are under contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are under contract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is legally bound by a contract or agreement. Example: "The players are under contract with the team for the next three years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All but two are under contract.

The New York Times

As a result, none are under contract.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another ad declares: "Supermodels are under contract.

The New York Times

Twenty-two properties are under contract.

The Washington Post

Both are under contract only until mid-March.

The New York Times

"The thing is, none of them are under contract.

The New York Times

Four properties are under contract in New York and another in northern New Jersey.

The New York Times

Bryant and Pau Gasol (who turns 30 in July) are under contract through 2014.

The New York Times - Sports

Redknapp said today: "All of our key players are under contract.

Independent

Five units have sold or are under contract since sales opened in June.

The New York Times

But only about 40,000 acres have been acquired or are under contract.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about real estate, clarify what stage the property transaction is in by using "are under contract" to indicate that an offer has been accepted but the sale is not yet final.

Common error

Avoid using past tense forms such as "were under contract" when referring to a current status; use "are under contract" to indicate the agreement is currently active.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are under contract" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun (person, object, or entity) as being legally bound by a contractual agreement. Ludwig shows that it modifies various subjects, such as "properties", "players", and "apartments".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are under contract" is a very common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is legally bound by a contract. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently encountered in news and media, with a neutral to professional register. To avoid common errors, ensure correct verb tense is used and that the context aligns with the legally binding nature of the phrase. Consider alternatives like "contractually obligated" or "bound by agreement" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are contractually obligated

Emphasizes the legal obligation arising from the contract.

are bound by agreement

Highlights the binding nature of the agreement.

have a signed agreement

Focuses on the existence of a formally signed agreement.

are committed by contract

Underscores the commitment aspect established by the contract.

are legally bound

Directly states the legal enforceability of the situation.

are subject to a contract

Indicates that the terms of a contract apply.

are party to a contract

Highlights the involvement as a party in the contractual agreement.

are in a contractual relationship

Describes the overall relationship established by the contract.

are tied to a contract

Suggests a close and binding connection to the contract.

fall under contract

Indicates the action of becoming subject to a contract.

FAQs

How can I use "are under contract" in a sentence?

You can use "are under contract" to describe a situation where parties have entered into a legally binding agreement. For example, "The house and the apartment "are under contract" pending inspection".

What's the difference between "are under contract" and "have an agreement"?

"Are under contract" implies a formal, legally binding document has been signed, whereas "have an agreement" can refer to a more informal understanding. "Are under contract" carries a stronger legal weight.

What can I say instead of "are under contract"?

You can use alternatives such as "contractually obligated", "bound by agreement", or "have a signed agreement" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was under contract" instead of "are under contract"?

The correct phrase depends on the time frame. Use "was under contract" when referring to a past agreement that is no longer active. Use "are under contract" to describe a current agreement.