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Contracts need to be clear. Ideally, they should not have any ambiguity as to their terms or
conditions. For one reason or another, people often struggle with the rights and responsibilities
laid out in a contract. Everyone involved should be aware of what they’re entitled to and what
they’re expected to do. Don’t make assumptions. You can never know you’ll be able to reach an
agreement about what work should be done. Put it all down in writing, not handshakes.

In the arena of legal contracts, clarity and precision are critical. Lawyers, trained in the nuances
of legal language, often navigate through complex legal jargon and contractual frameworks
with ease. This legal-speak, while efficient for the trained eye, harbors its own set of challenges,
especially when it comes to detecting ambiguity. Ambiguity in legal documents can lead to
disputes, protracted litigation, and unintended outcomes, making its identification and
resolution a critical skill in legal practice. However, despite rigorous training, lawyers without a
strong academic grasp of the English language itself may find detecting such ambiguities
particularly challenging.

Legal language is a specialized form of communication that employs a vast repertoire of terms,
phrases, and constructs unique to the legal profession. This language includes boilerplate
terminology—standard, tried-and-tested phrases used across countless documents to ensure
consistency and legal efficacy. While this practice streamlines contract drafting and fortifies
legal intent, it also presents a double-edged sword. Boilerplate language, when modified even
slightly, can introduce ambiguity into a contract, potentially altering its interpretation and
execution in significant ways.

PLAIN LANGUAGE

Countries like Australia, The UK, Sweeden and Canada to name a few, have a low tolerance for
ambiguity in contracts sharing a preference for clear, explicit, and detailed legal documents.

The detection of ambiguity requires more than just a deep understanding of legal principles; it
demands a strong command of the language and its nuances. Linguistic proficiency enables
lawyers to discern subtle differences in meaning, syntax, and context—differences that might
elude those who focus solely on legal terminology without appreciating the broader linguistic
landscape. This skill is crucial when reviewing or drafting contracts, as the precision of language
directly impacts the enforceability and interpretation of legal agreements.

Consider the following clause in a contract: "The lessee shall use the leased premises
exclusively for commercial purposes, which may include retail, office, or any other business
activity approved by the lessor."

At first glance, this clause appears straightforward, specifying the use of the premises for
commercial activities. However, ambiguity arises from the phrase "or any other business
activity approved by the lessor." This could be interpreted in several ways:

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