by law

USAGE SUMMARY

"by law" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a preposition that is used to indicate that something is mandatory or required because an applicable law states it. For example: employers must provide a safe working environment for their employees by law.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By law".

The Guardian - Film

By law, answering is voluntary.

The New York Times - Health

Pandora's are set by law.

The New York Times

Paraguay prohibited it by law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A bunker mentality is codified by law.

The New York Times

By law, they have to do this.

The Guardian - Opinion

By law, hospitals must provide emergency care.

The New York Times

They have to do so by law.

Independent

This is clearly barred by law.

The New York Times

Whistle-blowing is required by law.

The New Yorker

Some endangered species are protected by law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by law" to clearly indicate that a requirement or action is legally mandated, ensuring there is no ambiguity about its obligatory nature.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all ethical or recommended practices are mandated "by law". Always verify the legal basis before asserting that something is a legal requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by law" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the legal basis or requirement for an action or condition. It specifies that something is mandated or permitted by legal statutes, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by law" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is legally required or permitted. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a prepositional phrase, and finds frequent use in news, science, and encyclopedic content. To enhance clarity, ensure you're accurately representing legal requirements and verifying any claims about legal mandates. Alternatives such as "according to the law" or "as required by law" can offer variety while maintaining the core meaning. When writing, remember that not all ethical or recommended actions are mandated "by law"; always confirm the legal basis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the law

Focuses on adherence to legal principles rather than direct legal mandate.

as required by law

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of an action due to legal requirements.

under the law

Highlights the legal framework within which something operates or is governed.

legally required

Directly states the legal obligation to perform an action.

mandated by law

Stresses that the law specifically orders or commands something.

prescribed by law

Implies that the law has explicitly detailed or specified something.

statutorily required

Emphasizes that the requirement comes from a specific statute or legislative act.

de jure

A Latin term meaning "by right" or "according to law," often used in formal or legal contexts.

in accordance with the law

Highlights compliance and conformity with legal standards and regulations.

as per the legal code

Refers specifically to the written legal statutes or codes.

FAQs

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

Use "by law" to indicate that something is required or permitted by a legal statute or regulation. For example, "Employers are required to provide a safe working environment "by law"".

What are some alternatives to saying "by law"?

You can use phrases like "according to the law", "as required by law", or "under the law" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "legally required" instead of "by law"?

Yes, "legally required" is a correct and often interchangeable alternative to "by law", directly stating the legal obligation.

What is the difference between "by law" and "in accordance with the law"?

"By law" directly states a legal mandate, while "in accordance with the law" emphasizes compliance and conformity with legal standards, implying adherence to legal requirements.