#84 Reviewing a Contract｜English Business Phrases

When entering into a contract with a business partner or client, it is extremely important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the agreement.

When reviewing a contract written in English, it is necessary to politely ask about any points that are unclear and to confirm the details of the conditions accurately.

In this article, I explain useful English expressions for confirming contract details, along with a sample conversation.

Dialogue

A

Thanks for sending over the contract. I’ve reviewed it, but I have a few questions.

B

Of course. Please feel free to ask.

A

First, I’d like to clarify the payment terms mentioned in Section 3.

B

The payment is due within 30 days after the invoice is issued.

A

I see. And just to confirm, does the contract automatically renew after one year?

B

Yes, unless either party gives written notice at least one month in advance.

A

That makes sense. Thank you for the clarification.

1. Asking Questions After Reviewing the Contract

When asking questions about a contract, it is good business etiquette to first indicate that you have already reviewed the document as a whole.

The verb “review” means “to examine carefully for business or professional purposes,” which makes it more appropriate than “read” when referring to contracts or formal documents.

Using the phrase “a few questions” also helps soften the tone and shows that you are not trying to be overly critical.

2. Indicating the Specific Clause You Want to Confirm

When reviewing a contract, it is important to clearly specify which section or clause you are referring to.

The verb “clarify” means “to make something clear,” and is commonly used when discussing contracts, conditions, or rules.

The phrase “payment terms” broadly refers to details such as payment deadlines, methods of payment, and whether installment payments are allowed.

3. Reconfirming Contract Conditions Politely

When asking about information that is already written in the contract, asking directly may give the impression that you have not read it carefully. To avoid this, the following expression is useful.

The phrase “just to confirm” works as a cushioning expression, indicating that you understand the content but want to double-check it.

All of these expressions convey politeness and caution, making them suitable for contract-related discussions.

4. Commonly Used Terms in Contracts

Contracts frequently use specific words to describe conditions and exceptions. Understanding these terms accurately helps prevent misunderstandings.

The word “unless” means “if not” and is commonly used to describe exception clauses in contracts.

The phrase “in advance” means “beforehand” and is often used to explain notice periods or procedural deadlines.

These expressions are not only common in contracts, but also frequently appear in terms of service and policy documents.

Summary