technically bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technically bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is constrained or limited by technical specifications or requirements. Example: "The project is technically bound by the limitations of the software we are using, which restricts our options for customization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. LaHood is not technically bound to follow the Parliamentarian's ruling, but Mr. LaHood said today that he most certainly would.

The New York Times

As an example of the Romney campaign's hurriedly revised calculations, aides had begun discussing an unlikely strategy that relies on delegates who are pledged to other candidates but who are not technically bound to them.

The New York Times

Even people who are self-employed or who own their own small businesses are technically bound by the same health and safety regulations as everyone else (although the self-employed singleton is hardly likely to report himself or herself to the authorities for non-compliance).

The Guardian

Modern written Chinese, which replaced Classical Chinese as the written standard as an indirect result of the May Fourth Movement of 1919, is not technically bound to any single dialect; however, it most nearly represents the vocabulary and syntax of Mandarin, by far the most widespread Chinese dialect in terms of both geographical area and number of speakers.

Wikipedia

Romney isn't going to get to 1,144 with technically "bound" delegates, we know, but would delegates actually leave him?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"American families are confused and poorly informed, not only about costs and prices, but also about the entire matter of how to access higher education and its complicated system of financial aid". Until the mid-1990s, to prevent price-fixing and collusion, universities had technically been bound by anti-trust laws and prevented from discussing financial-aid policies with each other.

Duke University

What results, often, is technically accurate playing bound by a certain emotional restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

Delegates from states that hold caucuses, such as Iowa and Nevada, technically are not bound to support their original candidate of choice.

The Guardian

(Technically, the lower bound refers to the fact that there is a limit in imposing negative interest rates since depositors can switch to cash instead).

The Economist

ISPs that do wireless or satellite connections technically aren't bound by the cable rules, so they're unaffected for now — unless, Mattmiller joked, they volunteer to submit themselves to the new regulation.

TechCrunch

In other instances, upper management decides that if you are strong technically, then you are bound to be an effective manager.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "technically bound" when describing a situation where rules or specifications create a constraint, but there might be a way around it. This suggests a potential loophole or exception.

Common error

Avoid using "technically bound" when the constraint is absolute and without exceptions. "Legally bound" or "absolutely required" might be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technically bound" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a conditional or qualified obligation. It suggests that the obligation exists according to a specific technicality, but might not be absolute. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "technically bound" is grammatically correct and used to express a qualified constraint or obligation based on a specific technicality or rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best used to indicate an obligation that might have exceptions or ways to be circumvented, with a neutral to professional register. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in various sources, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, making it a useful expression for adding nuance to discussions about obligations and limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to specifications

Emphasizes limitations imposed by specific technical requirements.

formally obligated

Replaces "bound" with "obligated", emphasizing a formal requirement.

constrained by design

Highlights limitations imposed by the technical design of something.

officially obligated

Stresses an official or documented commitment.

legally required

Replaces "technically" and "bound" to convey legal constraints.

according to the rules

Focuses on rule-based adherence and limitations.

theoretically constrained

Shifts focus to theoretical limitations instead of technical ones.

in principle obligated

Suggests the obligation is more of an ideal than a strict reality.

nominally restricted

Highlights a restriction that exists in name only.

by the book

Implies adherence to established rules, similar to technical constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "technically bound" in a sentence?

Use "technically bound" to indicate a constraint that exists due to a specific rule or technicality, but might not be strictly enforced or universally applicable. For example, "The company is technically bound by the contract, but there are clauses that allow for flexibility".

What's the difference between "technically bound" and "legally bound"?

"Technically bound" implies a constraint based on a specific technicality or rule, whereas "legally bound" indicates a constraint enforced by law. One implies a possible loophole, the other a firm legal obligation.

What can I say instead of "technically bound"?

You can use alternatives like "formally obligated", "nominally restricted", or "subject to specifications" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is "technically bound" if they can easily avoid the obligation?

Yes, "technically bound" is appropriate when a requirement exists but is easily circumvented or not strictly enforced. If the obligation is unavoidable, phrases like "absolutely required" or "strictly enforced" might be more accurate.