Legally obligated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Legally obligated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a requirement imposed by law that someone must follow. Example: "The company is legally obligated to provide a safe working environment for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're not legally obligated to presume innocence".

The New Yorker

It's legally obligated to do so.

The New York Times

BP is legally obligated to pay these claims.

The New York Times

Gun makers are not legally obligated to monitor their distributors.

The New York Times

"Sewage treatment plants are legally obligated to treat, not dilute, the waste".

The New York Times

But employers note they are not legally obligated to provide retiree health benefits.

The New York Times

He also told me the restaurant had done all it was legally obligated to do.

The New York Times

Indeed, Mr. Saunders said, the service was not legally obligated to provide home delivery.

The New York Times

The US. is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defense.

The Guardian

Seek out a fiduciary — that is, someone legally obligated to put your best interests first.

The New York Times

In other words: Restaurants in Washington were legally obligated to serve everyone.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legally obligated", ensure clarity about who is obligated and to what extent. Specify the exact nature of the legal duty for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "legally obligated" when referring to moral duties. Legal obligations are enforced by law, while moral obligations are based on ethical considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally obligated" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of being bound by law to perform a specific action or fulfill a duty. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from contractual obligations to statutory requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legally obligated" is a frequently used phrase that denotes a duty or requirement imposed by law. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily applicable in various contexts. It is particularly common in news, legal, and business writing. Alternative phrasing might include "required by law" or "under legal obligation". When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the specific legal duty involved. Keep in mind that a legal obligation differs from a moral one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Legally bound

Similar to "legally obligated", but uses a different verb to convey the binding nature of the legal requirement.

Under legal obligation

Rephrases the concept using a noun form of obligation, emphasizing the state of being obligated.

Required by law

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the obligation, focusing on the legal requirement itself.

Bound by law

Highlights the binding effect of the law, indicating a constraint or duty.

Mandated by law

Focuses on the legal mandate, highlighting the authoritative source of the obligation.

Compelled by law

Emphasizes the coercive aspect of the legal requirement, suggesting a forced compliance.

Legally responsible

Shifts the focus to responsibility, implying that one is answerable under the law.

Enjoined by law

A more formal term indicating a legal order or injunction.

Duty-bound by law

Highlights the sense of duty arising from legal requirements.

Accountable under the law

Stresses the accountability aspect, indicating that one is answerable to legal standards.

FAQs

What does "legally obligated" mean?

The phrase "legally obligated" means required to do something by law. It implies a binding duty enforced by legal authority.

How can I use "legally obligated" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The company is "legally obligated" to provide a safe working environment."

What are some alternatives to "legally obligated"?

Alternatives include "required by law", "legally bound", or "under legal obligation".

What is the difference between "legally obligated" and "morally obligated"?

"Legally obligated" refers to duties enforced by law, while "morally obligated" refers to ethical or moral duties that are not necessarily legally enforceable.