Be bound to
Definition
Be bound to expresses a very strong expectation that something will happen or prove true. It is followed by the base form of a verb and often suggests that the result is natural, unavoidable or highly predictable.
Examples
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Prices are bound to rise after the shortage.
The speaker sees the increase as almost inevitable.
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You're bound to make a few mistakes at first.
The result is presented as a normal and expected part of the process.
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The issue was bound to cause disagreement.
The past form describes a result that was highly predictable from an earlier viewpoint.
Likely to vs. bound to
The train is likely to be late.
Lateness is probable, but not presented as virtually certain.
The train is bound to be late in this weather.
The speaker presents lateness as almost inevitable.
Likely to expresses probability. Bound to normally communicates a stronger and more confident prediction.
The expression can be reassuring or critical
The tone depends on the event described. Bound to can reassure someone about a positive result or warn that a problem is unavoidable.
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With that preparation, you are bound to do well.
The strong expectation is positive and reassuring.
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Ignoring the warning was bound to create problems.
The strong expectation is negative and critical.
Common mistakes
The plan is bound failing.
The plan is bound to fail.
Bound is followed by to + base verb.
She bound to notice the change.
She is bound to notice the change.
The expression needs a form of be.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence expresses an almost inevitable result?
Is bound to cause presents the result as highly predictable or unavoidable.Which sentence is structurally correct?
The pattern is be bound to + base verb.Which sentence uses the past form correctly?
The past form uses was/were bound to + base verb.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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