is not bound to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not bound to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not obligated or required to do something. Example: "The company is not bound to provide additional benefits beyond what is stated in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The president is not bound to follow them.

The New York Times

The F.D.A. is not bound to follow the advice of its panels, but it usually does.

The New York Times

Whether more testimony is leaked, the Balco case is not bound to vanish before October.

The New York Times - Sports

While unanimity is conventionally adhered to, the Eurogroup president is not bound to explicit rules".

The Guardian - Opinion

The coalition government is not bound to adopt Lord Browne's proposals.

The Guardian

"The president is not bound to provide security to any individual.

The Guardian

A painting or a drawing, unlike a photograph, is not bound to its subject.

The New Yorker

He is not bound to call an election until September 2009.

The Economist

This means that the philosopher is not bound to accept what is contradicted by demonstration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The F.D.A. is not bound to abide by the recommendations of its scientific advisory panels, but it usually follows them.

The New York Times

The guidelines point out that the I.N.S., like any prosecutor, is not bound to start proceedings in every case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not bound to" when indicating the absence of a legal, moral, or contractual obligation. Be clear about what entity is not bound and to what specific action or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "is not bound to" when you mean a physical restriction. The phrase typically refers to obligations or necessities, not physical constraints. For physical limitations, use alternatives like "is not tied to" or "is not attached to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not bound to" functions primarily as a predicate adjective. It describes the subject by indicating that it does not have a particular obligation or constraint. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage in various contexts, from legal obligations to scientific relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not bound to" is a versatile construction used to express a lack of obligation, necessity, or predetermination. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across a spectrum of contexts, including news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries. While its register is generally neutral, writers should ensure they are conveying the intended meaning of lacking obligation rather than physical restraint. Alternatives like "is not obligated to" and "is not required to" can offer nuanced variations. Always consider the specific context to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the absence of a duty or inevitable outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not obligated to

Replaces "bound" with "obligated", emphasizing the absence of a formal duty.

is not required to

Substitutes "bound" with "required", highlighting the lack of a necessary action.

is not compelled to

Replaces "bound" with "compelled", suggesting the absence of coercion.

is not obliged to

Uses "obliged" instead of "bound", indicating a lack of moral or legal necessity.

is not constrained to

Emphasizes the absence of limitations or restrictions, using "constrained" instead of "bound".

is not destined to

Shifts the meaning towards a lack of inevitability or predetermination.

is not fated to

Similar to "is not destined to", focusing on the absence of a predetermined outcome.

is not tied to

Indicates a lack of connection or dependence, using "tied" in place of "bound".

is not limited to

Focuses on the absence of restrictions or confines, using "limited" instead of "bound".

is not subject to

Suggests the absence of control or authority, using "subject" in place of "bound".

FAQs

How can I use "is not bound to" in a sentence?

You can use "is not bound to" to express a lack of obligation or requirement. For example, "The company "is not bound to" provide additional benefits beyond what is legally required".

What are some alternatives to "is not bound to"?

Alternatives include "is not obligated to", "is not required to", or "is not compelled to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it the same to say "is not bound to" vs "is not tied to"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of connection, "is not bound to" typically refers to obligations, whereas "is not tied to" often indicates a lack of physical or logical connection. The phrase "is not tied to" can be used to mean a lack of relationship or association.

What is the difference between "is not bound to" and "is not likely to"?

"Is not bound to" indicates a lack of obligation or necessity, while "is not likely to" expresses a low probability. They are not interchangeable. Using "is not likely to" means something probably won't happen.