Foreboding message" typically evokes feelings of unease, apprehension, and anticipation of negative future events. It's used to create suspense or signal potential danger.