he is bound to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is bound to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is certain to do something or is obligated to do it. Example: "Given his experience, he is bound to succeed in this role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Next week he is bound to face questioning about that.

The Guardian

Whatever he does, he is bound to displease somebody.

The Guardian - Film

Friends say that whatever his strategic views, he is bound to be straightforward about expressing them.

The New York Times

So did Mr. Malkin, who said he is bound to confidentiality in an arbitration procedure.

The New York Times

Putin has to choose; I think he is bound to choose the latter option".

The New York Times - Magazine

If you remember him from 1998, he is bound to be something different now.

The New York Times

Given the tensions, he is bound to have a tough job keeping the Bundesbank happy while it slims.

The Economist

So, because it is the truth, he is bound to say it, and that's going to offend some people.

The New Yorker

No matter when it happens — if it happens — he is bound to get a reaction from the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

When a man of 50 marries a girl of 15 he is bound to have trouble, Claudius sagely reflects somewhere.

The Guardian - Books

Though Culpepper's physical skill and football smarts are solid, he is bound to endure some rough spots.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is bound to" when you want to express a high degree of certainty or obligation. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts, adding a touch of inevitability to your statement.

Common error

While "he is bound to" is versatile, excessive use in casual conversation can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "he's sure to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is bound to" primarily functions as a modal expression indicating a high degree of certainty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts to express assured future outcomes or necessary actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is bound to" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of certainty or obligation. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to maintain a balanced tone, especially in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase's neutral register and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable tool for expressing assurance and inevitability in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is certain to

Emphasizes certainty about a future event, similar to "he is bound to" but slightly less formal.

he is sure to

Indicates a strong expectation or likelihood of something happening, conveying confidence.

he is destined to

Suggests that a future event is predetermined or inevitable, often implying a sense of fate.

he will definitely

Highlights the assurance that something will occur, providing a straightforward affirmation.

he is guaranteed to

Implies a strong promise or assurance, often used in contexts where there is a formal guarantee.

he must

Expresses a strong obligation or necessity, indicating that an action is required or unavoidable.

he has to

Indicates a need or obligation, similar to "must" but often used in more informal contexts.

he is required to

Emphasizes a formal obligation or requirement, often stemming from rules or regulations.

it is inevitable that he will

Highlights the unavoidable nature of a future event, conveying a sense of inevitability.

he is slated to

Indicates something that is scheduled or planned, with a high likelihood of occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "he is bound to" in a sentence?

Use "he is bound to" to indicate a high degree of certainty or obligation. For example, "Given his experience, "he is bound to" succeed."

What's a more informal way to say "he is bound to"?

In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "he is sure to" or "he is certain to" to convey a similar meaning with a less formal tone.

Is there a difference between "he is bound to" and "he is likely to"?

"He is bound to" suggests a higher degree of certainty or obligation than "he is likely to". "He is likely to" indicates a probability, while ""he is bound to"" implies a near certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "he is destined to" instead of "he is bound to"?

Use "he is destined to" when you want to convey a sense of fate or predetermination, whereas ""he is bound to"" suggests a high probability or obligation based on current circumstances.