legally obliged

USAGE SUMMARY

"legally obliged" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something which is required by law. For example: All employers are legally obliged to provide their workers with a safe working environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our legal advice is that we are not legally obliged to repay those who have already paid penalty charges.

BBC

The legal incidence is on the person or company who is legally obliged to pay the tax.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This they are legally obliged to do.

The Guardian - Money

Isn't it legally obliged to do more?

The Guardian - Money

(E.R.s will still be legally obliged to treat all comers).

The New Yorker

Companies just aren't legally obliged to hold the data.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are legally obliged to provide this information.

The Guardian

At that point the bank will be legally obliged to unfreeze your mother's account.

Independent

It's a pity that economists outside the Fed can't be legally obliged to acknowledge their errors.

The New Yorker

All landlords are legally obliged to put deposits in one of these schemes.

Independent

For instance, will doctors be legally obliged to act on that information?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legally obliged", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific law or regulation that creates the obligation. This adds clarity and authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "legally obliged" without specifying which legal framework imposes the obligation. Vague references can weaken your argument and create ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally obliged" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a legal requirement or duty. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. For instance, "Employers are legally obliged to give staff an itemised payslip."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legally obliged" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to describe situations where a legal duty or requirement exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, commonly appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts. To enhance clarity, specify the specific law or regulation creating the obligation, and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases like "required by law" or "under legal obligation" can serve as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required by law

Focuses on the legal mandate as the source of the obligation.

mandated by law

Emphasizes the authoritative command of the law.

legally required

A more direct synonym focusing on the necessity established by law.

under legal obligation

Highlights the state of being bound by the law.

bound by law

Emphasizes the binding nature of the legal system.

compelled by law

Indicates a legal force driving the action.

legally bound

Focuses on the legal contract or agreement.

duty-bound by law

Adds a sense of moral obligation arising from legal duties.

enjoined by law

A more formal term for a legal command.

subject to legal requirement

Highlights the condition of being under the law's demands.

FAQs

How can I use "legally obliged" in a sentence?

Use "legally obliged" to describe a situation where someone or something is required to do something by law. For instance, "The company is legally obliged to provide a safe working environment".

What's the difference between "legally required" and "legally obliged"?

While similar, "legally required" generally refers to something that must be done to comply with the law, whereas "legally obliged" emphasizes the duty or commitment created by the law. They are often interchangeable, but "legally obliged" carries a slightly stronger sense of duty.

Are there situations where someone might feel morally obliged but not "legally obliged"?

Yes, moral obligations stem from personal ethics or societal norms, while legal obligations are imposed by law. For example, someone might feel morally obliged to help a stranger in need, but they are not legally obliged to do so.

What are some synonyms for "legally obliged"?

Alternatives include "required by law", "mandated by law", or "under legal obligation". The best choice depends on the specific context.