contract in force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract in force" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal and business contexts to indicate that a contract is currently active and enforceable. Example: "The terms of the contract in force must be adhered to by both parties until its expiration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Cohen said another factor that helped persuade the unions to return to work was that Verizon had agreed to keep the expired contract in force until a settlement is reached.

The New York Times - Tech

The collapse of social-housing maintenance company Connaught has triggered a wave of speculation about the future for thousands of social-housing homes left without a maintenance contract in force.

The Guardian

To keep the contract in force, a monthly service fee is deducted until you pay off the loan and any unpaid fees, after which, your watch is returned to you.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The quantities will be small at first, the Interior Department said, because there are still contracts in force between the government and the companies for cash payments.

The New York Times

With separate labor contracts in force for legacy United and former Continental flight and cabin crew, the operations of this new facility would face an additional challenge than the already difficult task of combining the two old facilities and two airlines into one.

Forbes

"We have a maternity policy in place for players on an FA central contract and all contracts remain in force during the period of any player's pregnancy/maternity leave.

BBC

The AFSCME contract expired June 30 , 2015 but for as long as this plays out, terms of the previous contract remain in force.

Los Angeles Times

We have already held that so long as the contract remained in force the city had no right to establish water works, but under section 7 of the ordinance and contract the failure of the company to furnish a sumfficient supply did not of itself avoid the contract.

Cornell University

While this contract was in force, a building caught fire.

Harvard University

Hitch is 10 year contract now in force between two parties prohibiting Sunday Shows.

The New Yorker

But when they went to an AT&T store to buy it, the salesman told Mr. Stuhm that his current contract was in force until next year and that he would have to pay $200 more than the advertised price of $199 to get the phone.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal agreements, use "contract in force" to clearly indicate that the agreement is currently valid and legally binding. This phrase is especially useful in legal and business contexts where precision is crucial.

Common error

Don't assume that any existing contract is automatically "in force". A contract might exist but be suspended due to unforeseen circumstances or breach of contract. Using "contract in force" implies it's both existing and legally operative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract in force" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'contract'. Ludwig AI shows it indicates that a contract is currently valid and legally operative. It describes the state of the contract being active and binding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contract in force" is used to emphasize that an agreement is currently valid, legally binding, and operative. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While the phrase is not very common, it is found in professional contexts such as news and academic articles. Alternative phrases such as "valid contract", "existing contract", and "active contract" can be used depending on the context. Be sure to distinguish between a contract that exists and one that is currently "in force", as the latter has immediate legal implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contract in effect

A close synonym using 'effect' instead of 'force', maintaining the same meaning.

valid contract

Replaces 'in force' with 'valid', emphasizing the contract's legal soundness.

contract now in effect

Adds emphasis on the present time the contract is active.

active contract

Highlights the contract's state of being currently active and not expired.

existing contract

Focuses on the contract's current existence rather than its enforceability.

current contract

Emphasizes the contract's present-day relevance and application.

binding contract

Stresses the legally obligatory nature of the contract on the parties involved.

operative contract

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the contract's active operation.

prevailing contract

Suggests the contract is currently the one that holds authority.

subsisting contract

A more formal term indicating the contract continues to exist and be valid.

FAQs

How to use "contract in force" in a sentence?

You can use "contract in force" to indicate that an agreement is currently valid and legally binding. For example, "The terms of the "contract in force" must be adhered to by both parties".

What can I say instead of "contract in force"?

You can use alternatives like "valid contract", "existing contract", or "active contract" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contract in force" or "contract in effect"?

"Contract in force" and "contract in effect" are generally interchangeable and both grammatically correct. The choice depends on stylistic preference as they carry the same meaning.

What does it mean for a contract to be 'in force'?

When a contract is 'in force', it means the agreement is currently valid, legally binding, and operative. All parties involved are obligated to adhere to its terms.