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#54 Confirming Contract Terms with a Client|English Business Phrases

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Izumi

In business settings, accurately confirming contract terms with a client is extremely important.

If details such as pricing, duration, payment terms, and the scope of services are not clearly aligned, it may lead to misunderstandings or issues later on.

When confirming contract details in English, the key is to use expressions that help prevent misunderstandings, restate the other party’s points, and clarify any uncertainties.

In this article, I explain useful English phrases and important grammatical points for confirming contract terms with a client.

Dialogue

A
A

Thank you for meeting with me today. Before we finalize the contract, I’d like to go over a few details.

B
B

Of course. What would you like to clarify?

A
A

First, could you confirm the duration of the contract? Is it for six months or one year?

B
B

It’s a one-year contract, with the option to renew.

A
A

Thank you. And regarding the payment terms, will the invoice be issued monthly?

B
B

Yes, we issue invoices at the beginning of each month.

A
A

Lastly, I want to make sure the scope includes system maintenance and customer support.

B
B

Yes, both are included. If you need additional services, we can discuss that separately.

A
A

Thank you for the clarification. That covers everything on my side.

1. Beginning the Process of Confirming Contract Details

When initiating a discussion about contract details, using softer phrasing instead of directly saying “I have a question” creates a more professional impression.

Example
  • I’d like to go over a few details.

The phrase “go over” means “to review” or “to go through,” and can also be used when checking reports, proposals, or presentation materials.

Related Expressions
  • I’d like to review some key points.
  • I’d like to double-check a few conditions.

All of these are formal and appropriate for business contexts.

2. Confirming the Contract Duration

Misunderstandings about contract duration are a common source of problems.
It is essential to verify this clearly.

Example
  • Could you confirm the duration of the contract?

The verb “confirm” indicates a request for accurate information.

Providing options makes the question even clearer:

Example
  • Is it for six months or one year?

Asking with specific numbers helps ensure clarity.

3. Confirming Payment Terms

Payment terms are one of the most crucial aspects to verify, as misunderstandings can easily lead to disputes.

Example
  • Regarding the payment terms, will the invoice be issued monthly?

The phrase “Regarding ~” is useful when shifting topics or confirming each contract item in order.

The expression “will the invoice be issued ~” is a formal way to ask about invoice frequency.

To avoid confusion, it is important to confirm whether invoices are issued “monthly, quarterly, or annually.”

4. Confirming the Scope of the Contract

When clarifying what is included in the contract—such as services, responsibilities, or support—use expressions that help avoid misunderstandings.

Example
  • I want to make sure the scope includes system maintenance and customer support.

The term “scope” refers to the range or content of services and is widely used across industries such as IT, consulting, and production.

The phrase “I want to make sure ~” conveys politeness and reduces the risk of sounding accusatory, making it ideal for business conversations.

Summary

Key English Phrases
  • I’d like to go over a few details.
    → A polite way to begin reviewing contract terms.
  • Could you confirm the duration of the contract?
    → A formal question to prevent misunderstandings about the contract period.
  • Regarding the payment terms, ~
    → Useful for shifting to the discussion of payment-related items.
  • I want to make sure the scope includes ~.
    → A key phrase for clarifying the scope of a contract and avoiding miscommunication.

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