LEG 8.1. – Conditionals: First Conditional
FORM
If + the present simple tense, + will, shall, can, may / might
If I pass the bar exam, I will soon be admitted to the Bar.
USES
1 Speculating about the future consequences of a specific event
If I do an MBA, I’ll improve my job prospects.
Note that it is incorrect to use will with the first verb. NOT*lf l will do an MBA…!
2 Linking words in contracts
The tenant may sublet the apartment on condition that the landlord provides prior written consent.
Provided there is an amendment to the contract, it shall be made in writing.
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. (undesirable event)
In the event of an error, the Bank shall immediately refund the amount. (undesirable event)
Should the Company decide not to waive the ban on competiton, it shall pay to the Employee compensation as follows:… (unlikely event)
This agreement may be renewed for a further period of two years subject to / contingent upon Party A having carried out the duties specified in Section 7 to the satisfaction of Party B.’
The contract will remain valid as long as all payments are made on time.
We’ll stop the meeting now unless there is something else to discuss. (instead of if.. + negative expression)
3 Promising and threatening
Conditional sentences can function as either promises, warnings or threats. (But note that unless cannot be used to make a promise.)
If you order now, you’ll get a free gift. (promise)
We won’t be able to do business with you unless you comply with our ethical policy. (warning)
Unless we receive payment by the end of the week we will be forced to consider legal action. (threat)
EXERCISE 1
Future consequences. What will , shall, can, or may (might) you do in the following situations? Choose the correct ending of the sentences from the list.
- If my car is stolen …
- If I am offered a better-paid job abroad, …
- If my company is taken over by a competitor, …
- If my computer is infected with a virus, …
- If my client is sued for breach of contract, …
- If my client is arrested, …
- If one of my corporate clients goes bankrupt, …
- If my client is made redundant, …
- If my client is accused of fraud, …
- If my client’s intellectual property is infringed upon, …
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EXERCISE 2
Linking words in contracts. Complete each sentence with one of the expressions from the box. You can use each expression several times.
|
as long as |
contingent upon |
in the event that |
|
in the event of |
on condition that |
provided (that) |
|
should |
subject to |
unless |
Applicants shall be granted the lease ___1___ they pay the legal costs.
The bank may seize the asset ___2___ a default in payment.
The performance is to be regarded due ___3___ the Goods fully comply with the requirements in App. 1.
___4___ the Employee leave the company’s employment for any reason, the Employee shall be banned from working for any competitor or similar business for 5 years.
Default interest will be charged ___5___ delay in the repayment of the loan.
___6___ the representative of the Seller is not present while the minutes are being drawn up, the minutes shall be sent to the Seller forthwith.
The Seller agrees to transfer the title in the goods, ___7___ the Buyer making full payment within 30 days of the invoice date.
The parties agree that the confidentiality obligations shall survive termination of this Agreement, ___8___ the information remains confidential and has not been made public.
The Lender reserves the right to demand full repayment of the loan, ___9___ the Borrower default on any of the repayment installments.
The Consultant shall deliver the services specified herein, ___10___ that all necessary materials and information are provided by the Client in a timely manner.
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EXERCISE 3
If / unless. Complete each sentence with either if or unless.
___1___ you don’t have persistence, you can’t be a good lawyer.
We don’t employ trainees ___2___ they’re flexible and keen to work hard.
___3___ you do business abroad, it’s a good idea to engage a local attorney-at-law.
___4___ you encounter any problems with your lease agreement, we will revise it for you.
___5___ you call to tell me you’re not coming, l’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.
Don’t promise anything ___6___ you’re completely sure.
___7___ she sues the company, she will definitely win due to the evidence against them.
___8___ you increase your billable hours by over 20%, we will have to dismiss you.
___9___ you don’t prepare thoroughly for the trial, you might lose the case.
___10___ the contract is signed by both parties, it won’t be legally binding.
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Kapcsolódó tartalmak:
8.2. - Conditionals: Second Conditional
8.3. - Conditionals: Third Conditional
8.4. - Conditionals - Mixed conditonals
YOUR PROGRESS MAP IN THE "LEGAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR" COURSE
LEG 1.1. – The Present Continuous Tense
LEG 7.1. – The Passive Voice: Present Tenses
LEG 8.1. – Conditionals: First Conditional
LEG 8.2. – Conditionals: Second Conditional
LEG 8.3. – Conditionals: Third Conditional
LEG 8.4. – Conditionals: Zero and Mixed Conditionals
Lingua Juris Szaknyelvi Központ
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