legally binding

USAGE SUMMARY

"legally binding" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can refer to documents, contracts, agreements, or promises that have legal consequences if they are broken. For example, "The contract between the two companies is legally binding, so both must fulfill their obligations under the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

For the (legal) record: This marriage is not legally binding.

Huffington Post

"All the technical legal nuances have been cleaned up and we have a legally binding process".

The New York Times

"It's not legally binding.

The New York Times

Legally binding agreements?

The Guardian

A legally binding "noise envelope".

The Guardian

That ceremony is not legally binding.

The New York Times

Its resolutions are not legally binding.

The Economist

We need universal and legally binding criteria".

The Guardian - Tech

The resolution would not be legally binding.

The New York Times

"There was nothing legally binding about it".

The New York Times

These are aspirations, not legally binding commitments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In policy discussions, clarify whether proposed measures are merely aspirational or "legally binding" to manage expectations and ensure accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "morally binding" as a substitute for "legally binding". A moral obligation carries no legal weight; only a "legally binding" agreement can be enforced by a court of law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally binding" functions as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., agreement, contract, document). It indicates that the noun it modifies is subject to legal enforcement, meaning a court of law can compel parties to adhere to it. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legally binding" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe agreements or commitments that are enforceable by law, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily used in news, media, and formal business contexts, it signifies that an agreement is not just a promise but a requirement backed by legal authority. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates that a formal, legally enforceable agreement exists, and avoid confusing it with terms like "morally binding". The most frequent authoritative sources include The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforceable by law

Focuses on the enforceability aspect of the agreement.

contractually obligated

Highlights the contractual nature of the obligation.

mandated by law

Emphasizes the legal requirement or mandate.

required by law

Highlights the legal necessity of the action.

officially sanctioned

Focuses on formal approval and authorization.

under legal obligation

Highlights the state of being legally bound.

subject to legal requirements

Specifies that certain legal conditions apply.

legally required

Highlights legal necessity or duty.

constitutionally mandated

Specifies that the obligation comes from the constitution.

statutorily obligated

Highlights that the obligation comes from a statute.

FAQs

How to use "legally binding" in a sentence?

You can use "legally binding" to describe agreements, contracts, or commitments that are enforceable by law. For example, "The contract between the two companies is "legally binding"".

What can I say instead of "legally binding"?

You can use alternatives like "enforceable by law", "contractually obligated", or "mandated by law" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "legally binding agreement" or "legally binding contract"?

"Legally binding agreement" and "legally binding contract" are both correct, but the latter is more specific. A contract is a type of agreement, so using "contract" implies a specific set of conditions and considerations.

What's the difference between "legally binding" and "morally binding"?

"Legally binding" refers to something that is enforceable by law, while "morally binding" refers to an obligation based on ethical or moral principles. Only "legally binding" agreements can be enforced by a court of law.