Legal risks in emails
Phrases that can be read as an offer, guarantee, or acceptance of terms.
Legal risk appears when an email looks like a formal commitment.
Words such as “guarantee”, “we accept”, or “we take full responsibility” can turn into obligations.
Below are common examples and safer rewrites.
What the main problem is
An email can be read as acceptance of terms, a guarantee, or admission of liability.
This is especially risky when discussing pricing, timelines, penalties, or refunds.
Example of risky wording
These phrases sound confident but create legal obligations.
Risky phrasing examples
- We guarantee a refund in any scenario.
- We take full responsibility for the result.
- We hereby agree to all terms.
We guarantee a refund in any scenario and take full responsibility for the result.
Why it is risky
- The email can be interpreted as a binding contract.
- You accept broader liability than intended.
- It becomes harder to adjust terms later.
We can discuss refund terms separately.
We are responsible for quality within the agreement scope.
We will confirm acceptance after legal review.
Why this can cause problems
If conditions change, the email can be used as evidence of a promise.
Even informal wording can be treated as acceptance of terms.
Possible consequences
- Financial claims and disputes.
- Difficulty renegotiating deadlines or scope.
- Higher legal exposure in conflict.
How to phrase it more safely
Use conditional language and refer to the agreement for final terms. Separate intention from obligation.
If unsure, check the message before sending to remove risky wording.
We can discuss refunds if specific conditions are met.
Liability is defined in the agreement.
We will confirm acceptance after final review.
What to double-check before sending
Look for words that read like official commitments.
Add conditions and references to the contract for pricing, timelines, and liability.
Risky phrasing examples
- Replace “guarantee” with “plan” or “can discuss”.
- State that final terms are fixed in the agreement.
- Avoid “full responsibility” without scope.
Check your message before sending
SendSafe will highlight risks and suggest safer wording.