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經常有讀者留言問shall的用法，具體問題是為什麼shall和be entitled to 不能連起來用，因為從語法角度講並沒有什麼問題。為此我還問了律所工作的兩個美國同事，問他們shall 和be entitled to 連起來用是否有什麼不妥。他們告訴我從正常交流的角度來講並無不妥，但是從法律表述的規範性來講是有問題的。本文特意從一個美國法律英語培訓網站摘錄一段關於shall用法的介紹分享給大家。（原來在美國和歐洲也是法律英語培訓的機構）Here we will focus on the word 「shall」 and how it can be used in Legal English.
The word 「shall」 is commonly found in contracts to convey the meaning of an obligation. For example 「the Purchaser shall pay the Seller the Purchase Price within seven Working Days from the date of receipt of Goods.」
However, if the word 「shall」 is used in a particular contract as a verb of obligation certain steps should be taken to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.
First of all, 「shall」 must be avoided in all cases which do not relate to an obligation. 「Shall」 is commonly misused in the following cases:
(a) 「Seven days』 prior notice.」
The words 「shall be entitled」 should be replaced by the words 「is entitled」. It is confusing to use 「shall」 in order to introduce a right if 「shall」 also introduces obligations in the same contract.
(b) 「For the purpose of this clause 「Secondary Activities」 shall mean any paid activities that the Managing Director undertakes other than his duties under this agreement.」
The words 「shall mean」 should be replaced by the word 「means」.
Where contracts use several words to introduce obligations such as 「shall」 must」 and 「is obliged to」, there is a real risk of ambiguity in that there is an implied hierarchy in the obligations according to the word used, whereas the drafter merely wished to vary his language. In order to avoid this risk, it is better to use one verb only.
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