Legal language can often be complex and confusing, filled with jargon and technical terms that can leave even the most well-versed individuals scratching their heads. One such term that frequently crops up in legal discourse is “legally.” But how exactly should one use this word in a sentence? In this article, we will explore the proper way to use “legally” in a sentence, providing you with a clear understanding of its correct usage.
So, what is the proper way to use “legally” in a sentence? Simply put, “legally” is an adverb that modifies a verb or an adjective to indicate that something is done in accordance with the law or within the boundaries of the legal system. It serves as a crucial tool in legal writing, helping to convey the legality or lawfulness of an action or situation. For example, one might say, “The contract was legally binding,” to emphasize that the contract is enforceable under the law.
Now that we have a basic understanding of how “legally” functions grammatically, let us delve deeper into its various uses and explore some examples that will further illustrate its correct usage.
Definition Of Legally
Legally is an adverb that pertains to the law, regulations, or rules established by a governing authority. It describes an action, situation, or behavior that is in accordance with the law and is legally binding. In essence, it signifies the adherence to legal principles and the absence of any violation or infringement.
Historical Evolution
The concept of legality has a rich historical evolution that can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Throughout history, societies have developed various legal systems to establish order, resolve disputes, and protect individual rights. The origins of modern legal systems can be found in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where written codes of law were first established.
Over time, legal systems have evolved and adapted to changing societal norms, technological advancements, and cultural shifts. The development of common law in England and the subsequent influence of English law on many countries laid the foundation for the legal systems we see today. The legal principles and frameworks established in different historical periods have shaped the meaning and application of legality.
Different Meanings In Different Contexts
While the general definition of “legally” remains consistent across contexts, its precise meaning can vary depending on the specific field or area of law being discussed. Here are a few examples of how the term “legally” can be understood differently in various contexts:
- Legally in Criminal Law: In the context of criminal law, “legally” refers to actions or behaviors that conform to the criminal code and are not considered illegal. It encompasses acts that are permitted by law and do not warrant criminal prosecution.
- Legally in Contract Law: In contract law, “legally” refers to the enforceability and validity of a contract. If a contract is legally binding, it means that all parties involved are obligated to fulfill their respective obligations and that the contract is recognized and enforceable by the legal system.
- Legally in Intellectual Property Law: In the realm of intellectual property law, “legally” signifies the lawful use, protection, and exploitation of intellectual property rights. Using copyrighted material, trademarks, or patents without proper authorization would be considered illegal, whereas using them within the boundaries of the law would be using them “legally.”
- Legally in Administrative Law: In administrative law, “legally” refers to actions taken by administrative agencies or bodies that are within their legal authority and in compliance with the applicable administrative regulations. It ensures that administrative decisions are made in accordance with the law and are not arbitrary or capricious.
These examples demonstrate how the meaning of “legally” can be nuanced and specific to the legal context in which it is used. Understanding the particular implications of legality within different areas of law is crucial for ensuring compliance and upholding the principles of justice.
How To Properly Use Legally In A Sentence
When it comes to using the word “legally” in a sentence, it is essential to understand the grammatical rules that govern its usage. This adverb, derived from the adjective “legal,” adds a legal perspective or context to the action or state described in the sentence. To ensure accurate and effective communication, let’s delve into the guidelines for using “legally” in a sentence.
Grammatical Rules For Using “Legally”
1. Placement: In most cases, “legally” is placed before the verb it modifies, although it can also be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic purposes. For example:
- Legally, she is obligated to disclose the information.
- She is legally obligated to disclose the information.
- She is obligated to disclose the information, legally.
2. Subject-Verb Agreement: When using “legally” in a sentence, it is crucial to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in terms of number and tense. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. For instance:
- Legally, he is responsible for the company’s compliance.
- Legally, they are responsible for the company’s compliance.
3. Adverbial Clauses: “Legally” can also be used to introduce adverbial clauses that provide additional legal information about the main clause. It is important to use appropriate punctuation to separate the clauses. Consider the following example:
Legally, if the contract is breached, the injured party can seek damages.
Parts Of Speech For “Legally”
While “legally” primarily functions as an adverb, it is worth noting that it can also be used as an adjective or a noun in certain contexts. Let’s explore these different parts of speech:
| Part of Speech | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Adverb | She legally obtained the necessary permits. |
| Adjective | The legal and legally binding agreement protected their rights. |
| Noun | The legally of the matter is still under debate. |
By understanding the grammatical rules and the different parts of speech associated with “legally,” you can confidently incorporate this word into your sentences to convey legal accuracy and precision.
Examples Of Using Legally In A Sentence
When it comes to incorporating the word “legally” into a sentence, it is essential to showcase its versatility and various contexts. By using a combination of simple and complex sentences, we can effectively demonstrate the different nuances and meanings associated with this term. Here are some examples to illustrate the proper usage of “legally” in a sentence:
- Legally speaking, the defendant has the right to remain silent during the trial.
- Although the company faced financial difficulties, they managed to legally restructure their debt.
- The new legislation aims to legally protect endangered species from exploitation.
- She was advised to consult a lawyer to ensure she was acting legally in her business transactions.
- Legally, individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to purchase alcohol.
These examples highlight the diverse applications of “legally” in various contexts. Whether it pertains to legal rights, financial matters, environmental protection, or age restrictions, the word “legally” serves as an important adverb to signify compliance with the law.
Edge Cases Or Things To Consider
When it comes to using the word “legally” in a sentence, there are a few edge cases and considerations that one should keep in mind. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure that your usage of the term is accurate and appropriate in various contexts.
Common Mistakes People Make When Using “Legally”
While “legally” may seem like a straightforward word, there are some common mistakes that people often make when incorporating it into their sentences. By avoiding these errors, you can communicate your message clearly and effectively.
1. Misplacement of “legally”: One common mistake is misplacing the word “legally” within a sentence. It is essential to position it correctly to convey the intended meaning. For example:
- Incorrect: “He legally obtained the license.” (implies that the license itself is legal)
- Correct: “He obtained the license legally.” (implies the action of obtaining the license was done in accordance with the law)
2. Incorrect usage with verbs: Another mistake is using “legally” with verbs that already imply legality. This redundancy can weaken your sentence. For instance:
- Incorrect: “She legally complied with the regulations.” (implies compliance is inherently legal)
- Correct: “She complied with the regulations.” (implies compliance is done in accordance with the law)
3. Failure to provide context: It is crucial to provide sufficient context when using “legally” to avoid ambiguity. Without context, the sentence may not convey the intended meaning. Consider the following example:
- Unclear: “The contract was legally binding.” (lacks information on what makes it legally binding)
- Clear: “The contract was legally binding as it was signed by both parties and met all legal requirements.” (provides context for the legality of the contract)
Cultural Or Regional Differences
It’s important to recognize that the usage and interpretation of “legally” can vary across different cultures and regions. Legal systems and terminology may differ, leading to nuanced differences in how the word is employed. Here are a few cultural or regional considerations to keep in mind:
1. Common law vs. civil law systems: In countries with common law systems, “legally” is often used to refer to actions or decisions that are in accordance with established legal principles and precedents. On the other hand, in countries with civil law systems, the focus may be more on statutory laws and regulations.
2. Language nuances and translations: When using “legally” in a sentence that will be translated into another language, it’s important to consider potential differences in legal terminology and expressions. What may be considered legally accurate in one language might not have an exact equivalent in another.
3. Cultural norms and customs: Cultural norms and customs can also influence the usage of “legally” in certain contexts. Some societies may place a greater emphasis on formal legal processes, while others may rely more on informal agreements or customary practices.
By being aware of these cultural and regional differences, you can adapt your usage of “legally” to ensure it aligns with the specific legal context and expectations of your target audience.
Synonyms Or Alternates To Use
When it comes to expressing the concept of legality, there are several synonyms and alternate words that can be used interchangeably with “legally.” Each of these alternatives carries its own nuances and can be employed in specific contexts to convey a particular meaning. Let’s explore four such synonyms:
1. Lawfully
One primary synonym for “legally” is “lawfully.” Both terms essentially mean the same thing, indicating conformity to the law. However, “lawfully” tends to emphasize adherence to established legal principles and regulations. It implies a sense of strict compliance and the absence of any violation or transgression. For instance:
“The defendant was found guilty of lawfully acquiring the property through a legitimate purchase.”
In this example, the use of “lawfully” emphasizes that the acquisition of the property was done in strict accordance with the law, leaving no room for doubt or suspicion.
2. Legitimately
Another synonym for “legally” is “legitimately.” While both terms convey the idea of conformity to the law, “legitimately” places additional emphasis on the moral or ethical aspect of legality. It suggests that an action or behavior is not only in accordance with the law but also morally justified or fair. Consider the following example:
“The company legitimately obtained the necessary permits before commencing its operations.”
Here, the use of “legitimately” implies that the company not only followed the legal procedures but also acted in an ethically responsible manner by acquiring the required permits before beginning its operations.
3. Law-abidingly
A more specific alternative to “legally” is “law-abidingly.” This term emphasizes consistent adherence to the law and implies a person or entity’s overall commitment to obeying legal regulations. “Law-abidingly” is often used to describe individuals or organizations that consistently act within legal boundaries. For instance:
“The citizens of this town have always lived law-abidingly and have a deep respect for the legal system.”
Here, the use of “law-abidingly” highlights the long-standing commitment of the citizens to obeying the law, suggesting a sense of community and shared values.
4. Legally Speaking
While not a direct synonym for “legally,” the phrase “legally speaking” can be used as an alternative to convey the same meaning. It is often employed to introduce a legal perspective or to discuss matters strictly within the framework of the law. For example:
“Legally speaking, the contract is binding and enforceable, despite any verbal agreements made prior to its signing.”
In this instance, the phrase “legally speaking” is used to emphasize that the statement being made is based solely on legal considerations and not influenced by any other factors.
While all these synonyms can be used interchangeably with “legally” in most cases, understanding their subtle differences can help writers choose the most appropriate term for a specific context, effectively conveying the intended meaning.
Related Phrases Or Idioms
When it comes to incorporating the word “legally” into phrases or idioms, the English language offers a few interesting options. These expressions not only add color to our conversations but also provide a deeper understanding of the concept of legality. Let’s explore some of these related phrases and idioms, along with their meanings and example sentences:
1. Legally Binding
Meaning: Refers to an agreement or contract that is enforceable by law.
Example sentence: The signed document is legally binding, ensuring that both parties are obligated to fulfill their responsibilities.
2. Legally Blind
Meaning: Describes a person with severe visual impairment, usually unable to see beyond a certain degree.
Example sentence: Despite being legally blind, Sarah has managed to excel in her chosen field through her determination and adaptive techniques.
3. Legally Responsible
Meaning: Indicates the legal obligation or liability for one’s actions or decisions.
Example sentence: As the CEO of the company, John is legally responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
4. Legally Recognized
Meaning: Denotes something that is officially acknowledged or accepted under the law.
Example sentence: Same-sex marriages are now legally recognized in many countries, promoting equality and inclusivity.
5. Legally Competent
Meaning: Refers to an individual who possesses the necessary mental capacity to understand and participate in legal proceedings.
Example sentence: The court deemed the defendant legally competent to stand trial, as he demonstrated a clear understanding of the charges against him.
6. Legally Enforceable
Meaning: Describes a rule, regulation, or agreement that can be upheld and implemented through legal means.
Example sentence: The terms and conditions of the contract are legally enforceable, ensuring that any breach can result in legal consequences.
These phrases and idioms provide a glimpse into the various contexts in which the word “legally” can be used. By incorporating them into our language, we can express legal concepts more effectively and precisely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to use the word “legally” correctly is of utmost importance in effective communication. By using this adverb appropriately, individuals can convey their ideas accurately and avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Using “legally” in a sentence not only showcases a command of the English language but also demonstrates a respect for the rule of law and ethical practices. Whether it is in legal documents, professional conversations, or everyday discussions, employing “legally” correctly adds credibility and authority to one’s statements.
To truly master the usage of “legally,” it is crucial for readers to practice incorporating it into their own sentences. By doing so, they can refine their language skills and develop a better understanding of how to convey legal concepts accurately.
By constantly challenging themselves to use “legally” in a variety of contexts, readers will gain confidence in their ability to articulate legal matters effectively. This practice will not only enhance their communication skills but also enable them to engage in discussions involving legal issues with precision and clarity.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.