contractually bound

USAGE SUMMARY

"contractually bound" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to when someone has to fulfill the terms of an agreement because they have signed a contract. For example: "The company was contractually bound to pay its employees a certain amount each month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Once the city attorneys performed services in reliance on the city's contractual promise to provide the PERS benefits on retirement, the city is contractually bound to honor that obligation," the lawsuit states.

Los Angeles Times

Theranos's lawyers have taken a hard line, insisting that Walgreens is contractually bound by their agreement.

The New York Times

But the opera is contractually bound to occupy the hall, or guarantee occupancy, until 2014.

The New York Times - Arts

Both men were contractually bound to different promoters and cable television companies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hotel operators will be contractually bound not to allow any Nazi-related activities on the site.

The New York Times

He now disavows the 2011 theatrical version of "Margaret," which he was contractually bound to support when it was released.

The New Yorker

If the seven-year veteran does not make the opening-day roster, the Mets are contractually bound to release him.

The New York Times - Sports

If A.I.G. is contractually bound pay bonuses, they don't have much choice but to honor the contracts.

The New York Times

She was contractually bound to be admirable, not desirable: a well-maintained, globally available wave machine, summoned to voice platitudes from Sydney to Scunthorpe..

The New Yorker

Summerall and Madden were contractually bound to call those real-life strike games, but chose to play along with the charade in the film.

The New York Times - Sports

In Europe, the practice of hiring curators who are not contractually bound to an institution has been common for a while.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contractually bound", ensure that a valid contract exists and that the obligation is clearly defined within the contract's terms. This adds precision and legal weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "contractually bound" loosely to describe any kind of agreement. A formal, legally enforceable contract must be in place for the phrase to be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contractually bound" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something that is obligated by the terms of a contract. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contractually bound" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to indicate a legal obligation stemming from a contract. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in contexts such as news and legal discussions. While synonyms like "legally obligated" exist, the precision of "contractually bound" makes it particularly useful in situations where the legal basis of the obligation is important. When using the phrase, ensure a valid contract exists. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and importance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contractually obligated

Focuses on the compulsory aspect of the agreement.

legally obligated

Emphasizes the legal requirement to fulfill an agreement or duty.

obligated by contract

Directly highlights the contractual basis for the obligation.

bound by the terms

Emphasizes adherence to specific conditions within a contract.

bound by agreement

Highlights the reciprocal aspect of the commitment.

required by agreement

Focuses on the agreed-upon nature of the requirement.

committed by contract

Highlights the commitment aspect stemming from a contractual agreement.

pledged to

Implies a formal promise or commitment, often with moral or ethical undertones.

under obligation

A more general term for being required to do something.

duty-bound

Suggests a sense of duty or moral obligation, potentially beyond legal requirements.

FAQs

What does "contractually bound" mean?

Being "contractually bound" means that you are legally obligated to fulfill the terms of a contract you have signed. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences.

How do you use "contractually bound" in a sentence?

You can use "contractually bound" to indicate that a party is legally obligated to perform specific actions as outlined in a contract. For example, "The company is contractually bound to provide health insurance to its employees".

What are some alternatives to "contractually bound"?

Some alternatives to "contractually bound" include "legally obligated", "obligated by contract", or "required by agreement". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "contractually bound" and "morally obligated"?

"Contractually bound" implies a legal obligation based on a signed agreement, whereas "morally obligated" refers to an ethical or personal sense of duty that is not necessarily enforceable by law.