Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
bindingly?
English answer:
use a different construction
Added to glossary by
Mark Nathan
Apr 17, 2013 19:46
11 yrs ago
English term
bindingly?
English
Other
Linguistics
Can binding be used as an adverb, as in bindingly? It's recognised by spellchecker, but it just sounds odd to me. And not that it's absolutely indicative but the google hits (on a search for bindingly and irrevocably) are mostly links to sites in non-English speaking countries. It would make the translated sentence start like this: Buyer bindingly and irrevocably declares...
Maybe it's just time for bed :) Thanks for any advice!
Maybe it's just time for bed :) Thanks for any advice!
Responses
| 3 +6 | use a different construction |
Mark Nathan
|
| 2 +3 | Yes — or no! |
Tony M
|
Change log
Apr 21, 2013 10:02: Mark Nathan Created KOG entry
Responses
+6
18 mins
Selected
use a different construction
Yes, I agree "bindingly" doesn't sound right in a formal document.
I would change the construction to something like,
"The buyer makes a binding and irrevocable undertaking to...
I would change the construction to something like,
"The buyer makes a binding and irrevocable undertaking to...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "I'm sticking with a different construction as I normally do. Thanks for confirming! "
+3
20 mins
English term (edited):
bindingly
Yes — or no!
Well, I must admit I thought it existed alright, but am surprised to find it not listed in my edition of New Shorter OED (c. 2001)
That said, I'm sure I have seen it used...
However, I think the problem is that in the particular example sentence you suggest, it simply would not fit; one might say 'solemnly and irrevocably', but I'm not entirely convinced it is actually possible to 'decalre' something 'bindingly'. There are lots of instances like this where even if an adverb exists, it sometimes sits awkwardly; we've had a discussion before about 'timely', which is familiar used as an adjective, but less so as an adverb, and so leads to some constructions that can appear odd at first reading.
That said, I'm sure I have seen it used...
However, I think the problem is that in the particular example sentence you suggest, it simply would not fit; one might say 'solemnly and irrevocably', but I'm not entirely convinced it is actually possible to 'decalre' something 'bindingly'. There are lots of instances like this where even if an adverb exists, it sometimes sits awkwardly; we've had a discussion before about 'timely', which is familiar used as an adjective, but less so as an adverb, and so leads to some constructions that can appear odd at first reading.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Clauwolf
: it means the adherence of the speaker to a commitment (Heritage dic)
7 mins
|
|
Thanks, Clauwolf!
|
|
| agree |
Jim Tucker (X)
: besides, it's implied in any contract
3 hrs
|
|
Thanks, Jim!
|
|
| agree |
Charles Davis
: I'm not entirely sure about its use in this particular context, but the word is certainly used in bona fide legal texts.
7 hrs
|
|
Thanks, Charles!
|
Something went wrong...