defined by law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined by law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is established or determined by legal statutes or regulations. Example: "The rights of citizens are defined by law, ensuring protection and equality for all individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

While the constitution only mentioned the use of the flag, anthem and arms as national symbols, each symbol had to be defined by law.

Wikipedia

Antiques have been variously defined by law for tariff purposes.

Britannica

Rather, as in professional negligence cases, the standard should be defined by law.

Harvard University

Yale University, like other universities, is a legal person, and its rights are defined by law.

Yale University

But how she is to determine social importance is not defined by law.

The New York Times

Such arrangements are defined by law and have to be made available to the defence in a criminal trial.

The Guardian

A further clause defines those principles in rigid doctrinal terms.Dozens of articles leave key matters to be defined by law.

The Economist

Hate speech as defined by law was rarely seen on Guardian comment threads (and when it did appear it was blocked and the commenter banned).

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In some countries, beer is defined by law as in Germany, where the standard ingredients, besides water, are malt (kiln-dried germinated barley), hops, and yeast.

Britannica

The university is resisting because, according to UC President Richard Atkinson's 5 February open letter to the university, teaching assistants (TAs) "are not employees as defined by [law]." (The university says it will grant collective bargaining to readers and tutors).

Science Magazine

There is a basic package, which is mandatory and defined by law.

European Journal of Health Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined by law", ensure that the specific law or legal provision is clearly referenced or easily identifiable for clarity and accuracy.

Common error

Do not use "defined by law" without providing context or reference to the specific law. Otherwise, the statement lacks authority and is less informative. Instead, provide the specific act, statute, or regulation that provides the definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined by law" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular concept, term, or standard is legally specified. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse fields to denote legal precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defined by law" is a grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that signifies a legally specified meaning or status. It is most frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, and its register is neutral to professional. This phrase is useful for eliminating ambiguity by referencing a formal, authoritative legal source. When using this phrase, remember to reference or identify the specific law or legal provision for maximum clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "legally defined" or "statutorily defined" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally defined

Reorders the words and simplifies the structure, focusing directly on the legal aspect.

statutorily defined

Replaces 'law' with 'statute', emphasizing a formal written law.

prescribed by law

Shifts the focus to the action of prescribing or mandating something through law.

mandated by law

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the legal requirement.

regulated by law

Highlights the legal framework that governs a specific area.

established by law

Focuses on the creation or setting up of something through legal means.

set forth in law

Emphasizes that details, parameters or terms are provided in the written law.

delineated by law

Highlights that the boundaries or limits are stated and made clear through law.

determined by legal statute

Replaces 'law' with 'legal statute', which emphasizes the determination and legality of the statute.

specified in legislation

Replaces 'law' with 'legislation', which focuses specifically on the legislative act.

FAQs

How can I use "defined by law" in a sentence?

Use "defined by law" to indicate that a term, concept, or procedure is specifically outlined and given legal meaning in a statute or regulation. For example, "The term 'essential health benefits' is "defined by law" within the Affordable Care Act."

What are some alternatives to "defined by law"?

Alternatives include "legally defined", "statutorily defined", "prescribed by law", or "mandated by law". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the legal basis.

What's the difference between "defined by law" and "regulated by law"?

"Defined by law" indicates that the meaning of something is specified in legal terms. "Regulated by law", on the other hand, means that certain activities or processes are governed and controlled by legal statutes. Therefore, something "regulated by law" might involve more than just a definition.

Is it always necessary to cite the specific law when using "defined by law"?

While not always mandatory, citing the specific law after using ""defined by law"" enhances clarity and credibility. Providing a citation allows readers to verify the definition and ensures that the context is well-supported.