bound by law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound by law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is legally obligated to follow certain rules or regulations. Example: "All citizens are bound by law to pay their taxes on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

America's government is bound by law to promote that liberty.

The Economist

In 25 states, those electors were bound by law to honour their mandate yesterday.

The Guardian

Why else would a corporation, which is bound by law to pursue profits, make these donations?

The Guardian - Opinion

Not-for-profit theaters are bound by law not to discriminate.

The New York Times

About 67 bc, he became bound by law to follow his edict.

Britannica

Mr de la Rua is bound by law to eliminate the fiscal deficit by 2003.

The Economist

As such, household employers have never been bound by law to provide proper compensation, vacation and severance.

The New York Times

If Mr. König were bound by law to employ a set number, he would do so to avoid the fee.

The New York Times

If the independent executive cannot be successfully bound by law, then there is nothing else for it but politics.

The Washington Post

President Daniel arap Moi is bound by law to step down after almost 25 years in power.

The New York Times

Trump is unlike any president of our lifetime — less bound by law and custom, more dangerous to democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bound by law", ensure that the specific law or regulation is clear to the reader. Context is crucial for understanding the extent and nature of the obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "bound by law" without specifying the relevant law or regulation. Without context, the phrase can be ambiguous and weaken your argument. Always provide clear and specific legal references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound by law" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of legal obligation or requirement. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is standard and widely used across a range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound by law" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a legal obligation or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context and legal references to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "legally obligated" or "required by law" can be used for variety. Remember to specify what law applies to provide clarity and strength to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally obligated

Replaces the entire phrase with a synonymous adjective.

required by law

Emphasizes the requirement imposed by the law.

mandated by law

Highlights the mandatory nature of the legal requirement.

subject to legal requirements

Focuses on the subjection to the legal system.

under legal obligation

States the existence of a legal duty.

compelled by law

Suggests being forced or driven by legal necessity.

legally constrained

Highlights the restriction imposed by legal parameters.

legally responsible

Emphasizes accountability within the legal framework.

answerable under the law

Focuses on the aspect of being held accountable.

governed by legal statutes

Rephrases with an emphasis on legal statutes.

FAQs

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

You can use "bound by law" to indicate a legal obligation or requirement. For example, "Companies are "bound by law" to protect consumer data."

What is a synonym for "bound by law"?

Synonyms for "bound by law" include "legally obligated", "required by law", and "mandated by law".

Is it correct to say someone is "bound by law"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "bound by law". This phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "bound by law" and "ethically obligated"?

"Bound by law" refers to a legal requirement or duty, while "ethically obligated" refers to a moral or ethical duty. Something that is "bound by law" is enforceable by the legal system, whereas ethical obligations are not.