promises well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promises well" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has good potential or is likely to succeed, but it would need more context to be fully understood. Example: "The new project promises well, suggesting that it could lead to significant advancements in our research."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This promises well for the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

The production's verve promises well for his regime.

The Guardian

In many ways the present position promises well for an expanding multidisciplinary approach to problems in the study of religion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If nothing else, the Philharmonic - trustees, administrators and players - have shown a united front that promises well for their selection.

The New York Times - Arts

That is better than the selectors had hoped for when they put him in the starting trio, and it promises well for the future.

The Guardian - Sport

Its premise on stage — a simple modern-dress rehearsal with no scenery other than some portable tables, boxes and mirrors — promises well, along "Vanya on 42nd Street" lines.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Developed by Kids Academy Company, it promises well-designed flashcards and animated videos.

The Guardian - Tech

The themed areas will include a child-centred "Kidbot Village", which looks at the history of robots, and Fun City, which promises well-known characters from film, comic books and video-games.

BBC

Having promised well, the third Test match turned out disappointingly.

The Times

(Unforgotten promised well but let itself down in the last episode).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Others promised to reduce the "carbon intensity" of their economies, which is to say to cut the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of G.D.P. Still others promised — well, not much.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "promises well", ensure the context clearly establishes what is expected to improve or succeed. Providing specific details will strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "promises well" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives that are more common in everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promises well" functions as a verb phrase, specifically acting as a comment on the potential or likelihood of a positive outcome. It is often used to express optimism or a favorable outlook regarding a particular situation or endeavor. As Ludwig AI hints, it may be better to use other alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "promises well" is a grammatically acceptable way to express optimism about a future outcome, though Ludwig AI analysis suggests it may sound somewhat uncommon or formal in modern English. It appears primarily in news and media contexts and can be replaced with more common alternatives like "looks promising" or "shows potential" for greater clarity and impact. While understandable, opting for these alternatives can enhance communication, especially in less formal settings. Its infrequent use contributes to the idea of choosing another option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holds promise

Similar to "shows potential" but slightly stronger in emphasizing expectation.

looks promising

Emphasizes the current appearance or initial signs as indicative of future success.

shows potential

Highlights the inherent capacity for future growth or achievement.

bodes well

A more formal and somewhat literary way of saying that something is a good omen.

augurs well

Similar to "bodes well" but even more archaic and literary.

portends well

Indicates that future events can be predicted positively based on current signs.

is a good sign

A simple and direct way to express that something positive is happening or likely to happen.

has a bright future

Focuses on the overall positive outlook for something in the long term.

is on the right track

Suggests that current actions are leading in a positive direction.

gives reason for optimism

Highlights the justification for a positive outlook or hopeful expectation.

FAQs

What does "promises well" mean?

The phrase "promises well" means that something seems likely to be successful or have a positive outcome. It indicates a favorable initial assessment or prediction.

How can I use "promises well" in a sentence?

You can use "promises well" to describe a situation, project, or individual that shows encouraging signs. For example, "The new research project promises well for finding a cure".

What can I say instead of "promises well"?

You can use alternatives like "looks promising", "shows potential", or "bodes well" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "promises well" or "looks promising"?

While both are grammatically correct, "looks promising" is generally more common and widely understood in contemporary English. "Promises well" can sound slightly formal or archaic.