bound to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an obligation or inevitability regarding payment in various contexts, such as contracts or debts. Example: "After signing the agreement, he was bound to pay the specified amount by the due date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

They are: Calpers is legally bound to pay a specified level of benefits.

The New York Times

If the Yankees tender a contract to Wang, they will be bound to pay him at least $4 million.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not to be confused with the "Minimum Wage", which employers are legally bound to pay.

Independent

This is bound to pay the Republicans dividends down the road, when today's campus conservatives become tomorrow's candidates and political operatives.

The New York Times - Magazine

And if A.I.G. is serious that it is legally bound to pay these bonuses, it must do more than say nonpayment would expose it to damages or penalties.

The New York Times

And as a consequence we know that we are bound to pay people, to some extent, regardless of the performance of the bank".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

We're honour-bound to pay them compensation and return those who want to go back.

Independent

Anita also showed me the value of mentoring so I have always felt honour-bound to pay that forwards.

The Guardian

Wal-Mart is a powerful sales outlet for the celebrities, who seemed duty-bound to pay homage to the retailer.

The New York Times

Suddenly she looked up and said, 'Clare, let's do this: The first one of us who smokes a cigarette after midnight is honor-bound to pay $10,000 to the other.'.

Forbes

They argue that, when contracting for labor in less developed countries, multinational firms are duty-bound to pay living wages and ensure that work conditions more closely approximate those that prevail in the developed world.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bound to pay", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the obligation, such as a contract, legal requirement, or moral duty.

Common error

Avoid using "bound to pay" without specifying what is being paid and why the obligation exists. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to pay" functions as a verb phrase indicating obligation or inevitability. It combines the adjective "bound" (meaning obligated or destined) with the infinitive verb phrase "to pay", specifying the action that one is compelled to perform. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase signifies a commitment or duty regarding payment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound to pay" is a common and grammatically correct expression that signifies an obligation or inevitability to make a payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. Its frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist demonstrate its reliability. When using this phrase, ensuring clarity about the source and scope of the obligation is crucial. While alternatives such as "obligated to pay" or "required to pay" exist, "bound to pay" provides a straightforward and widely understood way to convey financial responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligated to pay

Replaces "bound" with "obligated", emphasizing a sense of duty or requirement.

required to pay

Substitutes "bound" with "required", focusing on a formal or legal necessity.

legally obliged to pay

Adds "legally" to specify the legal basis of the obligation.

contractually obligated to pay

Specifies the obligation arises from a contractual agreement.

liable to pay

Replaces "bound" with "liable", indicating legal responsibility.

duty-bound to pay

Emphasizes a moral or ethical obligation in addition to a formal one.

certain to pay

Shifts focus to the high probability or certainty of payment.

sure to pay

Similar to "certain to pay", indicating a high degree of confidence in the payment.

destined to pay

Suggests the payment is inevitable or predetermined.

expected to pay

Indicates a reasonable anticipation or expectation of payment.

FAQs

What does "bound to pay" mean?

The phrase "bound to pay" means being legally or morally obligated to make a payment. It suggests a duty or commitment to transfer money or other assets.

What can I say instead of "bound to pay"?

You can use alternatives like "obligated to pay", "required to pay", or "liable to pay" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "legally bound to pay"?

Yes, "legally bound to pay" is a correct and more specific way to emphasize that the obligation to pay arises from a legal agreement or requirement.

What is the difference between "bound to pay" and "expected to pay"?

"Bound to pay" implies a definite obligation, whereas "expected to pay" suggests a reasonable anticipation or likelihood of payment but not necessarily a strict obligation.