was bound to

USAGE SUMMARY

"was bound to" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something was certain to happen or was likely to happen. Example: With the new regulation, the company was bound to experience financial losses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

This was bound to happen.

The New York Times

But gravity was bound to take hold.

The New York Times - Sports

LONDON — It was bound to happen.

The New York Times - Arts

SOMETHING sinister was bound to happen.

The Economist

Someone was bound to do it eventually.

The Guardian - Arts

It was bound to be awkward.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They are bound to.

The New York Times - Arts

Something is bound to happen.

The New York Times

It's bound to happen.

The New York Times

It is bound to retaliate.

The Economist

It is bound to fail.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was bound to" to express a strong expectation or inevitability based on existing conditions or past events. For instance: "Given the company's financial state, bankruptcy was bound to happen."

Common error

Avoid using "was bound to" for events without a clear cause or strong likelihood. For instance, instead of saying "It was bound to rain tomorrow" (without any supporting evidence), use "It might rain tomorrow" or "It is likely to rain tomorrow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bound to" functions as a modal idiom expressing a high degree of certainty or inevitability regarding a past event. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that the outcome was highly predictable based on existing circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was bound to" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of inevitability or expectation about a past event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily in news and media. While adaptable to different registers, it should be used judiciously, avoiding situations where the outcome lacks a clear basis. Consider synonyms like "was destined to" or "was certain to" for formal contexts. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was destined to

Emphasizes fate or a predetermined outcome, adding a sense of inevitability beyond simple likelihood.

was certain to

Highlights the certainty of an event, focusing on the lack of doubt surrounding it.

was sure to

Similar to "was certain to" but can sometimes imply a slightly lower degree of confidence.

was likely to

Indicates a high probability but allows for the possibility of other outcomes.

was going to

Implies a plan or expectation, suggesting a future action or event.

was set to

Suggests preparation or arrangement for something to occur, highlighting readiness.

was on track to

Highlights progress and momentum toward a particular outcome.

was slated to

Suggests a formal scheduling or planning of an event, often used in professional contexts.

was expected to

Indicates anticipation or prediction based on current knowledge or trends.

was poised to

Emphasizes readiness and potential, often used to describe a situation just before a significant event.

FAQs

How can I use "was bound to" in a sentence?

Use "was bound to" to indicate that something was very likely or certain to happen due to specific circumstances. For example, "Given his reckless driving, an accident "was bound to" happen."

What's the difference between "was bound to" and "was likely to"?

"Was bound to" suggests a stronger sense of inevitability or certainty than "was likely to". While both indicate a high probability, "was bound to" implies that the outcome was almost unavoidable under the circumstances.

Are there formal alternatives to "was bound to"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "was destined to" or "was certain to" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone. For instance: "The project, given its inherent flaws, was destined to fail."

Can I use "is bound to" instead of "was bound to"?

Yes, "is bound to" is the present tense form and is used when discussing future events in the present context. "Was bound to" is used to describe events that were likely or certain in the past.