Linguistic Pecularities Of Contracts in English

American English the symbol # means number as well, but it is used in different tables and graphics, and not in the text. It is never used, however, to denote numbers of houses.

Very often in contracts Latin abbreviations are used, for example e.g. (for example), et al. (and others), etc. (and so on), v.v. (quite the opposite), i.e. (that means). Also they use English abbreviations ltd. (limited), Bros. (brothers), encl. (enclosed), dols. (dollars), etc. [4, P.45 – 46].The use of figures instead of words for sums can create many problems for people. To avoid any possibility of confusion, it is necessary to write sums in both figures and words, e.g. $ 9.897.44

(nine thousand, eight hundred and ninety-seven dollars, forty-four cents). It is also a norm to put only dollars (pounds, etc.) in words and cents (pence, etc.) in figures only, e.g. $ 100.50 (one hundred dollars and 50 cents). From the above-written it is clear that the symbols Ј (pounds) and $ (dollars), in documents in particular, are put before the sum and their usage is not of any mistake.

Spelling rules, punctuation and grammar use should all be checked over thoroughly. Still, there are some other ways in which inaccuracy may spoil the contract paper. A special attention should be paid to titles, names, addresses, references, prices, specifications, enclosures, etc., which are also of a great importance in texts of contracts.

2.2. Grammatical peculiarities of contracts

On the whole, grammar of any contract may be characterised as rather simple and formal. Simple here means lack of diversity of variants which occurs in every document which is not legal. As for the grammar tenses which are used in agreements, the most widespread are the

Indefinite and the Perfect tenses, both in the Active and Passive

Voices. In many points their usage is already part and parcel. e.g. Sellers have sold and Buyers have bought… (Present Perfect)

The Agents shall bear all transport expenses from… (Future

Indefinite)

Our firm informed the Suppliers that the general conditions were not contained in the order. (Past Indefinite Active / Passive)

Complex analytical forms of the verb, such as the Continuous and

Perfect Continuous Tenses, are absolutely not used in no way. The specific character of any contract provides rare usage of the past tenses.

One of specific features of contract is usage of the verb shall [5;

6; 14; 15]. Though it is not used in Modern English, in business correspondence and documents it keeps being used. e.g. The result shall be considered. = The result is to be considered / will be considered.

Buyers can pay for the goods from the first person or from the third one, both in the plural and singular number. e.g. Each party shall have the right to refuse any further fulfilment of the obligations. (3d person, sing)

The Buyers shall obtain the import licence. (3d person, pl.)

We shall have the right to assign to you… (1st person, pl.)

The combination of the verb should and the infinitive also shows a future action, but with a less degree of probability. This construction usually occurs in subordinate clauses. e.g. …if a delay in the delivery should exceed 3 months.

In many cases shall and should are equal in meaning. e.g. …if the actual cost to us shall / should increase.

The peculiarity of contract is also omitting if in subordinate clauses with should, and in this case should becomes the first element in the sentence. e.g. We hope that you will send as enquires should you need.

Should the above circumstances continue to be in force…

Should Buyers fail to open the letter of credit in time…