Contractually bound

USAGE SUMMARY

"contractually bound" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to obligations or commitments established by a contract. Example: "The parties are contractually bound to fulfill their obligations." Alternative expressions include "legally obligated" and "bound by contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Once the city attorneys performed services in reliance on the city's contractual promise to provide the PERS benefits on retirement, the city is contractually bound to honor that obligation," the lawsuit states.

Los Angeles Times

Theranos's lawyers have taken a hard line, insisting that Walgreens is contractually bound by their agreement.

The New York Times

But the opera is contractually bound to occupy the hall, or guarantee occupancy, until 2014.

The New York Times - Arts

Both men were contractually bound to different promoters and cable television companies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hotel operators will be contractually bound not to allow any Nazi-related activities on the site.

The New York Times

He now disavows the 2011 theatrical version of "Margaret," which he was contractually bound to support when it was released.

The New Yorker

If the seven-year veteran does not make the opening-day roster, the Mets are contractually bound to release him.

The New York Times - Sports

If A.I.G. is contractually bound pay bonuses, they don't have much choice but to honor the contracts.

The New York Times

She was contractually bound to be admirable, not desirable: a well-maintained, globally available wave machine, summoned to voice platitudes from Sydney to Scunthorpe..

The New Yorker

Summerall and Madden were contractually bound to call those real-life strike games, but chose to play along with the charade in the film.

The New York Times - Sports

In Europe, the practice of hiring curators who are not contractually bound to an institution has been common for a while.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contractually bound" to clearly indicate that an obligation or restriction arises directly from a legally binding contract. This distinguishes it from moral or ethical obligations.

Common error

Avoid using "contractually bound" when the obligation stems from a policy, law, or ethical code rather than a specific, signed contract. Ensure the commitment is rooted in a contractual agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contractually bound" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is subject to the obligations and restrictions outlined in a contract. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies a legal obligation arising from a contractual agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contractually bound" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe obligations arising from a contract. According to Ludwig AI, its function is to express a legal obligation stemming from a formal agreement. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, showcasing its relevance in professional and neutral contexts. When writing, it's essential to use this phrase to specifically denote obligations arising from a contractual agreement, distinguishing it from more general obligations. Alternative phrases like "legally obligated" and "bound by contract" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bound by contract

Reverses the structure but maintains the core meaning of being obliged due to a contract.

Under contractual obligation

A more formal and explicit restatement of the original phrase.

Obligated by agreement

Replaces "contract" with "agreement", broadening the scope slightly.

Committed under contract

Highlights the commitment aspect created by the contract.

Legally obligated

Focuses on the legal aspect of the obligation rather than the contractual origin.

Restrained by contract

Focuses on the limiting effect the contract has on actions.

Required by the terms of the contract

Specifies that the requirement comes from the contract's stipulations.

Subject to contractual terms

Highlights the conditional aspect, indicating adherence to specific terms.

Accountable under the agreement

Emphasizes responsibility and liability stemming from the agreement.

Tied to by agreement

Emphasizes the restrictive nature of the contractual obligation.

FAQs

What does "contractually bound" mean?

"Contractually bound" means being legally obligated to do something because of the terms of a contract. It signifies a formal commitment that carries legal weight.

What can I say instead of "contractually bound"?

You can use alternatives like "legally obligated", "bound by contract", or "under contractual obligation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "contractually bound"?

Use "contractually bound" when you want to emphasize that an obligation arises specifically from a written or verbal contract. It's suitable in legal, business, and formal contexts.

What is the difference between "contractually bound" and simply being "obligated"?

"Contractually bound" specifies that the obligation stems from a contract, while simply being "obligated" implies a more general duty, which could arise from moral, ethical, or legal reasons outside of a contract.