it is ominous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is ominous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, event, or sign that suggests something bad or threatening may happen. Example: "The dark clouds gathering on the horizon made it clear that it is ominous for the outdoor event planned for later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But for the public sector everywhere, it is ominous.

The Economist

It is ominous and fearful, dying as it gives birth in black and gold.

The Guardian - Arts

It is ominous, but there is nothing he can do about it.

The New York Times

It is ominous and powerful that this can become so desirable".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is ominous because it suggests that the monitors will not be given free access as was hoped.

The Guardian

Yet it is ominous for Livingstone that the Comres poll shows Johnson still ahead in outer London on second preferences by 60 to 40 points.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was ominous.

The Guardian - Sport

It was ominous that before the Brisbane Test Australia knew their best side; England didn't.

The Guardian - Sport

McPherson plays are not exactly commercial blockbusters, so it's ominous to see it languishing this way.

The New York Times

"I think it's ominous," said Lee Bollinger, the president of Columbia University, who as president of the University of Michigan was a defendant in the Grutter case.

The New York Times

Though the loss was a bad one for St Louis, it was ominous, too, as it came to a Chicago team that lacked its two top forwards, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is ominous" to describe situations that suggest potential negative outcomes, especially when there's a sense of foreboding or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it is ominous" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. Reserve it for situations with genuine potential for serious negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is ominous" primarily functions as a comment or observation expressing a sense of foreboding or the anticipation of negative events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. The examples in Ludwig show its use in describing political situations, weather events and sports outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is ominous" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized expression used to denote a sense of foreboding or impending negative events, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to alert audiences to potential threats, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While correct, avoid overuse in trivial situations and consider similar alternatives such as "it is foreboding" or "it is threatening" for subtle differences in meaning. Pay attention to the potential misuse and keep the expression for situations with the reasonable prospect of bad consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is foreboding

Emphasizes a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

it is threatening

Suggests an active source of potential harm or danger.

it is inauspicious

Implies unfavorable conditions or ill omens for future events.

it is alarming

Highlights the sense of urgency and potential danger.

it is disquieting

Focuses on the feeling of unease and anxiety produced by the situation.

it is disturbing

Emphasizes the disruption of peace and tranquility.

it is unsettling

Highlights the feeling of being mentally or emotionally disturbed.

it is ill-boding

Similar to "foreboding" but less common.

it looks grim

Describes a bleak or depressing outlook.

it portends trouble

Suggests that something indicates future difficulties or problems.

FAQs

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

Use "it is ominous" to describe a situation, event, or sign that suggests something bad or threatening may happen. For example: "The silence before the storm "it is ominous".".

What can I say instead of "it is ominous"?

You can use alternatives like "it is foreboding", "it is threatening", or "it is alarming" depending on the context.

Is "it is ominous" formal or informal?

"It is ominous" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, often used in news reports and analytical writing. It's less common in casual conversation.

What feeling does "it is ominous" convey?

"It is ominous" conveys a sense of foreboding, suggesting that something bad or dangerous is likely to happen. It creates a feeling of unease or apprehension.