bound to abide

USAGE SUMMARY

"bound to abide" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that someone is obligated or obliged to follow, follow through, or stick to something. Example: All employees are bound to abide by the company's code of conduct, failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At present, Comcast is bound to abide by net neutrality rules until the end of 2017.

The Guardian

The F.D.A. is not bound to abide by the recommendations of its scientific advisory panels, but it usually follows them.

The New York Times

Today's opinion underscores the fact that the Department of Justice is required to follow the law and that it is bound to abide by the Constitution".

The New York Times

"While we are sympathetic to the plaintiffs' position and acknowledge the likelihood that plaintiffs believed these promises and relied on them, the government is not legally bound to abide by them," the circuit court ruled, 9 to 4, in an opinion written by Judge Paul R. Michel.

The New York Times

With publicly limited companies bound to abide by any statements they make, the Rangers directors will need to deliver a business plan within four weeks, before supporters will be asked to renew their season tickets.

BBC

In her written declaration, the judge, at three different points, cites the "additional special condition" that had been imposed upon him when he was convicted in 2001, something by which he is bound to abide.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is this latter aspect of morality that binds us to abide by the dictates of morality.

SEP

By taking part in the competition, entrants agree to be bound by and to abide by this Agreement and the website's terms and conditions and privacy policy.

The Guardian - Travel

The Government in Westminster agreed to abide by any of the Scottish Government's rules for purdah in the Edinburgh Agreement, despite not being legally bound to it.

Independent

They are bound to.

The New York Times - Arts

Something is bound to happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bound to abide", ensure clarity regarding who is obligated and what they are obligated to do. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "bound to abide" without clearly stating what rules, laws, or agreements are being referenced. Vague usage weakens the sentence's impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to abide" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's obligation to adhere to something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in legal, ethical, and contractual contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bound to abide" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a sense of obligation or requirement to follow specific rules or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its prevalence in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "obliged to comply" exist, "bound to abide" provides a clear and concise way to convey this meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the obligated party and the specifics of their obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to comply

Emphasizes a sense of duty or moral imperative in fulfilling a requirement.

required to adhere

Highlights the necessity of strict adherence to specific rules or guidelines.

duty-bound to follow

Conveys a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to act in accordance with certain principles.

under an obligation to

Formally indicates a legal or contractual responsibility to perform a specific action.

compelled to obey

Focuses on the feeling of being forced or driven to comply with a command or rule.

expected to conform

Highlights the anticipation of aligning one's behavior with established norms or standards.

liable to observe

Indicates a legal responsibility to take note of and comply with certain regulations.

morally obligated

Signifies a strong ethical commitment to adhere to a particular course of action.

contractually bound

Specifically refers to obligations arising from a formal written agreement.

legally required

Emphasizes the legal imperative to fulfill a specific requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "bound to abide" in a sentence?

Use "bound to abide" to indicate a legal, moral, or contractual obligation to follow certain rules or agreements. For instance, "The company is bound to abide by the terms of the contract."

What are some alternatives to "bound to abide"?

Consider using phrases like "obliged to comply", "required to adhere", or "duty-bound to follow", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "bound to abide" or "have to follow"?

"Bound to abide" carries a more formal tone, often implying a legal or contractual obligation. "Have to follow" is more casual and generally suitable for everyday situations.

What is the difference between "bound to abide" and "expected to conform"?

"Bound to abide" suggests a strict obligation or requirement, while "expected to conform" implies adherence to social norms or standards. The former emphasizes duty; the latter, social expectation.