we were bound for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were bound for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a destination or goal that someone is heading towards, often in the context of travel or movement. Example: "After a long journey, we were bound for the beautiful city of Paris."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We were bound for the graveyard.

The New Yorker

We were bound for Galway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were bound for Vienna and the occasion was historic.

The Guardian - Books

We were bound for a factory in Suzhou that makes snack foods.

The New Yorker

We were bound for Salamanca, an inquisitive university city, but broke the long stretch in Palencia.

The Guardian - Travel

A week after the pivotal Monday Night Football game that ended the referees' lockout, we were bound for a letdown.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We're bound for an unusual "cottage".

The Guardian - Travel

He is conscious that his prospects of finding allies in Europe willing to accommodate British demands are weakened if they conclude that we are bound for the exit.

The Guardian - Opinion

When both parties treat the deficit commission's early viewpoints as untouchable, we are bound for another two years of unconstructive discourse while the bills continue to skyrocket.

The New York Times

In return, next week, when we're settled into our seats, the cabin door has just been closed, and we're bound for glory and adventure somewhere awesome, we'll spare you the details.

The New Yorker

We're bound for an extraordinary rail-yard finale that involves seemingly half the country's population and a living-versus-undead dust-up atop a runaway loco, but Yeon keeps us guessing until the nervy closing seconds.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were bound for" to create a sense of anticipation or determination in your writing. It suggests a planned journey or a fixed outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "we were bound for" when you mean "we were obligated to". The phrase specifically indicates a destination, not a responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were bound for" functions as a verb phrase indicating direction or destination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It combines a pronoun, auxiliary verb, and a prepositional phrase to denote a planned journey or intended location.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were bound for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a planned journey or destination. As Ludwig AI highlights, the expression is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, travel writing, and narratives. While synonyms like "we were heading towards" offer similar meanings, it's important to distinguish its usage from phrases like "we are bound to", which imply obligation rather than direction. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various writing styles and contexts, reflecting its common usage and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were heading towards

Replaces "bound for" with a more common synonym, focusing on the direction of travel.

we were on our way to

A very common and simple way to express the act of traveling to a destination.

we were en route to

Uses a slightly more formal tone to indicate the journey to a destination.

we were making for

Emphasizes the act of progressing towards a particular place.

we set out for

Highlights the beginning of the journey towards a specific location.

our destination was

Shifts the focus from the journey to the final location.

we aimed for

Indicates an intention or goal of reaching a certain place.

we planned to go to

Focuses on the planning aspect and the intended destination.

we were destined for

Suggests a sense of inevitability or fate in reaching the destination.

we were scheduled to arrive at

Highlights the planned arrival at a specific place according to a schedule.

FAQs

How can I use "we were bound for" in a sentence?

Use "we were bound for" to indicate the destination of a journey. For example: "After a long day of travel, "we were bound for" home."

What is a synonym for "we were bound for"?

A synonym for "we were bound for" is "we were heading towards", which also indicates direction.

Is it correct to say "we are bound to" instead of "we were bound for"?

No, "we are bound to" implies obligation or certainty, whereas "we were bound for" indicates a destination. The phrases have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.

What does "bound for" mean in the phrase "we were bound for"?

"Bound for" in this context means heading towards or destined for. It specifies the place or outcome that is the aim of the journey or activity.