de jure

USAGE SUMMARY

"de jure" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is legally binding, or that exists because of written laws as opposed to existing in practice. For example, "The law states that everyone has the right to free speech, de jure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

De jure, perhaps, but de facto, no.

The New Yorker

De jure, Chechnya is part of the Russian federation.

The Guardian

It has turned de facto racism into de jure racism.

The New York Times

"Now they want to capture it de jure".

The New York Times

The de jure environment appears to only affect some firms.

Harvard University

Interestingly, Portugal has pursued a "de jure" decriminalization.

Columbia University

Data for this study (about 15,000 active or withdrawn de jure standards) were collected.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

Courts struck down de jure, or legal, racial segregation in the schools.

The New York Times

But the movement of the 1960s was southern-based and fought de jure segregation and discrimination.

The Guardian

"We will be de jure inside Ukraine but will live by our own laws and leaders.

The Guardian

With the referendum result, this de facto executive authority becomes de jure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "de jure" to specifically indicate that something is established by law, especially when contrasting it with what actually happens in practice (de facto).

Common error

Avoid using "de jure" when you mean "de facto". "De jure" refers to legal or official status, while "de facto" describes what exists in reality, regardless of legal status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "de jure" functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is based on law or legal right, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "de jure" is a frequently used adjective phrase meaning "by right" or "according to law". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts. It is commonly found in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. To ensure accuracy, remember to contrast "de jure" with "de facto", which means "in practice". Using the phrase accurately enhances the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in law

A more concise way of stating something's existence within the legal system.

according to law

Stresses adherence to the established legal framework.

as a matter of law

Implies that something is determined or governed by legal principles.

legally recognized

Focuses on the formal acknowledgement of something by law.

under the law

Highlights the protection or regulation provided by legal statutes.

by legal entitlement

Focuses on the right granted through legal means.

officially sanctioned

Emphasizes the authorization or approval given by an authority.

formally legal

Underscores the explicit legality of something.

by right

Highlights the entitlement based on legal or moral principles.

legitimate

Indicates that something is in accordance with accepted laws or rules.

FAQs

How do you use "de jure" in a sentence?

You can use "de jure" to describe situations recognized by law, such as "de jure segregation", which refers to segregation enforced by law.

What's the difference between "de jure" and "de facto"?

"De jure" means "according to the law", while "de facto" means "in reality" or "in practice". Something can be "de jure" but not "de facto", and vice versa.

What can I say instead of "de jure"?

Alternatives include "legally recognized", "officially sanctioned", or "by right", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "de jure" in formal writing?

Yes, "de jure" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to specify that something is established or recognized by law. It is often used in legal, academic, and political contexts.