Bind sb to sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Bind sb to sth” Mean?

“Bind sb to sth” means to legally or morally obligate someone to do or follow something. It often refers to agreements, promises, or rules that a person must stick to.

Introduction

The phrase “bind sb to sth” is commonly used in English to describe situations where a person is held responsible or committed to a particular rule, duty, or agreement. The “sb” stands for “somebody,” and “sth” means “something.” This phrasal verb is often found in formal or legal contexts but is also useful in everyday conversation to emphasize obligations or commitments. Understanding the bind sb to sth meaning helps learners express ideas about responsibility, promises, or contracts clearly and accurately.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: bind somebody to something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: to make someone legally or morally committed to something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Bind sb to sth” is a transitive phrasal verb and is inseparable. This means you cannot place the object between “bind” and “to.” The pattern is always:

• bind + somebody + to + something

Examples of correct structure:

• The contract binds the employee to confidentiality.
• They are bound to the terms of the agreement.

How to Use “Bind sb to sth”?

You use “bind sb to sth” when you want to say someone is forced or required to follow rules, promises, or laws. This can be in formal or informal situations. It often appears in legal documents, contracts, or discussions about duties.

For example, you might say a contract binds an employee to a company’s policies, or a promise binds a friend to keep a secret.

Examples

• The agreement binds the tenants to pay rent on time.
• Her oath binds her to tell the truth in court.
• Parents are bound to take care of their children.
• The law binds citizens to follow traffic regulations.
• That promise binds you to help me tomorrow.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: The contract binds to the employee confidentiality.
  Correct: The contract binds the employee to confidentiality.
• Incorrect: They bind the rules to the team.
  Correct: They bind the team to the rules.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “commit sb to sth” and “oblige sb to sth.”

• Bind sb to sth often implies a legal or moral obligation.
• Commit sb to sth focuses more on dedication or promise, not always legal.
• Oblige sb to sth means to require someone to do something, often by law or duty.

For example, “The contract binds him to work for two years” (legal obligation) vs. “She committed herself to finishing the project” (personal promise).

Common Collocations

• Bind sb to a contract
• Bind sb to an agreement
• Bind sb to a promise
• Bind sb to rules
• Bind sb to a duty
• Bind sb to confidentiality

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of bind sb to sth:

• Bind Sb Over
• Bind Sb Up

Real-life Dialogue

John: Does this contract really bind me to work here for a year?

Lisa: Yes, it does. It legally binds you to stay with the company for that period.

John: So, I can’t leave without consequences?

Lisa: Correct. You are bound to the terms until the contract ends.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “bind sb to sth”:

1. The agreement __________ the employees __________ confidentiality.
2. Her promise __________ me __________ help her whenever she needs.
3. The law __________ citizens __________ pay taxes.

FAQs

• Q: Is “bind sb to sth” formal or informal?
  A: It is mostly formal, especially in legal or official contexts.
• Q: Can “bind sb to sth” be used in everyday conversation?
  A: Yes, but usually when talking about obligations or promises.
• Q: Is “bind sb to sth” separable?
  A: No, it is inseparable. You cannot separate “bind” and “to.”
• Q: What does “sb” and “sth” mean?
  A: “sb” means somebody; “sth” means something.
• Q: Can “bind sb to sth” refer to moral obligations?
  A: Yes, it can refer to both legal and moral commitments.