bound by contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound by contract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that parties are obligated to adhere to the terms of a contract. Example: "Both parties are bound by contract to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

However, Honeywell is bound by contract not to negotiate with others until the commission rules.

The New York Times

But publically, I'm bound by contract: I can't bad-mouth the film.

The Guardian - Books

If non-public information is to be accessed or shared with these third parties, they should be bound by contract to abide by Stanford's information security policies.

Stanford University

Winning first clients is always an issue, particularly if company founders are bound by contract not to poach customers from a previous employer.

The Guardian

The Tinsley grievance, however it is resolved, could set a precedent for how N.B.A. teams deal with players who are bound by contract but no longer wanted.

The New York Times - Sports

Those who retain dial-up telephone access are indeed bound by contract to pony up between $10 and $26 a month to hear those dulcet connection tones.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Are customers bound by contracts that would prevent them from switching to a new product?

Harvard Business Review

In addition, some major customers are bound by contracts running as long as three years that they cannot easily escape.

The New York Times

Brennan has so far resisted Trump's demand, explaining in multiple conversations occurring this year and last that these arrangements are bound by contracts and must be reviewed by a regulatory commission, the three people said.

The Washington Post

"The government is an agent of the state and any new regime would be bound by contracts entered into by a previous government," says Malcolm Forster, a lawyer with Freshfields, a London firm.

The Economist

Some players, despite being bound by contracts to their clubs, were accused of cowardice by not fighting for their country.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bound by contract", ensure that the existence and terms of the contract are clear or have been previously established in the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all aspects of a relationship are "bound by contract". Be specific about which obligations are contractually defined and which are based on other agreements or understandings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bound by contract" is to serve as a postpositive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the entity is under a legal or formal obligation due to the existence of a contract. Ludwig AI confirms this with several examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound by contract" effectively conveys a legal obligation stemming from a contractual agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the contract's existence and specific terms is crucial. Remember to avoid assumptions about what's covered under the contract and be precise in denoting the contractually defined responsibilities. By understanding the nuances of "bound by contract", writers can enhance the precision and accuracy of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligated by contract

Emphasizes the sense of duty or requirement imposed by the contract.

contractually obligated

Highlights that the obligation arises specifically from a contractual agreement.

required by the terms of the contract

Specifies that the obligation is dictated by the explicit provisions within the contract.

under contractual obligation

Similar to "contractually obligated" but emphasizes the state of being under an obligation.

legally bound by agreement

Highlights the legal enforceability and mutual consent aspect of the obligation.

subject to the contract

Indicates that actions or behaviors must comply with the stipulations of the contract.

committed under contract

Focuses on the act of committing to specific actions as defined in the contract.

constrained by the contract terms

Highlights the restrictive nature of the contract and its influence on actions.

governed by contractual law

Broadens the scope to indicate adherence to the principles of contractual law.

answerable to the contractual terms

Suggests accountability for compliance with the contract's provisions.

FAQs

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

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

What are some synonyms for "bound by contract"?

Alternatives to "bound by contract" include "obligated by contract", "contractually obligated", or "required by the terms of the contract" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

How does being "bound by contract" differ from a verbal agreement?

While both involve an agreement, being "bound by contract" typically implies a written agreement with specific, enforceable terms. Verbal agreements can be harder to prove and enforce in court, lacking the clarity of a written contract.

Can you be released from being "bound by contract"?

Yes, several circumstances can release you from being "bound by contract", such as mutual agreement, breach of contract by the other party, impossibility of performance, or a court order. Consult legal counsel for specific advice.