required by law

USAGE SUMMARY

"required by law" is correct and is often used in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which something must be done due to legal requirements. For example, "Payment of taxes is required by law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But these requirements are not required by law.

The Guardian

Whistle-blowing is required by law.

The New Yorker

The move is required by law.

The New York Times

I thought it was required by law.

The New Yorker

However, in reality they're required by law.

The Guardian

So should disclosure be required by law?

The Guardian

First, what is "required by law"?

The Washington Post

Such disclosures are not required by law.

The Washington Post

Everyone is required by law to respond.

The Washington Post

He was 17 and her consent was required by law.

The Guardian

Philanthropies are required by law to give back 5percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "required by law" to clearly state that an action or procedure is not optional but legally enforced. It adds a layer of authority and seriousness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "required by law" in casual or informal settings where a simpler phrase like "necessary" or "needed" would suffice. Overusing legalistic language can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "required by law" functions as a post-modifying adjectival phrase. It typically modifies a noun to indicate that the noun is subject to a legal mandate or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "required by law" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is mandatory due to legal regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts. Primarily found in news, formal business documents, and scientific publications, it conveys authority and emphasizes the legal obligation. When writing, using "required by law" indicates a non-optional action with potential legal consequences for non-compliance. Related phrases, such as "legally obligated" and "mandated by law", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandated by law

Replaces "required" with "mandated", emphasizing the authoritative nature of the legal requirement.

legally obligated

Focuses on the legal duty or responsibility imposed by law.

prescribed by law

Highlights that the law specifies or dictates the action.

statutorily required

Emphasizes that the requirement comes from a statute or written law.

compelled by law

Indicates that the law forces or necessitates a certain action.

legally binding

Highlights the enforceable nature of the legal requirement.

enjoined by law

Suggests the law formally directs or orders a specific action.

as per legal requirement

More explicitly frames compliance in terms of a defined legal rule.

under legal obligation

Shifts focus to the legal obligation one is subject to.

in accordance with the law

States the action aligns or complies with existing laws.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "required by law"?

When something is "required by law", it means that it is mandatory and enforced by legal statutes. Failure to comply can result in penalties or legal consequences.

How can I use "required by law" in a sentence?

You can use "required by law" to emphasize that compliance with a specific action is not optional. For example, "Filing taxes annually is "mandated by law"".

What are some alternatives to saying "required by law"?

Some alternatives include "legally obligated", "mandated by law", or "statutorily required". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "required by law" and "recommended by law"?

"Required by law" indicates a mandatory obligation, whereas "recommended by law" suggests a course of action that is advised but not legally enforced. Failing to follow a recommendation does not carry legal penalties.