Contract Clauses Explained in Plain English

Browse 200+ sample articles free, written in plain English for businesses and individuals. The full library is for members.

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Commercial

Scope Creep Protection

📖 3 min read

This clause defines exactly what work the other party must do—and what they don't have to do. Without it, a client can keep asking for "just one more thing" and the supplier must either do it for free or face a dispute about what was promised. For ex

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Termination

Material Breach Definition

📖 3 min read

A fair rule about how either side can end the contract. Both sides get notice and a chance to fix problems. This clause is called "Material Breach Definition".

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Termination

Accrued Rights

📖 3 min read

A fair rule about how either side can end the contract. Both sides get notice and a chance to fix problems. This clause is called "Accrued Rights".

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Termination

Wind-Down Period

📖 3 min read

A fair rule about how either side can end the contract. Both sides get notice and a chance to fix problems. This clause is called "Wind-Down Period".

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Termination

Return of Confidential Information

📖 3 min read

A fair rule about how either side can end the contract. Both sides get notice and a chance to fix problems. This clause is called "Return of Confidential Information".

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Termination

Survival of Restrictive Covenants

📖 3 min read

A fair rule about how either side can end the contract. Both sides get notice and a chance to fix problems. This clause is called "Survival of Restrictive Covenants".

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Termination

Insolvency Termination

📖 3 min read

This clause lets the other party terminate if you go bankrupt or become insolvent (can't pay your debts). It matters because it can accelerate your problems—just when you're struggling financially, you lose a major contract, making things worse. This

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Termination

No Cure Period

📖 3 min read

This clause lets the other party terminate immediately if you breach the contract, without giving you a chance to fix the problem first. It matters because you could lose the entire contract over a minor mistake you could easily correct. Most fair co

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Termination

Termination Fee

📖 3 min read

This requires you to pay money if you end the contract early—a financial penalty for leaving. It matters because it can trap you in a bad deal; even if you want to escape, the fee makes it too expensive. These fees are enforceable in both UK and US l

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Termination

Excessive Notice Period

📖 3 min read

This requires you to give an unreasonably long warning before you can exit the contract—for example, 12 months' notice to quit. It matters because you could be locked in for much longer than you expect, especially if circumstances change badly. UK em

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