presage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an indication or warning of a future event, often something negative or ominous. Example: "The dark clouds on the horizon seemed to presage a storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While their growing eminence may or may not presage a new era of European dominance, their swelling popularity reveals the power of their thumb-twitching pastime — and how eager golf fans are for vivid personalities.

The New York Times - Sports

A Tory win might presage moves towards the harsher US economic and political model, outside the EU, possibly outside the current UK because Scotland would then go its own way.

The Guardian

In July, Mr Immelt said that he would reorganise GE Capital's 26 financial businesses into four big units, which seemed to presage bloodletting.

The Economist

But it may presage a longer slowdown.

The Economist

Takashi Koyari had been expected to win handily, but a former lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, Taizo Mikazuki, narrowly defeated him.The LDP's defeat may presage further headaches for Mr Abe.

The Economist

The somewhat manufactured quality of this year's political tantrum over oil may presage big changes to come.

The Economist

The bigger question in the minds of Gazans and Israelis was whether the lull, the longest since the war began, could presage the start of deeper negotiations.The Al-Badia coffee shop on Gaza City's main street has lifted its shutters to sell its beans, but not yet to reopen its upstairs café for the well-to-do.

The Economist

Unusually warm waters off the coast of Peru.These hot seas presage the arrival of El Niño, the name given to the exceptionally warm and long-lived ocean currents that lap the coast of Peru and Ecuador every two to seven years.

The Economist

One possibility is that his isolation could presage a resumption of fighting between Turks and Kurds.One of Mr Ocalan's lawyers says that he and his colleagues have been denied access to the Kurdish leader since November 27th, the day before Turkey's new government, led by the conservative Justice and Development party, won the parliamentary vote of confidence that secured its place in power.

The Economist

MIGHT the mental meanderings of bookworms presage who will be the next American president?

The Economist

The bombing of a petrol station close to Damascus by one of Mr Assad's aircraft on January 2nd, killing dozens of civilians, and the firing of ballistic missiles at rebel-held towns presage a host of horrors ahead.With little sign of a shift in policy by outsiders or insiders, a bloody stalemate looks set to persist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presage" when you want to suggest that something is a sign or warning of a future event, particularly if that event is negative or significant.

Common error

While "presage" is a valid word, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "suggest" or "indicate" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "presage" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to indicate or warn of a future event. As a noun, it refers to a feeling or sign that something is about to happen. Ludwig confirms that "presage" is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presage" is a versatile word functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to suggest or indicate a future event, often of a significant or ominous nature. Ludwig AI confirms that "presage" is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, lending a formal tone to writing. While grammatically sound, avoid overuse in casual conversation, opting for simpler alternatives. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and The New York Times underscores its reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreshadow

Similar to "presage", but often used in literary contexts to hint at future events within a narrative.

portend

Implies a more ominous or significant warning of a future event than "presage".

augur

Often used in a more formal or traditional context, suggesting divination or interpretation of omens.

bode

Indicates a sign or omen, typically suggesting a particular outcome, good or bad.

foretell

A direct and explicit prediction of a future event, lacking the subtlety of "presage".

predict

A general term for stating what will happen in the future, often based on analysis or evidence.

forecast

Usually refers to predicting specific events, like weather or economic trends, with a degree of detail.

indicate

A more general term for showing or pointing out something, which may include future possibilities.

suggest

Implies a hint or indirect indication of something, rather than a strong prediction.

signal

Emphasizes the communication of information about a future event, often as a warning.

FAQs

How do you use "presage" in a sentence?

You can use "presage" to indicate that something is a sign or warning of a future event. For example: "The economic downturn may "presage" further job losses."

What are some synonyms for "presage"?

Some synonyms for "presage" include "foreshadow", "portend", "augur", and "bode". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "presage" a formal word?

Yes, "presage" is generally considered a formal word. While grammatically correct, it might sound out of place in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "suggest" or "indicate" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "presage" and "predict"?

"Presage" implies a sign or warning of a future event, often with a sense of foreboding, while "predict" is a more general term for stating what will happen in the future based on analysis or evidence.