legally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'legally' is correct and usable in written English.
It is specifically used in legal contexts to indicate that something is officially recognized as binding by law. For example: "Under the terms of the contract, the parties are legally obligated to fulfill their duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This means that the Guardian could have an article on its website about an individual that's perfectly legal, but we might not legally be able to show links to it in our results when you search for that person's name.

The Guardian - Opinion

If Greece defaults, the EU will be legally justified and politically motivated to insist that the euro remains its only legal tender.

The Guardian - Business

The latest Chilcot report concludes that while it is feasible to design a legally compliant regime, the use of intercept evidence would not be consistent with previous operational requirements and would incur significant costs and risks for uncertain benefits in terms of increased numbers of successful prosecutions.

The Guardian

We did it confidently, legally and in the witness of many.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr Maurice Shaffner, the county prosecuting solicitor, said that the accused man was not legally represented.

The Guardian

Sanders said: "We recommend that sex workers be allowed to work legally together.

The Guardian

Izama pointed out that the Ugandan military – which the Obama administration legally committed itself to assisting one year after the oil discovery – has been increasing its oil-related security operations.

The Guardian

Local councils, which are the corporate parents, and those doing the parenting on their behalf, not only have a moral duty to involve children in meaningful decision-making, but are also legally required to do so.

The Guardian

The report found that 65% of those deaths took place in a home or vehicle belonging to the victim's family and usually involved guns that were legally owned but not properly secured.

The Guardian

One disability rights campaigner says: "The difficulty was that the Bubb review was not legally focused".

The Guardian

(Delta, like the other companies doing so, are only mandating this for LGBT employees who live in states where they legally can marry).

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legally" to clearly indicate that an action, agreement, or status is recognized and sanctioned by law, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "legally" when you mean "ethically". Just because something is "legally" permissible doesn't make it morally right. For example, a company might "legally" avoid paying taxes through loopholes, but that doesn't make it ethical.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "legally" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that an action, status, or condition is permitted or required by law. As Ludwig AI shows, it clarifies the legal standing of a subject, ensuring it conforms to legal standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "legally" is used to express that an action or condition is in accordance with the law. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's important to note that something being "legally" permissible does not necessarily make it ethical. The term is frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions, emphasizing its role in clarifying legal standing. While synonyms like "lawfully" exist, understanding the specific nuances helps in conveying the precise intended meaning. Use "legally" to clearly indicate adherence to legal standards and avoid confusion with ethical or moral considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lawfully

Direct synonym; interchangeable in most contexts where something is done according to the law.

in accordance with the law

More formal and explicit, emphasizing adherence to legal standards.

under the law

Similar to "in accordance with the law", focusing on the legal framework.

by right

Emphasizes the entitlement or permission granted by law.

within the bounds of the law

Highlights the limitations and constraints imposed by legal boundaries.

de jure

A Latin term meaning "by right" or "according to law", often used in formal or academic contexts.

licitly

Focuses on the permissibility and lawfulness of an action.

legitimately

Implies that something is not only legal but also fair and justifiable.

by legal means

Highlights the method or approach used to achieve something legally.

as per legal requirements

Emphasizes that something is done to meet mandatory legal obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "legally" in a sentence?

Use "legally" to indicate that something is permitted or required by law. For example, "You are "legally obligated" to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for insurance".

What's the difference between "legally" and "lawfully"?

"Legally" and "lawfully" are often interchangeable, but "legally" may refer more broadly to the legal system, while "lawfully" emphasizes adherence to specific laws.

What are some synonyms for "legally"?

Some synonyms for "legally" include "lawfully", "de jure", and in accordance with the law.

Is it ever incorrect to use "legally"?

It would be incorrect to use "legally" when describing actions that are ethical or moral but not necessarily required or sanctioned by law. For example, donating to charity is generally a moral thing to do, but it isn't always "legally required".