be bound by

USAGE SUMMARY

"be bound by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone's obligation or determination to follow a particular policy, rule, or agreement. For example, "The company was bound by the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brown will not be bound by precedent.

The Guardian

You don't need to be bound by some law.

The Guardian

We are not going to be bound by it".

The New York Times

Where the scientist would not be bound by petty morality.

The New York Times - Arts

He was refusing to be bound by any rules.

The Guardian - Music

We no longer have to be bound by gravity.

The New Yorker

Why should filmmakers be bound by such narrow demands?

The New Yorker

"It's simply that I can't be bound by it.

The New York Times - Arts

If music could become digital data, he thought, it wouldn't be bound by the Red Book.

The Guardian - Music

But the allies would not be bound by the UN findings.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama's campaign has said that the superdelegates should be bound by the voters' will.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be bound by" to clearly indicate an obligation or commitment to a set of rules, laws, or agreements. This emphasizes a formal or legal constraint.

Common error

Avoid using "be bound by" when describing personal preferences or informal agreements. This phrase is better suited for scenarios with clear, defined rules or contracts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be bound by" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of obligation or constraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It denotes a formal requirement to adhere to specific rules, laws, or agreements. Examples show its use in legal, ethical, and practical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be bound by" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate obligation or adherence to rules, laws, or agreements. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. It is very common, particularly within news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "be obliged to" or "be required to" exist, "be bound by" offers a clear and formal way to convey commitment or constraint. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations where a clear, defined rule or contract applies, and avoid it in purely informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be obliged to

Indicates a sense of duty or legal requirement, emphasizing obligation.

be required to

Highlights the necessity of following a rule or regulation.

be constrained by

Suggests limitations or restrictions imposed by external factors.

be obligated to

A more formal synonym for "be obliged to", indicating a strong moral or legal duty.

be subject to

Indicates that someone or something is likely to be affected by a particular thing.

be governed by

Highlights the influence and control of rules or principles.

be tied to

Emphasizes a strong connection or dependence that restricts freedom.

be committed to

Indicates a firm decision to adhere to a particular course of action or principle.

be beholden to

Highlights a sense of indebtedness or obligation to someone.

adhere to

Implies sticking firmly to a set of rules or beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "be bound by" in a sentence?

Use "be bound by" to show that a person or entity is required to act in accordance with a particular set of rules or obligations. For example, "The company is "be bound by" the terms of the contract".

What are some alternatives to "be bound by"?

You can use phrases such as "be obliged to", "be required to", or "be constrained by" as alternatives to "be bound by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be bound by" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "be bound by" is typically used in more formal or legalistic contexts. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "have to" or "need to".

What's the difference between "be bound by" and "be subject to"?

"Be bound by" implies a legal or contractual obligation, while "be subject to" suggests that something is likely to be affected by a particular thing. For example, a company might "be bound by" a contract, while its profits might "be subject to" market fluctuations.