Legal English Tip: Don’t Let These 3 Pairs of Words Confuse You
Reviewing contracts is part of my daily work, and I’ve noticed that many persons-including myself in the past-often mix up certain similar-looking words in legal drafting or advice. Here are three pairs of words that look alike but carry very different meanings in legal contexts:
Nguyễn Thị Lan Giang
4/8/20251 min read
1. Damage vs. Damages
Damage = harm or injury (uncountable)
→ The storm caused severe damage to the warehouse.
Damages = monetary compensation for harm (plural noun)
→ The court awarded $50,000 in damages.
Quick tip: Damage is the harm, damages is the money.
2. Security vs. Securities
Security = collateral or guarantee in financial/legal transactions
→ The lender requested security for the loan.
Securities = financial instruments like stocks or bonds
→ The company is issuing new securities this quarter.
Remember: Add “-ies” and you're talking finance!
3. Custom vs. Customs
Custom = tradition or usual practice
→ It is their custom to sign NDAs before negotiations.
Customs = border control authority or import taxes
→ The goods are delayed at customs.
Tip: “Customs” comes with paperwork!
Hope this is helpful to you!
Are there any other word pairs that have confused you too? Let me know in the comments!
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