So, me and my friend are currently rewriting the terms and conditions of our website. We are trying to make sure that we use correct English wherever possible.
There is one thing we cannot agree on. Currently one paragraph contains the phrase 'force major' to describe events that are beyond our control (natural disasters, war, etc.). He says that both 'force major' and 'force majeure' are correct and therefore we should not change the current wording.
However, I believe that even in English you should always use the original French phrase, not try to translate it somehow. I also did a quick google search and found thousands of matches for 'force majeure' being used in similar circumstances but almost none for 'force major'. So is there any way 'force major' can be correct?
Neither of us are native speakers of English, so it would be appreciated is someone more knowledgeable could help us out.
Top answer
Hi, No. Use the French version. Is this a phrase commonly used in 'terms and conditions'?
— Clive
Hi, No.
Use the French version.
Is this a phrase commonly used in 'terms and conditions'?
I'm surprised.
Clive
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Legal terms in English are frequently direct quotations from other languages. Do not use a translation. The law is very picky about precise wording. Here are some references: