Clearer Contract Drafting: Keeping Sentences Focused
Combining several obligations and conditions in one clause can make their relationship difficult to follow. Clear drafting is not simply about shorter sentences: it is about making the connection between obligations, conditions and exceptions visible.
Take Care When Combining “And” and “Or”
Consider: “Employees must wear uniforms or business attire and carry ID badges.” Does the ID requirement apply to employees in uniform, or only to those wearing business attire? The wording leaves room for doubt.
Separate a Shared Obligation
If everyone must carry ID, one approach is: “Employees must wear either uniforms or business attire. All employees must carry ID badges.” Separating the choice of clothing from the obligation that applies to everyone makes the intended rule clearer.
Shorter Is Not Always Clearer
Splitting a sentence can create uncertainty about which statement an exception qualifies. Check what phrases such as “provided that” or “in that case” refer to, and repeat the relevant party or condition where necessary. Adding a comma will not resolve every ambiguity.
A Practical Review Method
Identify who must do what, and by when. Then identify the conditions that trigger the obligation and any exceptions. This sequence helps untangle long provisions. Giving each sentence one central rule is a drafting technique for improving readability while preserving meaning.
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