bound by a contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "bound by a contract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a situation where someone is bound to a legal agreement. For example: The employees are bound by a contract that sets out their rights and obligations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Steward's chief assistant, Prentiss Byrd, said that at the outset of Hearns's career, Steward and the fighter were bound by a contract.

The New York Times - Sports

A current commission from the Pompidou Center in Paris, for example, is bound by a contract stating that the completed piece must be physically disconnected from the museum.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet nothing is more certain than that parties may be bound by a contract to things which neither of them intended, and when one does not know of the other's assent.

Harvard University

Chancellor Sir Andrew Morritt accepted arguments by the group that EMI was bound by a contract forbidding it to sell its records other than as complete albums without written consent.

The Guardian - Music

The judge in the case, Andrew Morritt, accepted arguments by the group that EMI was bound by a contract forbidding it from selling records other than as complete albums without written consent.

The New York Times

He must now explain, not least to the British people, why he has allowed this to happen". Labour sought to increase the pressure on the government by writing to the prime minister to ask him to set out to MPs why he said he was bound by a contract which is flexible.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

However, as capacity for health service delivery is still limited, the MoPH signed contracts with NGOs allocated to provinces, and NGOs are bound by a formal contract to deliver a Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) at the provincial level [ 51].

Human Resources for Health

Lesson learned, I'm now bound by a signed contract to The Money to begin preparations for a "street feast for tax fairness".

The Guardian

In buildings with more than five employees, the superintendent is considered a resident manager and is usually bound by a separate contract that expires in June.

The New York Times

Rather than feeling bound by a social contract with patients, their dedication is to stockholders.

Forbes

Finally, the chief executive and the corporation were bound by an employment contract that may legally require severance pay regardless of State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi's opinions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider synonyms like "contractually obligated" or "legally bound" for a more concise expression, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bound by a contract" without specifying the relevant obligations. Clearly state what the party is bound to do or refrain from doing to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound by a contract" typically functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being obligated or required to fulfill the terms of a contract. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound by a contract" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the state of being legally obligated under a contract. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it is frequently encountered in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is bound and the specifics of the contract. Consider using synonyms like "contractually obligated" or "legally bound" for conciseness. Be careful in stating that the contract is in place and valid. Finally, remember to clarify specific obligations to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligated under a contract

Emphasizes the obligation aspect, using a more formal term.

contractually obligated

Condenses the phrase into a single adjective, highlighting legal duty.

legally obliged by agreement

Replaces "contract" with "agreement" and uses "legally obliged" for clarity.

committed under a legal agreement

Shifts focus to commitment and uses "legal agreement" instead of "contract".

required by contractual terms

Highlights the specific terms of the contract as the source of obligation.

subject to a contractual obligation

Uses "subject to" to indicate being under the power or influence of the contract.

under the terms of a contract

Focuses on the specific terms and conditions outlined in the contract.

held to the agreement

A more concise way of expressing being bound by a contract, focusing on adherence.

constrained by a formal agreement

Uses "constrained" to highlight the limiting aspect of a contract.

tied to the conditions of the contract

Expresses a sense of being connected or restricted by the contract's conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound by a contract" to indicate that someone is legally required to do something as stated in a contract. For example, "The company is "bound by a contract" to deliver the goods within 30 days."

What's a more formal alternative to "bound by a contract"?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives such as "contractually obligated" or "legally bound".

Is it correct to say "bound to a contract" instead of "bound by a contract"?

While "bound to" can sometimes indicate obligation, ""bound by a contract"" is the more common and idiomatic way to express being obligated by a legal agreement.

What does it mean to be "bound by a contract"?

To be ""bound by a contract"" means that you are legally obligated to fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in the contract. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences.