When drafting legal documents or contracts, it is common to use phrases like „agreement hereinafter referred to as” to avoid repeating the same phrase over and over again. However, while this may seem like a straightforward solution, it can actually cause confusion and detract from the clarity of the document. In this article, we will explore the use of „agreement hereinafter referred to as” and why it should be avoided.
Firstly, let`s examine what „hereinafter” means. Simply put, it means „after this point in time or in this document.” Hence, „agreement hereinafter referred to as” means „the agreement that will be referred to as such from this point on in the document.” While this may seem like a concise way to refer to the agreement, it can actually be confusing for the reader.
For instance, if the document is lengthy and the agreement is only referenced once, the reader may forget what the „agreement hereinafter referred to as” actually means by the time they encounter it again. This can cause them to backtrack and waste valuable time trying to find the reference to the original agreement.
Moreover, using „agreement hereinafter referred to as” can also be detrimental to search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines like Google rely on keywords to understand the content of a page and rank it accordingly. Using convoluted phrases like „agreement hereinafter referred to as” can make it harder for these search engines to comprehend the content of the page and negatively impact its ranking.
So, what can you do instead of using phrases like „agreement hereinafter referred to as”? A better solution would be to use a more descriptive term. For example, „the Services Agreement executed by the parties on [date]” or „the agreement entered into between [party A] and [party B] on [date].” By using a more descriptive term, you can ensure that the reader knows exactly which agreement you are referring to without any confusion.
In conclusion, while it may seem like a good idea to use phrases like „agreement hereinafter referred to as” to avoid repetition, it can actually cause more confusion and harm than good. Instead, opt for a more descriptive term that will make it easy for the reader to understand and for search engines to find. By doing so, you can ensure that your legal documents and contracts are clear, concise, and effective.