legal entity

USAGE SUMMARY

"legal entity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a corporate or business entity having legal rights and obligations, such as a corporation or an LLC. For example, "The company is a legal entity registered in the U.S. state of Delaware."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they create and define a legal entity, the corporation, that's legally separate from its stockholders.

HuffPost

They need to create a legal entity.

The New York Times

A limited liability partnership is a separate legal entity.

The Guardian - Money

In 1873 it ceased to exist as a legal entity.

Britannica

Each member firm is a separate legal entity.

MIT Technology Review

Any payments made to a first-tier legal entity that is owned (in whole or in part) by another legal entity (a second-tier legal entity) shall be attributed to the second-tier legal entity in proportion to the ownership of the second-tier legal entity in the first-tier legal entity.

Cornell University

Payments made to a legal entity shall be reduced proportionately by an amount that represents the direct or indirect ownership in the legal entity by any person or legal entity that has otherwise exceeded the applicable maximum payment limitation.

Cornell University

In the United States the estate is a separate legal entity represented by a trustee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a bank's ability to block payments to a legal entity raises a troubling prospect.

The New York Times

The rebels are not a legal entity, he said, adding, "They are not a country".

The New York Times

As a legal entity, they are entitled to legal recourse," Mukherjee said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legal entity" when you need to clearly distinguish between a business and its owners or members.

Common error

Don't assume that all organizations are "legal entities". Informal groups or unregistered associations may not have the same legal standing or protections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legal entity" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a legally recognized organization or body. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a corporate or business entity possessing legal rights and obligations. Examples show its use in describing corporations, partnerships, and other organizations recognized by law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legal entity" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an organization recognized by law as having its own rights and responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a corporate or business entity with legal standing. This phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. It's important to use it accurately, especially in formal settings, to distinguish between a business and its owners or members. Alternatives include "corporate body", "registered organization", and "legal person", each with subtle differences in emphasis. Remember that not all organizations are "legal entities", so be careful when applying the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legal person

Synonymous, but more frequently used in formal legal contexts, emphasizing the entity's rights and responsibilities under the law.

artificial person

A more technical term used in law to describe an entity that is not a natural person but has legal rights.

juristic person

A synonym of "legal person" and "artificial person", often used in civil law jurisdictions.

corporate body

Focuses specifically on entities that are corporations, implying a structure with shareholders and directors.

incorporated entity

Similar to "corporate body", emphasizing the act of incorporation and the legal status it confers.

registered organization

Highlights the official registration of an organization, emphasizing compliance with legal requirements.

business enterprise

Focuses on the commercial aspect of the entity, highlighting its involvement in business activities.

company

A general term for a business organization, which may or may not be a separate legal entity depending on its structure.

firm

Similar to "company", but often used for smaller businesses or partnerships.

establishment

Refers to a physical place of business or an organization, without necessarily implying a specific legal structure.

FAQs

What is the definition of "legal entity"?

A "legal entity" is an organization, such as a company or trust fund, that the law treats as if it were a person, capable of entering into contracts and of being sued. It's also referred to as a "legal person".

What are some examples of "legal entities"?

Examples of "legal entities" include corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and non-profit organizations. Each is recognized by law as having its own rights and responsibilities.

What is the difference between a "legal entity" and a natural person?

A "legal entity" is an organization recognized by law as having its own rights and responsibilities, while a natural person is an individual human being. A "legal entity" can enter into contracts, own property, and be sued, just like a natural person, but it exists only as a legal construct.

How do I create a "legal entity"?

Creating a "legal entity" typically involves registering the organization with the relevant government authorities, such as the state or federal government. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of entity and the jurisdiction.