ill-boding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ill-boding" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means having a bad or foreboding feeling about something. Example: The dark clouds and eerie silence were ill-boding signs of the impending storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mortgage applications are near a 15-year low, boding ill for the rest of the winter.

The New York Times

Hugely classy and absorbing, if boding ill for the current state of French feminism.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With only so much room to cut costs, analysts say that kind of performance will be difficult to repeat, perhaps boding ill for stocks this year.

The New York Times

With fewer youngsters working, Italy and Spain have seen a loss in productivity of about 2 percent, boding ill for future growth, Mr. Moëc estimated.

The New York Times

After Jackie Aprile Michael Rispolii), the acting boss of the Soprano family, died of cancer in Episode 4 last year, his menacing brother Richie David Provall) now shows up, boding ill for Soprano family harmony.

The New York Times

Despite recent concessions offered by Hungarian policy makers, many investors fear it will be very hard politically for the prime minister to change his policies in a significant way, boding ill for negotiations.

The New York Times

The unexpected news was seen as boding ill for Facebook, which is closely tied to Zynga and will issue its first earnings report as a public company on Thursday.

The New York Times

She and Hannah flee their decaying plantation home, where an ancient slave curse hovers over the planter's family, boding ill for her mistress, even after she recognizes Hannah as her "very dear sister".

The New York Times - Books

The planet's subtropical jet streams are creeping toward the poles, boding ill for life in temperate climes.

Science Magazine

Anecdotal evidence bodes ill.

The Economist

I haven't much faith in bodings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ill-boding" when you want to create a sense of impending doom or misfortune. It is particularly effective in narrative or descriptive writing to establish a dark or unsettling atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "ill-boding" in situations that only require a mild expression of concern. The phrase carries a strong connotation of negativity and is best reserved for scenarios where serious misfortune is anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill-boding" functions as a qualifying adjective, typically used to describe nouns that suggest a negative or unfavorable future outcome. It's employed to instill a sense of apprehension or expectation of misfortune, adding depth and gravity to the described entity or situation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ill-boding" functions as a qualifying adjective that communicates a premonition of negative events. It is a grammatically correct phrase, albeit less frequently used. While its specific register is neutral, its use conveys a sense of seriousness and is thus fitting for literary or journalistic contexts. Given Ludwig's assessment of the phrase's correctness, its use is encouraged where the user seeks to convey a feeling of apprehension or expectation of misfortune.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boding ill

Phrase with similar meaning, where the verb 'bode' is separated from the adjective 'ill'.

ill-omened

Similar to "ill-boding" but with a stronger emphasis on omens.

foreboding

Single word expressing a feeling that something bad will happen.

ominous

Single word expressing something bad is going to happen.

inauspicious

Describes something unfavorable or unlucky.

portentous

Suggests a sign or omen of something momentous or calamitous.

threatening

Expresses an intention to harm or damage.

unpromising

Indicates a lack of potential for success or a positive outcome.

looking bleak

Describes a situation with little or no hope for improvement.

casting a shadow

Suggests a negative influence or presence.

FAQs

How can I use "ill-boding" in a sentence?

You can use "ill-boding" to describe events, omens, or feelings that suggest something bad is about to happen. For example: "The "ill-boding silence" before the storm made everyone uneasy."

What's a simpler way to say "ill-boding"?

Alternatives to "ill-boding" include "ominous", "foreboding", or "inauspicious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ill-boding" the same as "boding ill"?

"Ill-boding" and "boding ill" are essentially interchangeable. Both phrases mean that something is a sign or indication of bad things to come.

When is it appropriate to use "ill-boding" in writing?

Use "ill-boding" when you want to create a sense of unease, anticipation, or foreboding in your writing. It's particularly effective in genres like horror, suspense, or tragedy.