Expressing CONDITIONS

Legal English documents mainly contain rights and obligations, as well as  terms and conditions. In this lesson we have collected the most frequent expressions used to refer to conditions. Some refer to desirable events, other describe negative ones and their consequences.

On condition that is used when the performance of one obligation is linked to the performance of another.

On condition that the guardian does not consent to the agreement, the agreement shall be null and void.

Provided is used instead of ’if something (positive or neutral) happens’, usually referring to a positive or neutral event.

Provided there is an amendment to the contract, it shall be made in writing.

In the event that / In the event of is used instead of ’if something (negative, not desirable) happens’.

In the event that the purchaser fails to wire transfer the purchase price duly, the seller may claim stipulated damages amounting to HUF 300.000.

In the event of an error, the Bank shall immediately refund the amount.

Should (together with inversion) is used instead of ’if something happens’, but it is not considered very likely. Mind the reversed word order in the sentence!

Should the Company decide not to waive the ban on competiton, it shall pay to the Employee compensation as follows:…

Subject to is used when the performance of one obligation is linked to the performance of another.

This agreement may be renewed for a further period of two years subject to X having carried out the duties specified in section 7 to the satisfaction of Y.’

Unless is used to say what will or will not happen if something else does not happen or is not true; except if

Unless the Product Special Conditions provide otherwise, we can change the terms & conditions (including charges and the interest rate payable) on your Account for any or all of the reasons outlined below:…