it bodes ill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it bodes ill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is a sign of bad things to come or that it predicts negative outcomes. Example: "The sudden drop in sales bodes ill for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It bodes ill, too, for the AAP and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal.

The Economist

It bodes ill for democratic government.

The Economist

More important, it bodes ill for house prices.

The Economist

If he does not, it bodes ill for both his party and America.

The Economist

But it bodes ill for the quality of the sandwiches they serve.

The Economist

But it bodes ill for the people who live in this sprawling region.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It boded ill when they couldn't get the refrain right on this song.

The New Yorker

This act outraged Kokoschka less for his own sake than because it boded ill for the future of culture and humanity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It boded ill for tenth anniversary commemorations that the ninth anniversary seemed so bleak and filled with hateful rhetoric.

Huffington Post

It also bodes ill for the coming election.

The Economist

Rage against Israel, and behind it America, bodes ill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it bodes ill" to succinctly convey that a current situation or event suggests a negative future outcome. It's particularly effective when introducing a consequence or implication.

Common error

Avoid using "it bodes ill" for minor inconveniences. The phrase implies a significant negative outcome, so reserve it for situations with serious potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it bodes ill" functions as a predictive statement, forecasting negative future outcomes based on current circumstances. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for conveying a sense of impending misfortune.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it bodes ill" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a current situation foreshadows negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings, signaling upcoming misfortunes or negative developments. While the phrase is effective for conveying a sense of foreboding, it's essential to reserve it for situations with genuinely significant potential consequences. Related alternatives include "it foreshadows trouble" and "it suggests trouble ahead".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it foreshadows trouble

Emphasizes the predictive aspect, suggesting that future problems are being hinted at.

it portends misfortune

Uses a more formal and literary term to indicate upcoming bad luck or negative events.

it augurs poorly

Employs a slightly archaic term to suggest that the signs are not favorable.

it spells disaster

Highlights the potential for a catastrophic outcome, focusing on the severity of the consequences.

it's a bad omen

Uses a more direct and widely understood expression for a sign of something negative to come.

it suggests trouble ahead

Less formal, highlighting potential future difficulties

it hints at a downturn

Specifically implies a decline or worsening of a situation

it raises concerns

Focuses on the worrisome aspect, indicating that something is causing anxiety.

it's a worrying sign

Simplifies the expression to emphasize the cause for concern or unease.

it threatens a negative outcome

Directly states the potential for an undesirable result, focusing on the risk.

FAQs

How can I use "it bodes ill" in a sentence?

Use "it bodes ill" to introduce a negative implication or prediction based on a current event or situation. For example, "The company's declining sales figures "it bodes ill" for its future profitability".

What does "it bodes ill" mean?

The phrase "it bodes ill" means that something is a sign of bad things to come or predicts negative outcomes. It suggests that the current situation is likely to lead to unfavorable results.

What can I say instead of "it bodes ill"?

You can use alternatives like "it foreshadows trouble", "it portends misfortune", or "it suggests trouble ahead" depending on the context.

Is "it bodes ill" formal or informal?

"It bodes ill" leans towards the formal side, but can be used in neutral contexts as well. Alternatives like "it's a bad omen" might be more appropriate for informal settings.