and legally so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and legally so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is not only true but also has legal backing or validity. Example: "The contract was signed by both parties, and legally so, it is binding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The other jammer -- the guy I'm leaning up against and trying to block -- he's trying to knock me down, I'm trying to knock him down, all while doing it cleanly and legally so I don't get sent to the penalty box.

The New York Times

"Will he continue to put our full diplomatic effort into making that plan sufficiently clear politically, militarily and legally, so that he can come to the house to seek an endorsement of a role for our armed forces that will lead to the defeat of Isil in both Syria and Iraq sooner rather than later?" he asked Cameron.

The Guardian

While we believe that the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel is a valuable and historic New York City landmark, we also have a strong commitment to safety, and hope that arrangements can be made to reopen the Tunnel safely and legally so that it can again be enjoyed by all New Yorkers and visitors.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Kathleen Newland, director of the Migration Policy Institute, a group that studies immigration issues, said the discussion should include recommendations for allowing migrant workers to travel back and forth legally, so they could take an active role in improving their home communities.

The New York Times

We said that if you're able to meet some basic criteria, like pursuing an education, then we'll consider offering you the chance to come out of the shadows so that you can live here and work here legally, so that you can finally have the dignity of knowing you belong.

The New York Times

Naaf, 33, a mechanical engineer who fled Syria earlier this year after seeing his toddler son shot dead in Kobani, said: "I was hoping Britain might say it would consider refugees' applications here and let us through legally so we could avoid all these crazy attempts at stowing away".

The Guardian

He acknowledged that the Court's decision "would be simple if our personal opinion that school segregation is morally, economically and politically indefensible made it legally so".

The New Yorker

As an eight, they really stood up and exerted a lot of pressure - legally so - on Italy".

BBC

TC: What needs to change legally so that this company, and others in the space, can grow?

TechCrunch

They need to be brought into the convention legally so they can be regularised and possibly improved.

Independent

They had bad legal agreements, they had non-solicits meaning they couldn't take their clients legally, so they were not in great shape legally, so they had to negotiate a deal.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and legally so" to explicitly reinforce the legality of an action or situation, particularly when legality might be in question or is a key point to emphasize.

Common error

Avoid using "and legally so" in casual conversation or informal writing, as its formality can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler phrases like "and that's legal" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and legally so" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding clause to emphasize that its content is not only true but also legally valid. Ludwig AI confirms this reinforces a statement's legitimacy within a legal framework, adding a layer of assurance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and legally so" is a grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to emphasize the legal validity of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate for adding assurance about the legality of an action. While its frequency is rare, it appears in authoritative sources, including "The New York Times" and "The Guardian". It is most suited for formal writing and should be avoided in casual conversations. Alternatives include "and in accordance with the law" and "and lawfully".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and in accordance with the law

Replaces "legally so" with a more formal phrase emphasizing adherence to legal standards.

and by legal means

Focuses on the method being lawful, rather than the state of being legal.

and within the bounds of the law

Highlights the limitations imposed by the legal framework.

and under the law

A more concise way of stating that something is permitted or governed by law.

and lawfully

Uses an adverb to emphasize that the action is performed in a legal manner.

and according to legal standards

Specifies adherence to the benchmarks and criteria established by law.

and as permitted by law

Highlights the permissive nature of the legal system regarding the action.

and in a legal manner

Emphasizes the way the action is carried out, ensuring it aligns with legal requirements.

and legally compliant

Focuses on the state of adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

and legitimately

Implies that the action is not only legal but also morally or ethically justifiable.

FAQs

What does "and legally so" mean?

The phrase "and legally so" means that something is not only true but also complies with the law. It's used to emphasize the legal validity or permissibility of a statement or action.

When is it appropriate to use "and legally so"?

It is best to use the phrase "and legally so" in formal writing or when emphasizing the legal aspect of a situation. It may sound unnatural in casual conversations.

What are some alternatives to "and legally so"?

You can use alternatives like "and in accordance with the law", "and by legal means", or "and lawfully" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "and legally so" in a sentence?

For example, "The company followed all the regulations, and legally so, they were able to proceed with the project" demonstrates correct usage.