ominous developments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous developments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or changes that suggest something bad or threatening may happen in the future. Example: "The news of the sudden layoffs and budget cuts were seen as ominous developments for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Yet this effervescence belies some ominous developments in politics and the economy.

The New York Times

Ominous developments followed the deaths of both Amalric and Nūr al-Dīn in 1174.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further ominous developments, cited by Human Rights Watch, include the arrest of one key defense witness and the preparation of criminal charges against nine more.

The New York Times

But there were further ominous developments in Syria, where Isis appeared to be on the verge of taking the Kurdish town of Kobani.

The Guardian

Nashir, the Khanabad governor, who is the scion of a prominent family, said that the rise of the warlords was just the latest in a series of ominous developments in a country where government officials exercise virtually no independent authority.

The New Yorker

These are ominous developments at a time when a college diploma has become the ticket for admission into the new economy and a basic requirement for a middle-class life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For owners of traditional malls, it is an ominous development.

The New York Times

There has been a parallel, even more ominous development.

The Guardian

But Raanan Gissin, an aide to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, called the latest arrests "an ominous development".

The New York Times

This is an ominous development for stars such as Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, both now a dangerously advanced thirty-two.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, 21 miners died in two separate accidents last week, an ominous development for an industry suddenly operating at full throttle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ominous developments", ensure the context clearly establishes the potential negative consequences. Provide specific details about what makes the developments ominous to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ominous developments" without specifying why the developments are ominous. Generic statements lack impact. Instead, clearly link the developments to potential negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous developments" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ominous" modifies the noun "developments". It describes a set of events or circumstances that signal potential danger or misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ominous developments" is used to describe situations suggesting potential danger or misfortune. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriate use in neutral to professional contexts, mainly within news, encyclopedias, and to a lesser extent, scientific domains. The phrase serves to express concern or foreboding, signaling the potential for negative outcomes. It's important to provide context on why developments are "ominous" to enhance clarity and impact. Consider using synonyms like "foreboding events" or "threatening changes" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreboding events

Emphasizes the feeling of impending doom associated with the developments.

threatening changes

Focuses on the potential harm or danger implied by the developments.

ill-boding signs

Highlights the role of the developments as indicators of future trouble.

inauspicious circumstances

Stresses the unfavorable nature of the situation.

worrisome trends

Indicates a pattern of developments that cause concern.

unfavorable turns

Highlights the shift towards negative outcomes.

alarming signals

Focuses on the warning aspect of the developments.

disquieting occurrences

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the developments.

dreadful prospects

Highlights the negative future possibilities suggested by the developments.

menacing signs

Focuses on the threatening aspect of the indicators.

FAQs

How can I use "ominous developments" in a sentence?

You can use "ominous developments" to describe events or changes that suggest something bad or threatening may happen in the future. For example, "The rising unemployment rate and declining consumer confidence are "ominous developments" for the economy."

What are some alternatives to saying "ominous developments"?

You can use alternatives like "foreboding events", "threatening changes", or "worrisome trends", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ominous development" or "ominous developments"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single event or multiple events. "Ominous development" refers to a single, concerning event, while "ominous developments" refers to multiple concerning events.

What makes a development "ominous"?

A development is considered "ominous" if it suggests or indicates that something bad or unpleasant is likely to happen in the future. The term implies a sense of foreboding or impending doom.