Okuzeka
Law vocabulary · Legal Writing & Drafting

Subject to

Meaning in law, with examples

phraseCommon term

In law, subject to means: A phrase showing that one provision depends on, or is limited by, another rule, condition or provision.

In Turkish: -e tabi olarak, … saklı kalmak kaydıyla, -e bağlı olarak

How it is used

Everywhere in contracts: 'subject to clause 10', 'subject to the terms of this Agreement', 'subject to approval'. It tells the reader which provision wins in a conflict. 'Subject to contract' on UK letters means the parties are not yet bound. 'Be subject to' also means 'be governed by': 'subject to English law'.

Example sentences

  1. Subject to clause 12, the Supplier's total liability shall not exceed the fees paid.

  2. The sale is subject to the approval of the competition authority.

Common collocations

  • subject to clause
  • subject to contract
  • subject to approval
  • subject to the terms
  • subject to English law
  • provided thatA phrase that adds a condition or exception to what has just been said: the main rule applies only if the condition is met.
  • notwithstandingA formal word meaning 'despite' or 'regardless of', used in legal texts to show that one rule applies even if another rule seems to say something different.
  • clauseA numbered section of a contract or other legal document that deals with one particular point, such as payment, termination or confidentiality.
  • provisionA part of a law or a legal document that states a particular rule, condition or requirement.
  • in accordance withA formal phrase meaning 'following' or 'in a way that agrees with' a rule, law, agreement or instruction.

More terms: Legal Writing & Drafting

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.