not bound by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not bound by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is not restricted or obligated by certain rules, conditions, or agreements. Example: "The company is not bound by the previous contract, allowing them to negotiate new terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

66.6% of Pch-bound genes were not bound by Ler.

DNA Research

We are not bound by our nature.

The New York Times

Canada is not bound by those rules.

The New York Times

Courts are not bound by previous decisions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not bound by terrestrial laws.

The Guardian - Tech

A shaleesh is not bound by legalisms.

The New York Times

But the governor is not bound by that recommendation.

The New York Times

We're not bound by what nine people say in perpetuity".

The Guardian

Thus it is not bound by treaties or written regulations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Romney is not bound by the platform programme.

The Guardian

The judge is not bound by that recommendation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not bound by", clearly specify what the subject is not restricted by to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They are not bound by rules", clarify with "They are not bound by the company's internal rules."

Common error

Avoid assuming "not bound by" implies complete freedom of action. It only means freedom from the specified restriction, not necessarily from all restrictions. It's key to provide context on the specific constraints that do or do not apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not bound by" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of obligation or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not bound by" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something or someone is free from a particular obligation, restriction, or set of rules. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage. The phrase sees the most frequent usage in News & Media, followed by Science. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to provide clear context about what is not being restricted to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "not restricted by" and "free from". Remember that using "not bound by" does not imply complete freedom, but rather freedom from the specified limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not restricted by

Focuses on the idea of lacking limitations or constraints.

not obligated by

Emphasizes the absence of a legal or moral duty.

not constrained by

Highlights the lack of enforced limitations.

free from

Suggests a state of being unburdened or released from something.

exempt from

Indicates a formal release from a requirement or rule.

not subject to

Implies that someone or something is not under the control or influence of something else.

independent of

Stresses autonomy and a lack of reliance or dependence.

unrestrained by

Conveys a sense of freedom and lack of imposed control.

unfettered by

Emphasizes the absence of chains or restrictions, both literal and figurative.

not governed by

Highlights the lack of control or regulation by specific rules or laws.

FAQs

How can I use "not bound by" in a sentence?

You can use "not bound by" to indicate that someone or something is not restricted or obligated by a particular rule, agreement, or condition. For example, "The judge is "not bound by" the sentencing guidelines."

What's a good alternative to "not bound by"?

Alternatives to "not bound by" include "not restricted by", "not obligated by", or "free from depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to use "not bound to" instead of "not bound by"?

While "not bound to" can sometimes be used to express a lack of obligation (e.g., "not bound to help"), "not bound by" is typically used when referring to rules, laws, or agreements that one is not subject to. The two phrases have different meanings.

Which is correct: "not bound by the rules" or "not bound to the rules"?

"Not bound by the rules" is generally the more appropriate choice when referring to a set of regulations or constraints. "Not bound to the rules" could suggest a lack of commitment to follow them, but it's less common and potentially ambiguous.