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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
held in law
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "held in law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to something that is recognized or established by law. Example: "The contract was held in law to be valid despite the minor discrepancies."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
misinterpreted the law
codified in law
determined in law
erred in favor
established by law
an error of law
misapplied the law
error of fact
legally recognized
prescribed by law
perpetrated in law
mistake in law
was wrong in law
erred in return
deviated from legal standards
confused in law
recognized by law
made a legal mistake
an error in law
erred in law
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
In fact, with the special place university libraries have traditionally held in law, policy and pedagogy, the university library is now poised to be on the forefront of the twenty-first-century digital movement as it harnesses its staff, collections and expertise to provide next-generation support for research, teaching and access.
Academia
Notes: Class held in Law's Neukom Building, Room 102.
Academia
Thus, the Singapore Court of Appeal held in Law Society of Singapore v. Tan Guat Neo Phyllis (2008) that the Attorney-General "may not use his prosecutorial power in bad faith for an extraneous purpose".
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
When it comes to civilian criminal law, do you know of any concept in civilian law that would allow someone be held in criminal law indefinitely without trial?
News & Media
Conferences, Lectures and Workshops gives you a chance to "attend" some of the interesting programs that have been held in the law school in years past.
Academia
Local elections were held in '72; martial law was repealed; repression ended.
News & Media
Marriage is indeed fundamentally a traditional way of life imbued with social meaning, held in place by law.
News & Media
The result shows the late Princess of Wales bending over her granddaughter, held in the daughter-in-law's arms.
News & Media
Many of their lands are held in trusts, which federal law recognizes as independent political entities.
News & Media
On Saint Leger's advice they were given titles to lands that they had formerly held in defiance of English law.
Encyclopedias
The Workshop was the first conference on fiduciary law held in Israel.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "held in law" when you want to emphasize that a principle, decision, or concept has been formally recognized and validated by the legal system. It's particularly useful in academic papers, legal documents, and formal discussions about jurisprudence.
Common error
Avoid using "held in law" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler, more direct language unless the context specifically calls for legal precision.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "held in law" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. It indicates that a concept, principle, or decision has been formally recognized or validated by the legal system. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showing its use in academic and legal contexts.
Frequent in
Academia
33%
Wiki
33%
News & Media
33%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "held in law" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is recognized or established by legal principles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its suitability for formal contexts such as academia, law, and policy. While the phrase is relatively rare, its precise meaning and formal tone make it valuable when legal validity needs to be emphasized. When writing, be mindful of the register, avoiding its use in informal contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Alternatives include "legally recognized", "established by law", and "legally binding" depending on nuance. Considering proper usage and context will ensure accuracy and formality in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
legally recognized
Focuses on the acknowledgment of something under the law.
established by law
Emphasizes the legal foundation or creation of something.
legally binding
Highlights the enforceable nature of something under the law.
sanctioned by law
Indicates official approval or authorization by legal means.
upheld in court
Refers to a legal decision affirming the validity of something.
prescribed by law
Indicates something is mandated or required by legal statutes.
enforceable by law
Highlights the ability to compel compliance through legal means.
recognized under the law
Similar to legally recognized, but emphasizes a broader acknowledgment.
codified in law
Suggests that something has been formally written into law.
legal standing
Refers to the legitimacy or validity of something in a legal context.
FAQs
How can I use "held in law" in a sentence?
You can use "held in law" to indicate that something is recognized or established by legal principles. For example: "The contract was "legally binding" and thus held in law to be valid."
What is a good alternative to "held in law"?
Alternatives include "legally recognized", "established by law", or "legally binding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
In what contexts is "held in law" most appropriately used?
"Held in law" is most appropriate in formal, academic, and legal contexts where precise legal terminology is required. It's often found in legal judgments, scholarly articles, and policy documents.
What's the difference between "held in law" and "considered legal"?
"Considered legal" is a more general term suggesting something is within the bounds of the law. "Held in law" implies a formal determination or recognition by the legal system, making it a more specific and authoritative phrase.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested