Strong expectations about an outcome

The idea

Use be bound to followed by a base verb to express a strong expectation. Change be to agree with the subject.

Examples

• The roads are bound to be busy after the concert.
• This wet paint is bound to attract dust.
• Someone is bound to ask about the price.
• With so little rain, the garden is bound to need water.
• The children are bound to notice the new mural.
• A delay is bound to upset some passengers.

Watch out

This is a confident prediction, not proof or a guarantee; it does not mean an obligation here.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option: The queue ___ get longer at noon. (is bound to / is bound)

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   is bound to

   is bound to agrees with the singular queue.

2. Choose the correct option: Several guests ___ arrive early. (are bound to / is bound to)

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   are bound to

   are bound to agrees with the plural guests.

3. Choose the correct option: The answer is bound to ___. (surprise / surprising)

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   surprise

   surprise is the base form after to.

Use it today

Describe two outcomes you strongly expect and explain your reasons.