under contract

USAGE SUMMARY

"under contract" is correct, and it is commonly used in written English.
For example, you could say: "The new employee is under contract with the company until next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's under contract.

Independent

They're under contract.

The New York Times - Sports

They're both under contract.

The New York Times

I'm still under contract.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm under contract.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was under contract.

The New York Times - Sports

The house is now under contract.

The New York Times

She is also under contract for Nos.

The New York Times - Books

I am under contract with Molde.

The New York Times

All but two are under contract.

The New York Times

Neither is under contract for next season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under contract" to clearly indicate that an agreement is legally binding and enforceable. For example, say "The property is under contract" instead of "The property is pending" to convey a stronger sense of commitment.

Common error

Don't assume "under contract" means the deal is finalized. It simply signifies that both parties have signed an agreement, but the transaction is still subject to contingencies like inspections and financing. For example, saying "The deal is done; it's under contract" might be premature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under contract" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of legal obligation or agreement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it commonly denotes that someone or something is legally bound by the terms of a contract. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from employment to real estate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under contract" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone or something is bound by a legally enforceable agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. As shown by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news media and formal business contexts, serving to inform about a binding agreement. While its register is generally neutral, it tends to appear in professional communications. For clarity, remember that "under contract" doesn't guarantee a final deal, as transactions may still be subject to contingencies. Alternatives such as "contractually obligated" or "bound by agreement" can be used for similar meanings, but "under contract" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contractually obligated

Explicitly states the obligation stems from a contract.

obligated by the terms

Emphasizes specific obligations defined within the contract's terms.

bound by agreement

Emphasizes the binding nature of the agreement, focusing on the obligation it creates.

committed by agreement

Stresses the commitment arising from a contractual agreement.

subject to a contract

Highlights that the situation or entity is governed by the terms of a contract.

having a binding agreement

Highlights the existence of an agreement that is legally binding.

legally obliged

Focuses on the legal aspect of being bound by a contract.

party to a contract

Indicates involvement as one of the entities in the contract.

in a contractual relationship

Describes the state of being connected through a contract.

terms of agreement apply

Focuses on the active enforcement and relevance of the agreed terms.

FAQs

How is "under contract" used in a sentence?

You can use "under contract" to describe someone or something that is bound by a legal agreement. For example, "The musician is "under contract" with a record label" or "The house is "under contract", pending inspection".

What does it mean when something is "under contract"?

When something is "under contract", it means that a legally binding agreement has been made between two or more parties. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions that must be met. For example, in real estate, "under contract" means a buyer and seller have agreed on a price and signed a purchase agreement, but the sale is not yet final.

Which is correct, "under contract" or "on contract"?

Both phrases are used, but ""under contract"" is more common and generally preferred when describing an agreement or obligation. "On contract" can also be used.

What are some synonyms for "under contract"?

Synonyms for "under contract" include "contractually obligated", "bound by agreement", or "subject to a contract". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.