under the law

USAGE SUMMARY

'under the law' is a perfectly valid phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of different contexts.
For example: "The defendant was found guilty in court under the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under the law, the I.P.O.

The New York Times

Rumors should be sanctioned under the law.

The New York Times

Under the law, it will be 39-61.

The New York Times

Probably not under the law.

The New York Times

"Every citizen is protected under the law.

The Guardian

We deserve equal justice under the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's an offense under the law".

The New Yorker

That's not enough under the law".

The New Yorker

What else? Due process under the law.

Yale University

They're all equal under the law.

The New York Times

2Has insurance under the law been affordable?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the law", ensure the context clearly specifies which legal system or specific law is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under the law" without specifying which jurisdiction or legal framework applies. Be specific (e.g., "under federal law", "under the laws of California") to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the law" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the legal basis, context, or governing framework for an action, right, or status. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the law" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a legal context or framework. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed, especially in news reporting, academic writing, and legal documentation. While frequently used, it is important to specify the legal system or specific law being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "by law" and "according to the law" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its importance in legal and formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by law

A shorter and more direct alternative, often used to indicate legal mandate.

according to the law

Emphasizes adherence to specific legal provisions, similar to but more direct than "under the law".

as per the law

A more concise way of stating "according to the law".

in compliance with the law

Focuses on the act of following or adhering to legal requirements.

subject to the law

Implies that something is controlled or governed by legal rules.

within the bounds of the law

Highlights the limitations and constraints imposed by legal boundaries.

in accordance with regulations

Focuses specifically on adherence to codified rules and directives, often used in administrative contexts.

pursuant to the law

Indicates actions taken as a result of or in accordance with legal authority.

under legal provisions

More specific, emphasizing that actions are governed by specific legal clauses.

legally

Adverb indicating that something is done in a legal manner.

FAQs

How can I use "under the law" in a sentence?

You can use "under the law" to indicate what is permissible, required, or protected within a legal system. For example, "All citizens are equal "under the law"".

What's a simpler way to say "under the law"?

Alternatives include "by law", "legally", or "according to the law", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify which law when using "under the law"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the relevant legal framework (e.g., "under federal law", "under state law") enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity, especially in legal or formal contexts.

What is the difference between "under the law" and "in accordance with the law"?

"Under the law" generally refers to being subject to or protected by the law, while "in accordance with the law" indicates compliance or conformity with legal requirements. They are often interchangeable, but the latter emphasizes adherence.