bound to observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an obligation or requirement to follow certain rules or guidelines. Example: "As a member of this organization, you are bound to observe the code of conduct at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Journalists are bound to observe which way people are moving and go in the opposite direction.

The New York Times

While they are not members of the EU and have no say in the development of its laws, they are bound to observe its rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though Amis claims Bellow and Nabokov as his strongest influences, a Bloomian would be bound to observe that Amis's real, unacknowledged influence, and hence "strong precursor" is his father, Kingsley, and Kingsley's very English comedy.

The Guardian - Books

Deals there will probably include a ministerial declaration on the impact on public health of TRIPS, the international ground rules on intellectual-property rights that all members of the WTO are bound to observe sooner or later.

The Economist

As everyone discussing "Shattered Glass" is bound to observe, there are obvious parallels between Mr. Glass's behavior and that of Jayson Blair, the reporter who was found last spring to have invented or plagiarized portions of at least three dozen articles in The New York Times.

The New York Times

Every first-time viewer is bound to observe central "Nutcracker" theatrical marvels like the colossal grandeur achieved by its growing Christmas tree, the magical mystery tour of the sleeping heroine on her traveling bed, the escalating, musically changing snowstorm or the moment when the Sugar Plum Fairy on one point travels serenely across the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In a press release, Leon E. Panetta, the director of the C.I.A., said, "CIA officers are duty-bound to observe the terms of their secrecy agreement with the Agency.

The New Yorker

If she had felt honor-bound to observe the quasi-cinematic rule of "show, don't tell," as fiction writers have ever since the movies started taking over, it would have put her out of business.

The New York Times

This parameter was adjusted to account for the high percentage of EGFR eGFP bound to Grb2 mRFP observed in our experiments.

Biochemistry

Nitrite species bound to barium were observed at low temperatures.

Catalysis Today

Concomitant increases in total Zn concentration and Zn bound to MTs were observed in the liver, whereas Zn concentration bound to high molecular weight proteins remained constant.

BMC Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bound to observe", ensure the context clearly establishes the source of the obligation, whether it's a legal requirement, ethical principle, or social norm.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "bound to observe" in overly casual conversations can sound stilted. Opt for more natural phrases like "have to" or "need to" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to observe" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the subject's obligation or duty to adhere to a specific rule, law, or principle. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound to observe" signifies a formal obligation or duty to adhere to specific rules or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, typically within formal or professional contexts. When a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives like "obliged to adhere to" or "required to comply with". Using "bound to observe" correctly involves understanding the source and nature of the obligation, avoiding its overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to adhere to

Replaces 'bound' with 'obliged' and 'observe' with 'adhere', emphasizing a sense of duty.

required to comply with

Uses 'required' instead of 'bound', highlighting a formal demand for compliance.

duty-bound to follow

Combines 'duty-bound' to reinforce obligation, and 'follow' to replace observe.

under an obligation to heed

Emphasizes the legal or moral necessity to 'heed', replacing 'observe'.

inevitably destined to see

Shifts the focus from obligation to inevitable future events ('destined to see').

certain to witness

Highlights certainty of observation rather than obligation ('certain to witness').

assuredly going to notice

Focuses on the assurance of noticing something, replacing obligation with certainty.

guaranteed to perceive

Emphasizes a guaranteed perception rather than a required observation.

compelled to acknowledge

Highlights the forceful aspect of acknowledging something, implying a lack of choice.

fated to recognize

Replaces obligation with destiny, implying that recognition is predetermined.

FAQs

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

Use "bound to observe" to indicate a duty or obligation to follow a rule, law, or principle. For example, "All members are bound to observe the club's regulations."

What are some alternatives to "bound to observe"?

You can use phrases like "obliged to adhere to", "required to comply with", or "duty-bound to follow" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "bound to observe" or "required to observe"?

Both "bound to observe" and "required to observe" are grammatically correct, but "required to observe" is more straightforward and may be preferred in modern usage. "Bound to observe" carries a slightly more formal tone.

What does "bound to observe" imply about the nature of the obligation?

"Bound to observe" often suggests a formal, pre-existing obligation arising from a contract, law, or established principle. It emphasizes a sense of being legally or morally compelled.