Does the word actual have a role to play in contracts?
Sure, when it’s used to draw a contrast with some other attribute:
- any actual or alleged damage
- their actual or potential adverse impact
Or when a word arguably some other, non-actual meaning. Referring to actual knowledge is appropriate to avoid anyone suggesting that you’re referring to imputed knowledge.
But actual also serves as padding, in contexts where the reader doesn’t need to be told that one isn’t dealing with the metaphysical:
- any actual and reasonable costs
- permits in Seller’s actual physical possession
- a copy of the actual proposed Lease
- once actual statements for the month of Closing become available
- before the actual taxes and special assessments payable during such year are known
- in each case for the actual number of days elapsed
I assume that the same applies to actually, but that’s for another day.
