What Does “Will” Mean in a Contract?
A term that can indicate either a future event or an obligation, depending on context - often used interchangeably with "shall."
Detailed Explanation
"Will" is ambiguous in contracts - sometimes it means "shall" (mandatory obligation), sometimes it indicates a future event, and sometimes it's just a prediction. Best practice is to use "shall" for obligations, but many contracts use "will" the same way.
When reading contracts, treat "will" as mandatory unless context clearly shows it's just describing something expected to happen. "Contractor will provide monthly reports" typically means the same as "Contractor shall provide monthly reports."
Example in a Contract
“Contractor will complete all Services in accordance with the specifications set forth in Exhibit A. Company will provide Contractor with access to necessary systems within five business days of the Effective Date.”
Why It Matters
Don't assume "will" is weaker than "shall" - in most contracts, they create the same obligations. Focus on what you're committing to do, regardless of whether the contract uses "shall" or "will."
Related Terms
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