Pursuant to — in plain language

Plain language

as required or allowed by a law, rule, contract, or other official document

• as required by
• under
• according to
• as provided in
• following the terms of

What to watch for

• Non-lawyers often skip over 'pursuant to' thinking it's just legal filler. It actually tells you which rule or document gives authority to what follows — the plain-language version must preserve this connection.
• Simply replacing with 'according to' loses the nuance that the action is authorized or required by the cited document. A better translation specifies the relationship: 'as required by' or 'under the authority of.'
• In sentences like 'pursuant to Section 5,' the phrase creates a direct link to specific terms. The plain-language version should make this reference clear rather than vague.

Why This Phrase Is Hard to Translate. "Pursuant to" is pure legal boilerplate — it exists almost exclusively in formal documents. Non-lawyers rarely use it in conversation, so they often don't realize it's simply pointing to the source of authority for what follows.

What to Watch For.

• Section references: When "pursuant to" is followed by a section number, the plain-language version should make clear that this is where to find the relevant rules.
• Regulatory citations: In statutes and regulations, "pursuant to" often introduces the legal basis for an action. The translation should preserve that the action is authorized by law.
• Contract clauses: In agreements, the phrase typically points to specific terms that allow or require something. The plain version should make this connection explicit.

Common Misunderstandings by Non-Lawyers.

• "'Pursuant to' is just legal mumbo-jumbo I can ignore." (Wrong — it tells you which rules apply.)
• "It means the same as 'according to' in everyday English." (Not quite — it specifically indicates legal or formal authority, not just general reference.)

Legal definition

As required or allowed by a law, rule, contract, or other official document. This phrase shows that whatever comes next is authorized, mandated, or limited by the document or law being cited.

Examples

Where you'll see it

• contracts and agreements
• statutes and regulations
• court filings
• corporate governance documents
• insurance policies

Related terms

• under
• according to
• in accordance with
• subject to
• per

Word details

Pronunciation

per-SUE-uhnt too

Part of speech

phrase

Origin

Latin — following, in pursuit of

Domains

contract law, statutory law, regulatory law, administrative law, court filings

Frequency

very common

Formality

very high