foretells misfortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foretells misfortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing predictions or omens that indicate bad luck or negative outcomes. Example: "The dark clouds gathering on the horizon seem to foretells misfortune for the upcoming festival."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

14 According to Justin, 22.6.2, he explained away the omen to his men, saying that if it had happened before the expedition started it would have portended evil to them, but since it took place after the sailing it foretold misfortune for their enemies.

University of Chicago

Le Nain's appearance seems to foretell the misfortune of whoever sees it, or more generally the misfortune of the city as a whole.

Huffington Post

Manfredi constructs his narrative with a methodical hand; all the characters possess unchanging personalities that foretell their successes or misfortunes.

The New Yorker

This foretells good things.

The Washington Post

Misfortune has been piled on misfortune.

The Economist

Also: misfortune hunters.

The New York Times

People suffered misfortune".

The New York Times - Sports

This is its misfortune.

The Economist

That is their misfortune.

The Washington Post

That is India's misfortune.

The Economist

O, what terrible misfortune.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foretells misfortune" to create a sense of foreboding or impending doom in narrative writing. It works best when hinting at future negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "foretells misfortune" too frequently in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or archaic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "predicts bad luck" or "suggests trouble" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foretells misfortune" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the act of predicting or foreshadowing negative events. It is often used to describe omens, signs, or prophecies.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foretells misfortune" is a grammatically sound way to express the prediction of negative events. However, Ludwig indicates that the phrase currently has limited use, resulting in a classification of "Missing" in terms of frequency. The phrase functions primarily to create a sense of impending doom or anticipation, most appropriately in more formal contexts. While semantically valid, it's important to consider simpler alternatives in informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predicts bad luck

Replaces "foretells" with a more common synonym and "misfortune" with a less formal term.

portends ill fortune

Uses a more formal and literary vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

augurs poorly

Employs a classical allusion and a more concise expression.

bodes negatively

Offers a straightforward alternative using a less common verb.

signals trouble ahead

Shifts the focus to the warning aspect of the prediction.

foreshadows calamity

Implies a grander scale of negative events.

indicates a bleak future

Broadens the scope of the prediction to the overall future outlook.

heralds a downturn

Suggests an economic or societal decline.

promises adversity

Highlights the impending hardship.

spells disaster

Uses a more emphatic term for a severe negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "foretells misfortune" in a sentence?

You can use "foretells misfortune" to describe omens or predictions that suggest negative future events. For instance, "The raven's presence foretells misfortune for the family."

What are some alternatives to "foretells misfortune"?

You can use alternatives like "predicts bad luck", "portends ill fortune", or "signals trouble ahead" depending on the context.

Is "foretells misfortune" a formal or informal phrase?

"Foretells misfortune" leans towards the formal side due to its use of "foretells" and "misfortune". Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "foretells misfortune" and "predicts problems"?

"Foretells misfortune" carries a sense of fate or destiny, suggesting that the bad outcome is inevitable. "Predicts problems" is more general and might imply that the issues are foreseeable but not necessarily unavoidable.