contractually obliged

USAGE SUMMARY

"contractually obliged" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when referring to a contract that requires someone to do something, or when someone is legally required to fulfill some obligation. For example: "The store was contractually obliged to pay their employees on the 15th of every month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What, this logo, which we're contractually obliged to print here?

The Guardian

Even the contractually obliged Stan Lee cameo is borderline bearable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm contractually obliged to call it "a forward's challenge".

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, it's what we're contractually obliged, by Noddy Holder, to refer to as Chriiiiiisssstttttmmmmmaaaaaas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(She was contractually obliged to stay the same weight for both Pitch Perfect roles).

The Guardian - Film

Poor guy - who would want to be contractually obliged to do this stuff?

The Guardian - Film

'Cause I'm contractually obliged to do the new X-Men film".

The Guardian - Film

But, he said, he is contractually obliged to continue carrying "Early Show" until 2002.

The New York Times

Most lenders are not contractually obliged to pass on the cut, but some have done so.

The Guardian - Money

He is not contractually obliged to write Thorne novels and only plans one book ahead.

The Guardian

"I'm not crossing the picket line unless I'm contractually obliged to do so," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contractually obliged" to clearly indicate that an action or behavior is required due to the existence of a formal, binding agreement. This leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the necessity of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "contractually obliged" when the obligation arises from a source other than a formal contract, such as a law, ethical consideration, or a gentlemen's agreement. Using it outside of a formal agreement weakens the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

Contractually obliged functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is bound by a contractual agreement to perform a specific action or fulfill a particular duty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a legal and binding requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contractually obliged" is a frequently used phrase that indicates a binding obligation arising from a contract. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly appears in news, business, and legal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the obligation truly stems from a formal contract to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "legally bound" or "required by contract" for similar meanings. Remember to use "contractually obliged" when you want to emphasize the contractual basis of an obligation, leaving no doubt about its enforceability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally bound

Focuses on the legal aspect of the obligation, emphasizing the enforceability of the agreement.

contractually bound

Highlights the binding nature of a contract in creating the obligation.

required by contract

Directly states the source of the obligation is a contract.

obligated by agreement

Similar to "contractually obliged" but uses "agreement" which can be broader than a formal contract.

under contractual obligation

Emphasizes the state of being subject to a contractual requirement.

bound by the terms of the contract

Highlights the specific terms within the contract as the source of the obligation.

contractually committed

Emphasizes the commitment aspect created by the contract.

legally required

Broadens the scope to any legal requirement, not just contractual ones.

duty-bound by contract

Introduces the concept of duty, emphasizing a moral or ethical element alongside the contractual one.

mandated by contract

Highlights that the contract imposes a mandate or command.

FAQs

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

The phrase "contractually obliged" is used to indicate that someone is required to do something because of a binding contract. For example: "The company was contractually obliged to pay the supplier within 30 days".

What can I say instead of "contractually obliged"?

You can use alternatives like "legally bound", "required by contract", or "under contractual obligation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "legally obliged" instead of "contractually obliged"?

While both phrases indicate a requirement, "legally obliged" is broader and applies to obligations from any law or legal ruling. "Contractually obliged" specifically refers to obligations arising from a contract.

What is the difference between "contractually obliged" and simply "obliged"?

"Obliged" implies a general sense of duty or requirement, while "contractually obliged" specifies that the obligation stems from a legally binding agreement. The latter is more precise and carries greater weight.