is bound by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is bound by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone is held to certain rules, conditions, or contracts. For example, "The employee is bound by the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The one is bound by old laws.

The New Yorker

Mr. Curry said he is bound by a confidentiality agreement.

The New York Times - Style

The retrospective is bound by a common refrain of tenderness.

The New Yorker

Uber is bound by none of these rules.

The New Yorker

"In dictatorships the population is bound by fear.

The Guardian

Luckily, not everybody is bound by these petty concerns.

The New York Times - Food

America's government is bound by law to promote that liberty.

The Economist

Germany is bound by the Maastricht treaty, ratified by parliament.

The Economist

But he is saying he is bound by the Conservative general election manifesto.

The Guardian

Pakistan is bound by the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This pace of innovation is bound by how people can connect.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is bound by" to clearly indicate that an entity or person is under an obligation or restriction due to a rule, law, agreement, or other binding factor. For example, "The company is bound by international trade agreements."

Common error

Avoid using "is bound by" when referring to mere influences or suggestions. Ensure a real, enforceable obligation exists. Instead of saying "The project is bound by market trends" consider "The project is influenced by market trends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is bound by" functions as a passive construction indicating obligation or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It highlights that a subject is under the control or influence of a specific rule, law, agreement, or other binding factor, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is bound by" is a versatile phrase used to express obligation, restriction, or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you are referring to a genuine obligation or restriction, not merely an influence. Consider alternatives such as "is constrained by" or "is obligated to" to convey subtle differences in meaning. Remember that correct grammar requires "bound", the past participle of "bind", not "bind". By following these guidelines, you can use the phrase "is bound by" effectively and accurately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is constrained by

Emphasizes limitations or restrictions imposed on someone or something.

is obligated to

Highlights a legal or moral duty to perform a specific action.

is required to

Indicates a formal necessity or requirement.

is subject to

Suggests being under the control or influence of something.

is governed by

Implies being controlled or regulated by a set of rules or principles.

is tied to

Highlights a close connection or dependency.

is limited by

Focuses on the restrictions imposed on something.

is dictated by

Emphasizes that something is determined or controlled by another factor.

is conditional on

Indicates dependence on a specific condition or requirement.

is adherent to

Implies strict compliance or devotion to a set of rules or a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "is bound by" in a sentence?

The phrase "is bound by" indicates that someone or something is under a legal, contractual, or moral obligation. For example, "The government is bound by its constitution" or "The employee is bound by the confidentiality agreement".

What are some alternatives to "is bound by"?

You can use alternatives like "is constrained by", "is obligated to", or "is required to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he is bind by an obligation"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrasing is "he is bound by an obligation". The past participle of "bind" is "bound".

What's the difference between "is bound by" and "is influenced by"?

"Is bound by" suggests a formal or legal obligation, while "is influenced by" indicates a less strict effect or suggestion. For example, a contract "is bound by" law, whereas a decision "is influenced by" public opinion.