legally recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legally recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is acknowledged or accepted by law, such as a status, document, or entity. Example: "The new law ensures that same-sex marriages are legally recognized in all states."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Their young children are not legally recognized by Iraq's government.

The New York Times

Benefits for survivors from workers' compensation go only to a legally recognized spouse.

The New York Times

Mr. Lok, his legally recognized spouse, at least for now, was more sanguine.

The New York Times

Not being a legally recognized couple, we couldn't split the burden of chasing down the money.

The New York Times

In November 2004, 44 percent said same-sex relationships should not be legally recognized.

The New York Times

After toleration in 1957 there emerged the main organized group that was legally recognized in 1959.

Britannica

The government proposed legislation granting transsexuals the right to be legally recognized and to marry under their chosen sex.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Nicholas Abbitt, 6, finally has two legally recognized parents, both of them women.

Los Angeles Times

Harbisson, after having an antenna implanted into his skull, is the world's first legally-recognized cyborg.

Huffington Post

Service in the Waffen-SS was military service, legally established and legally recognized.

Yale University

In Europe 24 countries still require trans citizens to be sterilized before being legally recognized.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, pair "legally recognized" with a specific entity or status (e.g., "legally recognized marriage", "legally recognized organization") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "legally recognized" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "official" or "accepted" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally recognized" functions as an adjectival modifier, indicating that a noun or concept has been formally acknowledged and validated by law. Ludwig AI shows that it’s commonly used to describe entities, statuses, or agreements that possess a formal legal standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legally recognized" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the official legal standing of an entity, status, or agreement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. It is important to note the phrase's register, which is neutral to formal, and to avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "officially acknowledged" or "recognized by law" can be used for a simpler, more conversational tone. This phrase helps clarify legal validity, making it a valuable tool in precise and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognized under the law

Rephrases to emphasize the legal framework providing recognition.

recognized by law

A shorter version that retains the core meaning but simplifies the structure.

officially acknowledged

Replaces 'recognized' with 'acknowledged', focusing on the formal act of acceptance.

lawfully validated

Substitutes 'legally' with 'lawfully' and 'recognized' with 'validated', emphasizing the legitimacy and confirmation through law.

formally approved

Replaces 'legally recognized' with 'formally approved', highlighting the official endorsement aspect.

judicially sanctioned

Emphasizes the role of the judiciary in providing legal backing.

statutorily recognized

Highlights that recognition comes from a statute or law.

legally sanctioned

Focuses on the authorization aspect provided by law.

valid in law

Focuses on the validity and legal standing of something.

legitimate

A simpler term emphasizing lawfulness and acceptance, dropping the 'recognition' aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "legally recognized" to describe something that has been formally acknowledged by law. For example, "The same-sex marriage is now "legally recognized" in all states".

What can I say instead of "legally recognized"?

Alternatives to "legally recognized" include "officially acknowledged", "formally approved", or "recognized by law", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "legally recognized" or "officially recognized"?

The choice between "legally recognized" and "officially recognized" depends on the context. "Legally recognized" emphasizes that the recognition comes from the law, while "officially recognized" implies recognition by an authority, which may not necessarily be legal.

What does it mean for a country to have a "legally recognized" religion?

If a religion is "legally recognized", it means the government acknowledges its existence, permitting it certain rights and privileges, such as performing legally binding marriages or receiving tax exemptions. A state might officially recognize a religion, but that is different from establishing one.