Auxiliary Verbs

/ˈɔːɡzɪljəri vɜːrbz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Verbs used in legal drafting and statutory interpretation to express tense, mood, voice, or modality, assisting the main verb.
    The auxiliary verb 'shall' often indicates a mandatory obligation in contracts.

Commentary

In legal contexts, auxiliary verbs are critical in determining the binding nature, timing, or conditionality of obligations and rights.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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