1. Introduction

Contracts are an integral part of our lives. There is a need for contracts whenever there is a commercial transaction between two or more parties, such as between a supplier and buyer, or a service provider and client. The contract gives a detailed proof (which can be used in a court of law if necessary) of what the parties have agreed to, and is especially important if something goes wrong, for example, if the supplier fails to deliver the agreed goods, and the dispute has to be settled by legal action.

Introduction from:

Bingham, C., Wright, L. (2013). Technical English level 4 teacher´s book. Pearson Longman, p. 94.

 

As the introduction above suggests, contracts are important. Therefore, Unit 9c deals with them from two perspectives: lexical, introducing the most important legal terms, and grammatical, explaining phrases used to express conditions. Before you immerse yourself deeper in the language of contracts, re-read the introduction and make sure you understand the words in bold. If not, look up their meaning in a good dictionary.

Contents

Vocabulary – Language of contracts: client, contractor, work, schedule, commence, terminate, etc.

Grammar – ways to express:

  • conditions: if, provided that, on condition that, as long as, so long as, with the proviso that, should... fail...
  • circumstances: in the event that, in case of
  • precautions: in case
  • the idea of “regardless of circumstances”: even if
  • alternatives: otherwise