it does not bode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not bode" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is a sign or omen of a negative outcome or situation. Example: "The lack of communication from the team does not bode well for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Travis County, where Austin is, experienced nearly all inflows (the black lines):Compare that to Santa Clara County where Silicon Valley is located, the red lines (outflows) signify a beeline to low or no tax states:It does not bode well for high tax states with nasty fiscal problems (talking to you California and New York).

The Economist

The iPhone has always been the main growth driver of the company, with iPad sales stalling, and if that engine starts to slow down it does not bode well for its future performance.

TechCrunch

It does not bode well.

The New York Times

It does not bode well for them.

The Guardian - Sport

It does not bode well for the future.

The Guardian

It does not bode well for the future, said Blakemore.

The Guardian

It does not bode well for the remaining years of Mr Obama's presidency.

The Economist

It does not bode well for the World Cup record book.

The New York Times - Sports

"It does not bode well for their intentions vis-à-vis Kerry," the official said.

The New York Times

It does not bode well for the rest of the comprehensive spending review.

The Economist

While the trend could turn around, it does not bode well for the study, some say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it does not bode" when you want to suggest that a current situation is a sign of potential future problems, especially in formal writing or when providing an analysis of events.

Common error

Avoid using "it does not bode" to describe positive or neutral situations. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, so ensure the context reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not bode" functions as a commentary phrase, expressing a negative prediction or indicating that a current situation is a sign of potential future problems. Ludwig AI affirms that it's correct and usable. The phrase sets a tone of caution and concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does not bode" is a commonly used expression to indicate that a current situation suggests a negative future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media contexts. The phrase is generally used in neutral to professional registers to express concern or caution. To avoid misuse, remember that "it does not bode" is appropriate only when discussing potentially negative future outcomes. If you want to add variety to your writing, you could use the phrases "it doesn't augur well", "it's a bad omen", or "it foreshadows trouble".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't augur well

A more formal synonym, replacing "bode" with "augur" for a similar negative prediction.

it's a bad omen

Focuses on the idea of a sign or portent, suggesting a negative future event.

it foreshadows trouble

Emphasizes that the current situation is a warning of potential future problems.

it portends badly

Similar to "augur well", "portend" suggests a sign of future events, but in a more formal style.

it spells disaster

Implies a very negative outcome, often suggesting a catastrophic event.

the writing's on the wall

An idiomatic expression indicating an inevitable negative outcome that is already apparent.

it's a recipe for disaster

Suggests that the current situation is likely to cause a negative outcome, emphasizing causality.

it looks grim

A more direct and less formal way to express that the situation seems unfavorable.

it signals decline

Focuses on the idea that the current situation indicates a downturn or deterioration.

it points to problems

Highlights the fact that the situation is a sign that there are problems coming.

FAQs

How can I use "it does not bode" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not bode" to suggest that a current situation is a sign of potential future problems. For example, "The company's declining sales figures do not bode well for its future prospects".

What are some alternatives to "it does not bode"?

You can use alternatives like "it doesn't augur well", "it's a bad omen", or "it foreshadows trouble depending on the context.

Is "bodes well" the opposite of "it does not bode"?

Yes, "bodes well" implies a positive future outcome, whereas "it does not bode" implies a negative one. Therefore, they are antonyms.

What is the level of formality of the phrase "it does not bode"?

The phrase "it does not bode" is generally considered formal and is often used in news articles, analytical reports, and professional communications.