“Shall” has ruled contracts for centuries. The Tenant shall pay rent. Sounds authoritative. Sounds legal.
It’s also a mess. Courts have spent decades arguing over whether “shall” means must, will, should, or may — and in more than one famous case, a single “shall” cost millions.
Modern drafters are killing it. Must for obligations. Will for future actions. Should for recommendations. Each word does one job.
Precision isn’t about sounding legal. It’s about being understood.
#denafalken #legaleaseinternational #LegalEnglish #ContractDrafting #PlainLanguage
