Contract Clause Library (Word)
Contracts reuse the same two dozen clauses again and again, often in words nobody explains. This library sets out each standard clause as ready sample wording, then says in plain English what it does, when you need it, what to watch for and how it changes between India, the UK, the US and the UAE. Copy a clause into your own draft or use it to understand one you have been sent.
Free · no sign-up · opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice and WPS Office. Files contain no macros.
Preview
Real view of the file with its sample data (yellow cells are where you type).
CONTRACT CLAUSE LIBRARY
24 standard clauses with sample wording and plain-English notes. Copy the wording into your own agreement, fill every [square bracket] and make the defined words match.
Guidance: Sample wording is general and not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have important contracts checked by a lawyer.
| # | Clause | Use it for |
| 1 | Definitions | Every contract longer than a page. |
| 2 | Term | Every contract with ongoing duties. |
| 3 | Payment | Any contract with money. |
| 4 | Late payment | Contracts with credit periods. |
| 5 | Taxes | Any priced contract. |
| 6 | Confidentiality | Most business contracts. |
1. Definitions
| "[Term]" means [meaning]. Words in the singular include the plural, "including" means "including without limitation", and headings do not affect meaning. |
What it means: Fixes the meaning of words used again and again, so the rest of the contract can be short and consistent.
When to use it: Every contract longer than a page.
Watch for: A defined word used with a different meaning elsewhere; definitions that contain obligations (put duties in the clauses, not definitions).
Country notes: Same in every country.
2. Term
| This Agreement starts on [date] and continues for [period], unless ended earlier under its terms. It may be renewed only by written agreement. |
What it means: Says how long the contract lasts.
When to use it: Every contract with ongoing duties.
Watch for: Automatic renewal you might forget; a term that ends before the work does.
Country notes: India: leases of 12 months or more need registration. UK/US: auto-renewal in consumer contracts has notice rules.
3. Payment
| The [Client] will pay the fees in Schedule [ ] within [15] days of receiving a correct invoice, by bank transfer to the account named in it. |
What it means: When and how money is paid.
When to use it: Any contract with money.
Watch for: No due date; payment "on completion" when completion is not defined.
Country notes: India: TDS may apply; MSME suppliers must be paid within 45 days. UK: Late Payment Act gives statutory interest between businesses.
4. Late payment
| Overdue amounts carry simple interest at [1.5]% per month from the due date until paid, which the Parties agree is a reasonable estimate of loss. |
What it means: Compensates for late payment and encourages paying on time.
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What's inside
- 24 clauses: definitions, term, payment, late payment, taxes, confidentiality, data protection, IP ownership, licence, warranties, indemnity, limitation of liability, insurance, force majeure, termination for breach, termination for convenience, consequences of termination, non-solicitation, non-compete, assignment, notices, governing law and courts, arbitration, entire agreement with severability
- For each: sample wording, "What it means", "When to use it", "Watch for" and country notes
- Arbitration and governing law wording for India (Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996), England and Wales (Arbitration Act 1996), US states (AAA rules) and the UAE (DIAC)
- Square-bracket blanks for names, numbers and places, so you can see what to fill in
How to use it
- Open the file in Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice and use the table of clause names at the top to find the clause you need.
- Read "What it means" and "Watch for" before copying the wording.
- Copy the sample wording into your draft and fill every [square bracket].
- Make the defined words (such as Confidential Information or Services) match the definitions in your own agreement.
- Renumber the clauses in your draft and check every cross-reference ("see clause 7") still points to the right place.
Tips
- A clause copied from one agreement into another is the commonest source of contradictions; read the whole draft again after pasting.
- Indemnity and limitation of liability work together: read them as a pair.
- Use the online agreement and contract builder in this toolkit if you want a full agreement with these clauses already fitted together.
Questions and answers
Can I copy these clauses into my contract?
Yes, they are free to use in your own agreements. They are general sample wording, not advice for your situation, so check them with a lawyer for important deals.
Why are some clauses different for India?
Indian law treats some clauses differently: a restraint of trade after the contract ends is generally void, interest and penalties must be a genuine pre-estimate of loss (section 74 of the Contract Act), and arbitration follows the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The notes point these out.
What is the difference between indemnity and limitation of liability?
An indemnity is a promise to cover the other side's losses from certain events. A limitation of liability caps how much one side can be made to pay. The library explains how they interact.