contracts in force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contracts in force" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or business contexts to refer to contracts that are currently active and enforceable. Example: "Before proceeding with the new agreement, we need to review all contracts in force to ensure compliance with existing obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

"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

Firestone said it would continue delivering tires to Ford under contracts already in force, but these contracts typically last a year, suggesting that its business with Ford will disappear quickly.

The New York Times

The construction companies feel especially vulnerable because the city ultimately did not sign its contracts with them, although the contracts remain in force.

The New York Times

While these contracts were in force and in process of being performed, the state statute was passed (Acts Tex. 1929, c. 314 as amended by Acts Tex. 1931, c. 277 Vernonn's Ann. Civ. St. Tex. art.

Cornell University

"Even if we banned them today, the impact is coming now, tomorrow and 10 years from now," he said, because of the number of derivatives contracts still in force.

The New York Times

"They've all got to follow the rules". It is also unclear whether the agency will be able to rescind contracts already in force, or if the new policy will apply only to future work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ongoing projects or legal obligations, use "contracts in force" to clearly indicate that the agreements are currently active and legally binding.

Common error

Avoid using "contracts in force" when referring to agreements that have already expired or been terminated; instead, use phrases like "previous contracts" or "former agreements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contracts in force" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun (e.g., "the number of contracts in force"). As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies that the contracts are currently active and legally binding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contracts in force" is a grammatically sound and professionally appropriate phrase used to describe agreements that are currently active and legally binding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in legal and business contexts. While not exceedingly common, its clarity and precision make it valuable in formal communication. Alternatives like "active contracts" or "valid contracts" offer similar meanings, but the original phrase carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to agreements that have not expired or been terminated to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

active contracts

Focuses on the ongoing activity or validity of the agreements.

valid contracts

Emphasizes the legal soundness and enforceability of the contracts.

existing contracts

Highlights the current existence and relevance of the contracts.

operative contracts

Stresses that the contracts are currently operational and effective.

contracts currently in effect

More verbose but reinforces the present validity of the contracts.

contracts now in effect

Emphasizes the present validity of the contracts.

contracts in operation

Highlights the active status and functionality of the agreements.

contracts that are binding

Focuses on the legally obligatory nature of the contracts.

unexpired contracts

Highlights that the contracts' terms have not yet expired.

contracts still valid

Reinforces the continuing validity and legal standing of the agreements.

FAQs

How can I use "contracts in force" in a sentence?

You can use "contracts in force" to describe agreements that are currently active and legally binding. For example: "Before proceeding with the new agreement, we need to review all "active contracts" to ensure compliance with existing obligations."

What's a simpler way to say "contracts in force"?

Alternatives include "valid contracts" or "existing contracts", depending on the context. These options are less formal but convey the same basic meaning.

Is "contracts in force" a formal phrase?

Yes, "contracts in force" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for legal, business, or official contexts. For more informal situations, "current agreements" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "contracts in force" and "expired contracts"?

"Contracts in force" refers to agreements that are currently active and legally binding, while "expired contracts" refers to agreements that have reached the end of their term and are no longer valid. It's crucial to distinguish between the two to avoid legal misunderstandings.