第一节 合同常用词(Usual Wording)(1)
当大量接触英文合同，就会发现英文合同中有些词或短语出现的频率非常高，往往影响或决定了对
合同的准确理解，下面就分门别类从常见实词和常见虚词两个方面进行具体介绍：
一、英文合同常用虚词（Usual Function Words）
1． Here/there/where+介词构成的古体词
基本规则：Here 代表 this，there 代表 that，where 代表 which 或 what 即 here/there/where+介词=介词
+this/that/which or what
Hereby: by means of; by reason of this.特此，由此，兹等意。
例句：The Buyer hereby orders from the Seller the undermentioned goods subject to the following
conditions:买方向卖方订购下列商品，条件如下：
Herein：in this。此中，于此。
例句：The minimum royalty herein specified shall be paid by Party B to Party A. 在此规定的最低特许权
使用费应由乙方付给甲方。
Hereinafter: later in the same Contract. 以下，在下文。通常与 to be referred to as, referred as, called 连
用。
例 句 ： This Agreement is made and concluded on ______, (date)____(year), by and between
_____(hereinafter called Party A) on the one hand and _____(hereinafter called Party B) on the other hand.
本协议书于____年___月___日由_____（以下简称甲方）为一方，与_____(以下简称乙方)为另一方
签订。
Hereof：of this。关于此点，在本文件中。
Hereunder：under this. 本文件规定。
例句：Both parties agree to attempt to resolve all disputes between the parties with respect to the
application or interpretation of any term hereof of transaction hereunder, through amicable negotiation.合
同双方就本合同规定交易任一条款的适用和解释所产生的所有争议同意力求通过友好协商予以解
决。
Hereto：to this.本文件的。
Thereof：of that.它的，其。
Thereto：to that 与之，向那里。
例句：“Licensed Products” means the devices and products described in Schedule 1 annexed hereto
together with all improvement and modification thereof or development with respect thereto. “特许产品”
系指在本协议附件 1 中所述的装置和产品，及其全部改进和修改的产品和与之相关的产品。
Herewith：with this.与此，附此。
Thereby：by that means.因此，由此，从而
例句：In any one or more of the provisions contained in this Contract or any document executed in
connection herewith shall be invalid of unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity
and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected thereby.
如果根据现行法律，本合同及与此有关文件中有一项或多项条款被视为无效或不能履行，本合同其
余条款的效力和履行将不因此受影响。
Thereafter: after that，afterwards. 此后
例句：The Contract for the contractual joint venture shall continue from a period of two years thereafter.
本合作经营企业合同，此后应持续有效两年。
Therein: in that; in that particular context; in that respect.在那里；在那点上；在那方面。
例句：The Leased Premises are deemed to be fit for occupation when the building therein is substantially
completed.当在那里的建筑物实质完成时，该租赁房屋才认为适合占有居住。
Therewith：with that.以此；此外。
例句：The Employer shall indemnify and save harmless the Contractor against and from the same and
against and from all claims, proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever arising there
out or in connection therewith.业主应赔偿所有索赔、诉讼、损害赔偿、支出、花费、费用，不论因本
合同产生或与其相关，并保证承包人免于承担上述责任。
Whereby: by the agreement, by the following terms and conditions, etc. 凭此协议，凭此条款等。
例句：This Agreement is made and concluded by and between AA Corporation (hereinafter referred to as
Party A) and BB Company (hereinafter referred to as Party B) whereby the Parties hereto agree to enter
into the compensation trade under the terms and conditions set forth below: 本协议由 AA 公司（以下简
称甲方）和 BB 公司（以下简称乙方）签订。双方同意按下列条款进行补偿贸易。（本句中省略未译）
2． WITNESSETH, Whereas, Now Therefore, NOW THESE PRESENTS WITNESS, Know All
Men by these presents，In witness Whereof, In Testimony Whereof, Undersigned.
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WITHNESSETH, Whereas, Now Therefore 用于英文合同前言部分，In witness Whereof 用于合同结尾
证明部分，在第二章篇章结构特点中已有涉及，恕不赘述。
In Testimony Whereof: in Witness Whereof.以此为证，特立此证。
例句：In Testimony Whereof we have hereto signed this Document on _____ (date) accepted on _____
(date).我方于__年__月__日签署本文件，并于__年__月__日接受该文件，特此为证。
NOW THESE PRESENTS WITNESS: 兹特立约为据, 本句话也是用于 WHEREAS 条款之后引出具
体协议事项。
例句： NOW THESE PRESENTS WITNESS that it is hereby agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
兹特立约为据，并由订约双方协议如下：
KNOW ALL MEN by these presents:根据本文件，特此宣布。（通常用于前言部分）
例句：KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that we_____(bank’s name)having our registered office at
______ (hereinafter called “the Bank”) will be bound unto _____(the Owner’s name)(hereinafter called
“the Owner”) in the sum of ____ for payment well and truly to be made to the said Owner, the Bank will
bind itself, its successors and better assignee by these presents.根据本文件，兹宣布，我行，（银行名称），
其注册
地点在（以下简称本银行）向（业主名称）（以下简称本业主）立约担保支付（金额数）的
保证金。本保证书对本银行及其继受人和受让人均具有约束力。
Undersigned:法律文件末尾的签名者,前面加定冠词 the,是指文件签署者的自称。
例句：The undersigned Seller and Buyer have agreed to close the following transaction in accordance with
the terms and conditions stipulated as follows: 兹经签约的买卖双方同意，按下列条款，达成这笔交
易。
3． Notwithstanding: in spite of, despite. 即使，尽管。
例 1：Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary herein, insurance coverage and limits shall be
subject to approval of all the parties.即使有与本合同相悖的规定，保险范围和责任限制应以合同各方
同意为准。
例 2： Notwithstanding Article 2.2, the parties may agree to extend the Expiration date to such date as is
reasonable in the circumstances if any of the conditions precedent referred to in Article 2.1 is not satisfied
or waived on or before the Expiration Date, any such agreement or waiver to be in writing. 尽管有本合同
第二条第二款规定，如果上述第二条第一款规定的先决条件在合同期满日之前既未实现又未放弃，
合同各方亦可根据具体情况，约定合理延长合同的期满日。
4． As 合同英语中 as 出现的频率极高，而且用法灵活多变，是典型的自由人。在某种意义上讲，
as 使用的熟练程度可以衡量合同英语的造诣。具体用法和含义见以下实例：
As 放在代表规定的 provide，stipulate，set forth，prescribe 等词的过去分词前，含义为“依照某某
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规定”。
例 1：For purpose of this, Capital Account shall be adjusted hypothetically as provided for in Section 4.6
herein.基于此，应依照本合同第四条第六款调整资金账户。
例 2：based on their respective Venture interests as set forth in Section 5.2 hereof. 基于本合同第五条第
二款规定的各方在合资公司中的权益。
另有 Except as otherwise provided 结构，表示“除非本文/某条款另有规定”。
例句：Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices or demands sent by registered airmail shall be
deemed received 8 days after they have been sent and notices or demands sent by telex shall be deemed
received at the time of the dispatch thereof.除非本合同另有规定，所有通知和请求以航空挂号信寄出则
发出后 8 日应视为送达收悉，以电传方式发出则在发送时视为收悉。
As 构成 as the case may be（视具体情况而定）， as the case may require（视具体要求而定）和 as the
Venturers may determine 等短语。
例句：The Venture may relocate its office from time to time or have additional offices as the Venturers may
determine.该
合资公司视投资者决策，可随时迁址或增添营业场所。
As 构成 as of the date of ____ (date) 短语是英语合同中表示“自某年某月某日起”最正式的表达。
例句：In witness whereof, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the day and
year first above written. 合同双方签订本文件，该文件自以上书就日期即时生效，特此为证。
As 还用在 as soon as practical 短语中，意义用法相当于 as soon as possible.
例句：During the Employment Period, the Company agrees that it shall recommend to the Board the
election of the Employee as a Director of the Company on the Commencement Date or as soon as practical
thereafter. 本公司同意在聘用期间，应自本协议开始或其后尽早的时间向董事会推选受聘方为本公
司董事。
As 与 such 连用是英文合同中一大特色，参看本书第二章第三节部分，在此不在赘述。
5. foregoing, aforesaid, the said, aforementioned, above-mentioned, in question
Foregoing, aforesaid, the said, aforementioned, above-mentioned 一族，一般放在名词前作限定，意为“前
述的”或“上述的”，为避免重复已经提到的姓名或名称。
例 1：The Bank shall give prompt written or telex notice to the Borrower of the Interest Rate in effect from
time to time in accordance with the foregoing sentence.本银行将根据前述的句子以书面或电传形式随
时及时通知借款方生效的利率。
例 2：The contract shall be written in Chinese and in ____________. Both language versions are equally
authentic. In the event of any discrepancy between the two aforementioned versions, the Chinese version
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shall prevail.本合同应以中文和_文书就，具同等法律效力。前述两种文本如有歧异，以中文文本为
准。
In question: under consideration; being talk about. 通常表示“在考虑或讨论中的”某件事或某个问题，
可译为“这”或“该”问题。
例句：All prices to be paid by the Buyer under its obligations of the buyback/counter-purchase Contract
shall be the world market prices taking into account the other delivery terms for the goods in question.买
方根据返销或回购货物合同的义务所支付的价格应为世界市场价格，结合考虑该货物的其他交货条
件。
6. follows, as below, the following
这一族都表示“下列”，一般放在动词后，而 the following 作为“下列”在英文合同中用的较少。这
样的例子俯手皆是，恐怕每个英文合同都少不了的。
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows;
为此，双方达成契约，约定如下：
NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as below.
为此，双方约定如下：
Now therefore, in consideration of the premises and covenants described hereinafter, Party A and Party B
agr
ee as follows:
兹以上述各点和契约所载条款为约因，订约双方协议如下：
7. according to, under, subject to, in accordance with, as per, as provided in, pursuant to, in
compliance with
这一族都表示“依照，根据”合同的约定或者法律的规定。其中尤以“according to”最不正式，自然
用的最少了，而“in accordance with”最为常见。
例如：In case no settlement can be reached, the case may then be submitted for arbitration to China
International Economic And Trade Arbitration Commission in accordance with the provisional Rules of
Procedures promulgated by the said Arbitration Commission.如未能达成和解，该案件可提交中国国际
贸易仲裁委员会根据该仲裁委员会颁布的仲裁程序暂行规定进行仲裁。
又如：A Photostat copy of the Acceptance Certificate of the Contract Plant signed by the representatives of
both parties as per Chapter 9 of the present Contract.该合同设备的验收证书的影印副本由双方代表按
照该合同第九章签收。
再如：Both Parties shall each contribute their paid in capital in compliance with the items specified in the
appendix to the Contract.合同双方应按照本合同附件中载明的项目进行出资。
8. Including but not limited to 与 including, without limitation 以及 including by way of illustration
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but not limitation
英文合同表达“包括但不限于”时，就会用到这几个短语。
例如：The time for the performance of the Seller's obligations set forth in this Contract shall be
automatically extended for a period equal to the duration of any nonperformance arising directly or
indirectly from Force Majeure events including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, typhoon, natural
catastrophe, and all other contingencies and circumstances whatsoever beyond the Seller's reasonable
control preventing, hindering or interfering with the performance thereof. 本合同规定卖方履行义务的时
间应自动延长等同于由于直接或间接由于不可抗力事件导致的不能履行的期间。不可抗力事件包括
但不限于火灾、洪水、地震、台风、自然灾害和卖方无论怎样也无法合理控制的阻止、妨碍、干扰
本合同履行的其他风险和情形。
9. prior to, no later than, on or before，on and after
常用在英文合同中限定日期，prior to 表示“某日之前，提前多少日”。on or before, no(not) later than,
表示“不迟于”，On and after 表示“从某日起”。
例如：Party A shall be unauthorized to accept any order sort to collect any account on and after September
20. 自 9 月 2O 日起，甲方已无权接受任何定单或收据。
例如：Our terms are cash within three months, i.e. on or before May 1.
我公司的条件是，3 个月内，即不得晚于 5 月 1 日，支付现金。
例如：
Party B shall ship the goods within one month of the date of signing this Contract, i.e. not later than
December.本合同签字之日一个月内，即不迟于 12 月 15 日，你方须将货物装船。
例如：10-15 days prior to the date of shipment, the Buyer shall inform the Seller by cable or telex of the
contract number, name of vessel, ETA of vessel, quantity to be loaded and the name of shipping agent, so
as to enable the Seller to contact the shipping agent direct and arrange the shipment of the goods.装运前
10 天到 15 天，买方应以电报或电传方式通知卖方合同编号、装运船名，预计到达时间，装载数量
和承运代理商名称，以便能使卖方直接联系承运代理商安排货物装运。
此外，为限定时间更为明确，还常用 inclusive、including 和 included，来限定含当日在内的时间。
例如： This credit expires till January 1 (inclusive) for negotiation in Beijing. (or:This credit expires till
and including January 1 for negotiation in Beijing.) 本证在北京议付，有效期至 1 月 1 日。如果不包括
1 月 1 日在内，则为 till and not including January 1。
10． Without prejudice to
Without prejudice to,常用于英文合同中，表示在“不损害某规定/情况下”。
例如：The Buyer shall nevertheless have the right to cancel in part or in whole of the contract without
prejudice to the Buyer's right to claim compensations. 不妨害买方索赔权，买方仍有权取消合同的部分
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或全部。
11．Attributable to, due to, owing to, by virtue of, in view of, because of, on account of，considering,
in consideration of
这一组短语出现在英文合同中都表示“因为”，其中 due to，owing to，because of 较不正式，很少使
用。
例如：Should the Buyer be unable to arrange insurance in time owing to the Seller's failure to give the
above-mentioned advice of shipment by cable or telex, the Seller shall be held responsible for any and all
damages and/or losses attributable to such failure.
如果因为卖方未能以电报或电传形式发出上述装运通知，买方不能及时安排保险，则卖方应对此产
生的损失和或损害赔偿承担责任。
例如：Licensee hereby agrees that its every use of such name shall inure to the benefit of Licensor and that
Licensee shall not at any time acquire any rights in such name by virtue of any use it may make of such
name.
被许可方特此同意该名称的使用应有利于许可方利益且不得在任何时候因利用该名称而取得该名
称项下任何权利。
例如：Buyer shall have the right to inspect the goods on arrival and, within _______
business days after delivery, buyer must give notice to seller of any claim for damages on account of
condition, quality or grade of the goods, and buyer must specify the basis of the claim of buyer in detai
l.
买方应有权在货物运抵及交付后*个营业日内进行检验，买方须通知卖方任何基于货物条件、品质、
等级而产生的索赔，并详细说明索赔事由。
例如：In view of the personal nature of the services to be performed under this Agreement by you, you
cannot assign or transfer any of your obligations under this Agreement.
考虑到本协议项下待你方履行的服务有人身性质，你方不能转让本协议项下你方的任何义务。
IN CONSIDERATION OF 以……为约因/报酬
约因是英美法系的合同有效成立要件之一，没有则合同不能依法强制履行。但是，大陆法系的合同
则无此规定。
例如：Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants herein contained, it is hereby
agreed: 兹以上述各点和契约所载条款为约因，订约双方协议如下：
In consideration of the payment to be made by Party A to Party B, Party B hereby covenants with Party A
to complete the building in conformity with the provisions of the Contract.
乙方特此立约向甲方保证按合同规定完成工程建设，以取得甲方所付的报酬。
12． In lieu of： 一般出现在英文合同中表示“替代”的意思相当于基础英语中的 in place of, instead
of.
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例句：In circumstance provided above in Clause 14.1， Party C or New Company shall, at its sole option
and discretion, be entitled to transfer to Party B all or part of Party C or New Company’s proprietary rights
and ownership of the infrastructure project, under construction or after Completion Date, as liquidated
damages, in lieu of computing and compensating the actual damages provided that such transfer shall be
conducted of Party C’s own free will or rendered in the arbitration award as stipulated in clause 23.
在上述第十四条第一款规定的情形下，丙方或新公司自行选择决断有权向乙方转让丙方或新公司的
所有权及在建或竣工后基础设施的所有权的全部或部分作为约定的固定数额的违约金来替代计算
赔偿实际损害，但该转让应为丙方自己自愿实施的行为或根据二十三条的规定基于仲裁裁决的处
分。
13． In respect of；in respect thereof；with respect to：as regards 涉及，至于，在…方面
英文合同中常用 in respect of, in respect thereof 或 with respect to, 表示与本合同/协议/条款有关的问
题，比 about, concerning, as regards 正式。
例如：Notwithstanding Clause 16.1, Party B shall not be entitled to claim for itself in respect of any Force
Majeure in Clause 16.1.
不管 16 条第一款的规定，乙方无权根据 16 条第一款为其自身提出有关不可抗力的索赔。
例如：Upon the termination of the Existing Letter of Credit and the payment of all amounts (if any) owing
in respect thereof, Bank Boston, N.A. shall cease
to be an Issuing Bank hereunder.
现有信用证一经期满所有相关应付款项支付（如果有的话）即告终止，北美波士顿银行不再是该信
用证项下的开证行。
例如：Party C or New Company shall retain all rights with respect to the specifications, plans, drawings
and other documents and Party B undertakes not to disclose the same or divulge any information contained
therein to any third country without the prior written consent of Party C or New Company.
丙方或新公司应保留有关说明书、计划书、图纸和其他文件的所有权利且乙方应承诺未经丙方或新
公司事先书面同意不披露上述文件或泄露上述文件所包含的任何信息给第三国。
此外，Pertaining to, pertaining thereto 也表示“涉及，与。。。有关”。
例如：Broker is in the business of brokering real estate loans and engages sales representative to perform
services pertaining to such business.
经纪人是在房地产贷款经纪业务中聘用销售代表进行有关该业务的服务。
14． SAY, ONLY
英文合同为明确金额的数量，小写金额之后，在括号内用大写文字重复该金额，在大写文字前加上
“SAY”，意为“大写”；在最后加上“ONLY”．意思为“整”。当然，小写与大写的金额数量要一
致。
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例如： Party A shall pay Party B a monthly salary of US$600 (SAY SIX HUNDRED US DOLLARS
ONLY). 聘方须每月付给受聘方美元 600 元整。
15． In favor of：in one’s favor 表示以。。。为受益人。
例如：One original and one copy of the irrevocable letter of guarantee issued by the Licensor's Bank for a
sum of 10% of the total price for the technical know-how in favor of the Licensee.
由许可方银行开具以被许可方为受益人，金额为专有技术总价 10%的不可撤销保函正本和副本各一
件。
又如：We hereby establish this irrevocable letter of credit in your favor for account of ABC Company in
the amount of U. S. $ _______ (amount in words), available against your draft(s) drawn at sight on Credit
Bank, N.A., Letter of Credit Department, Los Angeles, California, accompanied by your signed and dated
statement as follows:
我行特此开立在 ABC 公司帐上以贵方为受益人总额为美元*（大写金额），凭交加州洛杉玑北美信
贷银行信用证部开出的即期汇票付款，附有贵方签字和具名日期声明如下：
但注意 in favor 有时另有它义。
例如：Our goods that we offer you are much in favor in the European Continent.我方向你方报盘的货物，
在欧洲大陆颇受好评。（in favor 此处表示受赏识，受好评）
16．In confirmation of 为确定。。。。。。起见
例如：In confirmation of such subordination, Tenant shall from time to time execute promptly any
certificate that Owner may request.
为
确认该从属关系起见，承租人应随时及时签署任何业主可能要求的证书。