is very ominous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very ominous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, event, or atmosphere that suggests something bad or threatening may happen. Example: "The dark clouds gathering on the horizon are very ominous, indicating a storm is approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The situation is very ominous," said Gerry Conway, the director of government affairs for the New York State Medical Society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's very ominous, all of these knives poised over his head.

The New York Times

It's very ominous.

Huffington Post

These last two figures are very ominous: they show intense public opposition to the pro-US policies of these nations, a recipe for violence or even revolution.

Huffington Post

"With a state as visible as New York, for the exchange to be obstructed is a very ominous sign for the ultimate implementation of the Affordable Care Act".

The New York Times

"We have seen one example already of a bribery conviction that was overturned because of McDonnell, and that is a very ominous sign," he continued, referring to former NY State Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, whose corruption conviction was overturned this July.

Vice

Councilwoman Margaret Chin brought up a line in next year's Department of Education budget that calls for more money for full-time support staff members and asked, "Who are these people?" Councilman G. Oliver Koppell offered Mr. Walcott a stern admonishment: "Saying you're going to have to lay off teachers is a very ominous statement.

The New York Times

Relapsing after a BMT is a very ominous sign and because Shannon's form of AML is considered chemo-resistant, the doctors told her quite bluntly that there was no established medical protocol for the situation she is now in and that there was not much they could do for her.

Huffington Post

Little do the fighters know, there is something very ominous about the competition itself.

Huffington Post

The sky is a very ominous and powerful purple hue, and I can see nothing but water and horizon ahead.

Vice

The works were "very polished, dark, ominous, mechanical," Ms. Gladstone said, likening some to Darth Vader, the villain in the "Star Wars" movies.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider preceding "is very ominous" with adverbs like "increasingly" or "exceptionally" to further intensify the sense of foreboding.

Common error

Avoid using "is very ominous" in everyday, lighthearted situations. Its strong negative connotation can sound overly dramatic or out of place if the context doesn't warrant such intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very ominous" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject with a strong sense of impending doom or negativity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it paints a picture of something threatening.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very ominous" is a grammatically correct and potent way to express a strong sense of foreboding or impending negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in news and media, adding a layer of severity to the described situation. While its intensity makes it appropriate for formal contexts, it's important to avoid overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like ""is highly threatening"" or ""is quite foreboding"" to subtly adjust the tone. The phrase sees most usage in news and media contexts, reflecting its role in highlighting potentially negative events or situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is highly threatening

Emphasizes the threatening nature of the situation more directly.

is quite foreboding

Highlights the sense of impending doom or misfortune.

is deeply unsettling

Focuses on the disturbing or disquieting aspect of the situation.

is extremely alarming

Stresses the urgency and potential danger of the situation.

is rather menacing

Suggests a more active and deliberate threat.

portends ill

A more formal and literary way to express that something bad is likely to happen.

augurs badly

Similar to "portends ill" but slightly less formal.

bodes poorly

Indicates that the situation does not promise a good outcome.

is pregnant with danger

Highlights the latent or hidden danger within the situation.

spells trouble

A more colloquial way of saying that something bad is likely to happen.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is very ominous"?

When something "is very ominous", it suggests that something bad or unpleasant is likely to happen. It conveys a strong sense of foreboding or threat.

How can I use "is very ominous" in a sentence?

You can use "is very ominous" to describe a situation, event, or sign that indicates potential danger or misfortune. For example, "The silence before the storm is very ominous."

What are some alternatives to "is very ominous"?

Alternatives include "is highly threatening", "is quite foreboding", or "is deeply unsettling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is very ominous" in formal writing?

Yes, "is very ominous" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing serious or critical situations. However, be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall message.