We are all aware that prepositions can be a hard task to deal with, especially when writing. All of us get confused with the usual in, on, at but also with many more. Prepositions are indeed a difficult area of the English language, in particular for non native speakers, since while some of them sometimes seem to be used logically, they can create a problem in many situations.
That is the case, for example, of phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions but it is even more noticeable in Legal English.
There is in fact a specific use of English grammar in legal language. Therefore if we have doubts about the correct use of prepositions in general English, it becomes even more difficult when we have to use it in legal.
Who hasn’t had to struggle with expressions like “the parties to a contract” or “ to enter into an agreement” “upon performance”, “ within 30 days of signature" etc? In addition to that, there are many more examples formed by prepositions of one word, two or even three.
Let’s consider for instance expressions like “according to” “as regards" “due to” “pursuant to" “regardless of” which are formed of two words and are quite typical of legal language. Let’s also consider expressions like "In lieu of” “with regard to“ “on behalf of" which are formed of three words and are likewise widely used.
The above examples are general expressions which serve all purposes in legal language . However, there are specific prepositions and phrasal verbs or expressions which are typical of specialized areas of the law. “Payment shall be made on or before May 25th “ is an expression we would find in a contract clause for example but “ to be charged with a crime “is a typical Criminal Law expression and “to set up a company" is mainly used in Corporate Law.
Therefore, the language and the grammar also change according to the area of specialization. In our Legal English and Legal writing course we give an overview of all the grammar one needs to write correctly in legal language. We also give a shorter and more focused overview on specific grammar to be used in specialized areas in our shorter courses such as Contracts, Company Law, Criminal Law etc.
Contact us for more information.