this is ominous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is ominous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that seems threatening or foreboding. Example: "The dark clouds gathering in the sky made me feel that this is ominous for our picnic plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is ominous.

The New Yorker

I think this is ominous.

The Guardian - Sport

The upshot of all this is ominous for conservatives.

The New York Times

This is ominous, especially since voters had a much wider choice of candidates than usual.

The Economist

This is ominous, because Japan's gaming market is often a harbinger of global trends.

The Economist

This is ominous for Mr Obama, because it is the growth in overall income that seems most closely to predict a president's re-election chances.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For businesses this was ominous, said Williger Joseph chairman of Willi Food, whose warehouse in Yavne to the south of Tel Aviv is piled high with tinned, canned and bottled produce for distribution across the country and beyond.

BBC

This result is ominous because Republican Mitt Romney received only 27% of the Latino vote in his huge loss to President Barack Obama in 2012.

Huffington Post

We are not rushing to judgement on this government though the silence is ominous.

Independent

"We are not rushing to judgement on this government though the silence is ominous," they warn.

Independent

Albeit, the implication of this trend in developing countries is ominous because of the poor state of health services and associated high prevalence of communicable diseases.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is ominous" to succinctly convey a sense of foreboding or impending negative consequences, especially when describing events or trends.

Common error

While "ominous" effectively conveys a sense of dread, reserve it for situations where the tone warrants such gravity. In less serious contexts, consider alternatives like "worrying" or "concerning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is ominous" functions as a comment or observation expressing a negative prediction or a sense of impending doom. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, often highlighting situations that seem threatening or foreboding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is ominous" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of foreboding or impending negativity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's more suited for analytical discussions than casual chats. Consider synonyms such as "this is a bad sign" or "this is worrying" to adapt the tone to different contexts. The phrase, although not frequent, effectively signals concern and potential negative consequences, making it a valuable tool for expressing apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a foreboding indication

Uses a more formal synonym for "ominous", maintaining a sense of impending negativity.

this is a bad sign

Replaces "ominous" with a more direct and common expression indicating a negative prediction.

this suggests trouble ahead

Hints at future problems or difficulties based on the current situation.

this is a worrying development

Focuses on the concern or anxiety caused by the situation, rather than a sense of impending doom.

this bodes ill

A more archaic and literary way of saying something is a bad omen.

things are looking grim

Uses a more informal and evocative adjective to describe a negative or unfavorable situation.

this is a cause for concern

Highlights the potential negative consequences and the need for attention or action.

this spells disaster

Emphasizes a catastrophic outcome that is likely to occur.

this is a disturbing trend

Emphasizes an unsettling pattern or movement, suggesting unease or potential problems.

the outlook is bleak

Shifts the focus to the overall future prospects, portraying a negative or unfavorable scenario.

FAQs

What does "this is ominous" mean?

The phrase "this is ominous" means that something indicates that bad or unpleasant things are likely to happen in the future. It suggests a sense of foreboding or that something threatening is on the horizon.

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

You can use alternatives like "this is a bad sign", "this is worrying", or "this is a cause for concern" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "this is ominous" in a sentence?

You can use "this is ominous" to describe a situation that seems threatening or suggests that something bad is about to happen. For example: "The sudden drop in stock prices, "this is ominous" for the economy."

Is "this is ominous" formal or informal?

The phrase "this is ominous" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in news reports and analytical discussions than in casual conversation. Its formality depends on the situation and the tone you want to convey.