Why isn't a clause used after 'means'?
I see in some contracts written in English, the writing style is as follows, for example:
Section 1. Definitions
1. "Products" means certain semiconductors to be produced and supplied by Robert in accordance with and subject to the Specifications.
I wonder why a clause isn't used after 'means'. Instead, the author always uses 'to be V-ed' as above-mentioned. Is this a grammar point I dont know or the contract-related writing style?
In case a noun used after 'means', I think 'certain semiconductors produced and supplied...' seems to be ok.
Could you please clarify this point? Thank you in advance.

Question

Why isn't a clause used after 'means'?
I see in some contracts written in English, the writing style is as follows, for example:
Section 1. Definitions 
1. "Products" means certain semiconductors to be produced and supplied by Robert in accordance with and subject to the Specifications.
I wonder why a clause isn't used after 'means'. Instead, the author always uses 'to be V-ed' as above-mentioned. Is this a grammar point I dont know or the contract-related writing style?
In case a noun used after 'means', I think 'certain semiconductors produced and supplied...' seems to be ok.
Could you please clarify this point? Thank you in advance.

Answer

Legal documents must be as clear and unambiguous as possible.
"...certain semiconductors produced and supplied..." may be implied to mean "every such semiconductor that Robert has ever produced and supplied..."
This is undesirable- they want to be clear that this contract refers to every semiconductor produced and supplied from the contract date until the contract expires. "...certain semiconductors to be produced and supplied" specifies that the actions of producing and supplying will occur in the future and Robert will be the one producing and supplying. This is much easier to understand for both parties involved in the contract.

Answer

@Chris: Thank you so much for your clarification :).

Answer

If you leave the question open, you will get more comments.

As Michael Smith mentioned, "means" is a synonym for "is."   This example text defines "products" so that later references in the contract have a clear meaning.

Also, this text used passive voice.  This is a common style in legal contracts, government documents, and academic papers.  Passive voice is normally avoided in general writing.
More information: https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/revising/passive-voice/

Answer

The structure is subject (noun or noun phrase), then verb, "means", which, here is equivalent to "is" and is called a "linking verb",  then noun phrase, which describes the subject, which is the definition of the subject for the purposes of the contract. The main verb is "means"; there is no call for another.  We can call these second parts of the sentence "subject complements" if we like.  https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/subject_complement.htm   or https://www.thoughtco.com/subject-complement-grammar-1692001

Answer

Oky

Answers · 8

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