legally bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legally bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone is obligated to follow the terms of a contract or law. Example: "Once the contract is signed, both parties are legally bound to fulfill their obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No statue is legally bound to stand forever.

The New York Times - Sports

The company is legally bound to inform shareholders of any material legal disputes in such documentation.

Independent

We are legally bound to each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Execution" refers to the market-facing act of becoming legally bound to the swap.

Columbia University

The unmarried parents of an illegitimate child are likewise not legally bound together.

Cornell University

But Kory Teneycke, Mr. Harper's spokesman, confirmed that they are not legally bound to that promise.

The New York Times

Israel unleashed military firepower against a people it is legally bound to protect.

The New York Times

Future governments are now legally bound to squeeze every possible drop out of the ground.

The Guardian

Mr. Fish noted that delegates were not "legally bound" to support Mr. Huckabee.

The New York Times

The landlord will then be legally bound to bring the home up to an E-rating.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The question is if China will be legally-bound.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legally bound", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific law, contract, or legal principle that creates the obligation. For example, "The company is legally bound by the terms of the contract."

Common error

Avoid using "legally bound" when referring to moral or ethical obligations that are not enforceable by law. It's crucial to distinguish between what is legally required and what is simply the right thing to do.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally bound" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of obligation imposed by law. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "legally bound" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term that indicates a formal, legally enforceable obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most often in news, legal, and business contexts, conveying that someone is required to act in a specific way under the authority of law or contract. While alternatives like "legally obligated" or "required by law" can be used, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure the legal basis for the obligation is clearly defined and distinguish legal duties from moral ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally required

A more direct and concise synonym for "legally bound".

legally obligated

Replaces "bound" with "obligated", offering a slightly more formal tone.

legally compelled

Focuses on the legal force compelling action.

under legal obligation

Rephrases to highlight the state of being under a legal duty.

required by law

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the legal requirement.

mandated by law

Highlights that the obligation is officially ordered by law.

compelled by law

Emphasizes the enforcement aspect of the legal requirement.

enjoined by law

Implies a legal order or injunction is in place, creating the obligation.

contractually obligated

Specifies the source of the obligation as a contract.

answerable to the law

Indicates accountability to legal standards and potential consequences.

FAQs

What does "legally bound" mean?

The phrase "legally bound" means that someone is under a legal obligation to do something, as required by law or a contract. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences.

How to use "legally bound" in a sentence?

You can use "legally bound" to indicate a formal commitment. For example: "Once you sign the agreement, you are "legally bound" to its conditions."

What can I say instead of "legally bound"?

You can use alternatives like "legally obligated", "required by law", or "under legal obligation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "legally bound" or "legally obligated"?

Both "legally bound" and "legally obligated" are correct and have very similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific context of the sentence.