Finnish → English Legal Translation — Examples & Style Guide
Example 1 – Wrong Linking of “Automatic” and “Container” in the Title
Finnish:
Kattosopimusohjelmistojen ja palveluidentoimittamisestarekisterikilpien ja konttienautomaattisenkuvaus- ja tunnistusjärjestelmänhankintaanliittyen.
Literal Translation:
Umbrella Agreement for the supply of software and services in connection with the procurement process of an automatic container identification system for registration plates and containers.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
Umbrella Agreement for the Supply of Software and Related Services for the Procurement of an Automatic Imaging and Recognition System for Vehicle Registration Plates and Containers
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| ohjelmistojen ja palveluiden | software and services | software and related services | In Finnish, “ohjelmistojen ja palveluiden” can include not only the software itself but also all support, integration, maintenance, and customization work that goes with it. The phrase “software and related services” is a slightly broader and more natural expression in English contracts than “software and services.” |
| automaattisenkuvaus- ja tunnistusjärjestelmän | automatic container identification system | automatic imaging and recognition system | “recognition” better matches tunnistus. In this contract, “container” means a freight / shipping container used in logistics and the system recognizes both vehicle registration plates and container IDs automatically. |
| hankintaanliittyen | in connection with the procurement process of | for the procurement of | More idiomatic legal form. |
The literal version wrongly attached the adjective automatic to container instead of to system (automatic container identification system).
It sounded like a container-only identification system.
The Finnish actually describes one automatic imaging and recognition system used for both vehicle registration plates and cargo containers.
Example 2 – Weak Legal Verb “Described in”
Finnish:
TähänKattosopimukseen ja Liitesopimuksiinsovellettavatmääritelmät on kuvattuKattosopimuksenliitteessä 1 (Määritelmät).
Literal Translation:
The definitions applicable to this Umbrella Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements are described in Appendix 1 (Definitions).
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
Definitions applicable to this Umbrella Agreement and all Ancillary Agreements are set out in Appendix 1 (Definitions).
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| on kuvattu | are described in | are set out in | “Set out in” is the standard legal verb; “described in” is too weak and informal. |
This wording signals authority and precision, matching the Finnish verb kuvattu in legal context.
What is a “legal verb”?
In legal English, certain verbs have fixed, authoritative meanings used in contracts, laws, and regulations. These are the verbs lawyers routinely use in drafting and interpreting contracts.
They signal specific actions or responsibilities. Following are few examples.
| Legal verb | Meaning in contracts |
|---|---|
| set out | to formally state or define something in the text of the agreement |
| provide | to make available or give |
| shall | creates a binding obligation |
| may | gives permission or discretion |
| govern | to control or prevail over another clause |
| terminate | to end a contract or clause lawfully |
Example 3 – Unnatural Legal Wording: “Differs from”
Finnish:
Mikäli tämän Kattosopimuksen sisältö poikkeaa liitteiden sisällöstä, on tämän Kattosopimuksen teksti määräävä.
Literal Translation:
If the content of this Umbrella Agreement differs from the content of the appendices, the text of this Umbrella Agreement shall prevail.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
If there is any inconsistency between this Umbrella Agreement and its Appendices, the provisions of this Umbrella Agreement shall prevail.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| sisältö poikkeaa | differs from | any inconsistency between | “Differs from” literally mirrors Finnish poikkeaa, but legal English uses “inconsistency between” to describe conflicting contractual terms. “Differs from” could mean any small variation, not a legal conflict. |
| tämän Kattosopimuksen teksti määräävä | the text of this Agreement shall prevail | the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail | “The text” sounds physical (words on paper). In legal drafting, “provisions” means the binding clauses or obligations. The rule of precedence (shall prevail) applies to contractual provisions, not to physical text, so “provisions shall prevail” is the correct legal form. |
In English contract drafting, lawyers normally use the formula:
“If there is any inconsistency between X and Y, the provisions of X shall prevail.”
This construction is clearer, idiomatic, and precisely expresses a legal conflict-resolution rule — not just a general difference in wording.
Example 4 – Incorrect Negative Construction: “Does Not Give the Exclusive Right”
Finnish:
Tämä Kattosopimus ei anna Toimittajalle yksinoikeutta toimittaa palveluita Tullille tai sen muille yksiköille.
(This full sentence appears in the body of the contract and expresses a non-exclusive right clause.)
Literal Translation:
This Umbrella Agreement does not give the Supplier the exclusive right to supply services to Customs or its other units.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
This Umbrella Agreement grants the Supplier no exclusive rights to supply services, applications, or materials to Customs or any of its units.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| ei anna … yksinoikeutta | does not give the exclusive right | grants no exclusive rights | “Does not give the exclusive right” is grammatically correct but clumsy and heavy. Legal English prefers a compact negative such as “grants no exclusive rights,” which is cleaner and standard. |
| toimittaa palveluita | to supply services | to supply services, applications, or materials | Finnish palveluita often includes the full service package (services, applications, materials). Adding these nouns restores the normal contractual scope. |
| Tullille tai sen muille yksiköille | to Customs or its other units | to Customs or any of its units | “Any of its units” removes the sense of a small, fixed group and ensures the clause applies to all parts of Customs, present or future. |
| Version | Implied Meaning | Problem / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| “its other units” | a few known divisions | sounds limited, may exclude future or unnamed units |
| “any of its units” | all current and future units | open and legally comprehensive |
Example 5 – Repetitive Phrase “Supplier with Overall Responsibility” Simplified for Clarity
Finnish:
Toimittaja vastaa kokonaisvastuullisena toimittajana Toimitushankkeen ja muiden sovittujen Palveluiden toimittamisesta ja tuottamisesta.
Literal Translation:
As the Supplier with the overall responsibility for this Agreement, the Supplier is responsible for delivering and implementing the Assignment and other Services agreed upon.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
As the party with overall responsibility, the Supplier shall be liable for the delivery and performance of the Project and all other agreed Services.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| kokonaisvastuullisena toimittajana | as the Supplier with the overall responsibility | as the party with overall responsibility | Avoids repetition: “Supplier … Supplier is responsible” repeats the noun unnecessarily. English contracts prefer one clear subject, so we replace the first with “party” to prevent redundancy. |
| Toimittaja vastaa … toimittamisesta ja tuottamisesta | the Supplier is responsible for delivering and implementing | the Supplier shall be liable for the delivery and performance | Adds stronger legal verb (“shall be liable for”) and uses the fixed legal pair “delivery and performance.” |
| Toimitushankkeen ja muiden sovittujen Palveluiden | the Assignment and other Services agreed upon | the Project and all other agreed Services | “Assignment” mistranslates Toimitushanke (project / delivery undertaking). “Project” better reflects the scope of the delivery. “All other agreed Services” adds completeness and parallel structure. |
Replace redundant noun repeats with “the party” or a pronoun for clarity.
Use “shall be liable for” + “delivery and performance” to express contractual responsibility precisely.
“Project” fits better than “Assignment” for Toimitushanke.
The Finnish source listed two related things:
Toimitushankkeen ja muiden sovittujen Palveluiden toimittamisesta ja tuottamisesta
(about Project delivery and other agreed Services.)
The literal translation was:
… delivering and implementing the Assignment and other Services agreed upon.
That sounds slightly uneven:
- delivering (verb + -ing)
- implementing (verb + -ing)
- the Assignment and other Services agreed upon (noun + long modifier)
It mixes two different patterns — verbs and nouns — so it’s not parallel.
Our revised version fixed it:
… liable for the delivery and performance of the Project and all other agreed Services.
Now each pair matches perfectly:
delivery ↔ performance (noun + noun)
Project ↔ all other Services (noun + noun)
This is parallel structure.
Why it matters:
- Clarity: Readers immediately see that both “delivery” and “performance” are Supplier obligations (it is liable for).
- Professional tone: Balanced pairs sound deliberate and contractual.
- Completeness: Adding “all other agreed Services” ensures the clause covers everything else the parties agreed upon, not just the main Project.
Example 6 – Over-Literal Timing Phrase: “Immediately”
Finnish:
Toimittajan on viipymättä ja viimeistään neljäntoista (14) päivän kuluessa asian havaitsemisesta kirjallisesti ilmoitettava asiasta Tullille.
Literal Translation:
The Supplier shall notify Customs in writing immediately and no later than fourteen (14) days after the discovery of the matter.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
The Supplier shall give written notice to Customs without delay and in any event within fourteen (14) days of becoming aware of the issue.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| viipymättä | immediately | without delay | “Immediately” sounds absolute and unrealistic. Legal English uses “without delay” to mean “as soon as reasonably possible,” which matches viipymättä in contracts. |
| neljäntoista (14) päivän kuluessa asian havaitsemisesta | no later than fourteen (14) days after the discovery of the matter | within fourteen (14) days of becoming aware of the issue | “After the discovery of the matter” is awkward and overly formal; “becoming aware of the issue” is the idiomatic legal trigger for time periods. |
| kirjallisesti ilmoitettava | shall notify in writing | shall give written notice | “Give written notice” is the standard legal collocation; “notify in writing” is acceptable but less formal. |
Example 7 – Weak Verb “Request Consent”
Finnish:
Mikäli Toimittaja aikoo hyödyntää Avointa Lähdekoodia Kohdejärjestelmän ja Palveluiden tuottamisessa, tulee sen pyytää Tullin etukäteistä kirjallista suostumusta Avoimen Lähdekoodin käytölle sekä antaa Tullille kaikki tiedot asiaa koskien ilman erillistä pyyntöä.
Literal Translation:
If the Supplier intends to utilise the Open-Source Code in the production of the Target System and Services, the Supplier must request prior written consent from Customs to the use of the Open-Source Code and provide Customs with all relevant information without being asked.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
If the Supplier intends to use Open-Source Code in the production of the Target System or the Services, it shall obtain Customs’ prior written approval for such use and provide Customs with all related information without separate request.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| hyödyntää Avointa Lähdekoodia | utilise the Open-Source Code | use Open-Source Code | “Utilise” is stiff and dated; “use” is plain and accurate, especially in modern legal or technical English. |
| pyytää Tullin etukäteistä kirjallista suostumusta Avoimen Lähdekoodin käytölle | request prior written consent from Customs to the use of the Open-Source Code | obtain Customs’ prior written approval for such use | Legal English distinguishes between “request consent” (asking permission) and “obtain approval” (must receive authorisation before acting). Finnish pyytää suostumusta implies a formal permission process; “obtain approval” captures the contractual obligation more clearly. |
| antaa … kaikki tiedot ilman erillistä pyyntöä | provide all relevant information without being asked | provide all related information without separate request | “Without separate request” is the idiomatic legal rendering of ilman erillistä pyyntöä and sounds more formal than “without being asked.” |
| tuottamisessa (Kohdejärjestelmän ja Palveluiden) | in the production of the Target System and Services | in the production of the Target System or the Services | Using “or” clarifies that either activity (system or services) triggers the requirement, aligning with the Finnish meaning. |
The literal translation “request prior written consent” is grammatically fine but too weak for a binding contractual duty.
In legal drafting, “shall obtain prior written approval” clearly expresses a mandatory condition: the Supplier must secure written authorisation before using any Open-Source Code.
The revised ending “without separate request” accurately mirrors ilman erillistä pyyntöä, meaning Customs has no duty to ask — the Supplier must disclose proactively.
Example 8 – Inconsistent Word Order and Weak Obligation “Must Be Made”
Finnish:
Tulli voi vaatia ja Toimittaja voi ehdottaa Muutoksia Kohdejärjestelmään tai Palveluihin. Muutospyynnöt tulee tehdä kirjallisesti.
Literal Translation:
Customs may require changes, and the Supplier may propose changes to the Target System and Services. Requests for changes must be made in writing.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
Customs may require, and the Supplier may propose, changes to the Target System or the Services. All change requests shall be made in writing.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulli voi vaatia ja Toimittaja voi ehdottaa | Customs may require changes, and the Supplier may propose changes | Customs may require, and the Supplier may propose, changes | Reordered for balance and readability; comma placement reflects legal rhythm and parallel structure (see explanation below). |
| Kohdejärjestelmään tai Palveluihin | to the Target System and Services | to the Target System or the Services | Finnish tai = “or”, not “and”. Literal translation “and” changes scope and may imply both must change. |
| Muutospyynnöt tulee tehdä kirjallisesti | Requests for changes must be made in writing | All change requests shall be made in writing | “Must be made” is informal and non-standard; “shall be made” is the formal contractual obligation verb. Added “All” to cover every request explicitly. |
1. The phrase must be made in writing is understandable but lacks the formal force of “shall be made in writing,” which is standard in English-language contracts.
2. Minor restructuring (placing commas after require and propose) creates balanced clauses and clearer parallelism.
The commas create legal rhythm — a pause that separates each party’s role — and enforce parallel structure, where both clauses use the same pattern:
Subject → may → verb.
This makes the sentence precise, balanced, and easy to read in contract form.
Example 9 – Literal but Awkward Phrasing Replaced by Standard Legal Formula “By Giving … Written Notice”
Finnish:
Tullilla on oikeus milloin tahansa sopimuksen voimassaoloaikana auditoida Toimittajan toimittama Kohdejärjestelmä ja Palvelut ilmoittamalla siitä Toimittajalle kirjallisesti vähintään neljätoista (14) päivää etukäteen.
Literal Translation:
At any time during the validity of the Agreement, Customs has the right to perform an audit of the Target System and Services delivered by the Supplier by notifying the Supplier in writing at least fourteen (14) days in advance.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
Customs may, at any time during the term of this Agreement, audit the Supplier’s Target System and Services by giving the Supplier at least fourteen (14) days’ written notice.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| milloin tahansa sopimuksen voimassaoloaikana | at any time during the validity of the Agreement | at any time during the term of this Agreement | “Validity” is used for documents like visas or licenses. “Term” is used for contracts. Hence “during the term of this Agreement” sounds legal and natural, while “during the validity of the Agreement” sounds bureaucratic and literal. |
| auditoida Toimittajan toimittama Kohdejärjestelmä ja Palvelut | perform an audit of the Target System and Services delivered by the Supplier | audit the Supplier’s Target System and Services | Simpler and avoids repetition; “audit … by giving” reads naturally and matches standard legal phrasing. |
| ilmoittamalla … kirjallisesti vähintään 14 päivää etukäteen | by notifying the Supplier in writing at least 14 days in advance | by giving the Supplier at least 14 days’ written notice | “By giving … written notice” is the fixed legal collocation; smoother and universally used in English contracts. |
| on oikeus | has the right to | may | “May” expresses both permission and entitlement, the standard legal auxiliary for rights clauses. |
Example 10 – Ambiguous “in its entirety or only in the part”
Finnish:
Toimittajan käyttäessä hinnanmuutosoikeuttaan on Tullilla oikeus irtisanoa valintansa mukaan koko Kattosopimus kokonaan tai hinnanmuutoksen kohteena oleva Palvelu, mikäli Tulli ei hyväksy Toimittajan ehdottamaa korotusta. Irtisanominen tämän kohdan 10.5 perusteella tapahtuu Tullin kirjallisella ilmoituksella Toimittajalle vähintään kolmekymmentä (30) päivää ennen muutoksen voimaantuloa, jolloin irtisanominen tulee voimaan päivitettyjen hintojen voimaantulohetkellä.
Literal Translation:
When the Supplier exercises their right to change the price, but Customs does not accept the increase proposed by the Supplier, the Customs has the right to terminate the Umbrella Agreement in its entirety or only in the part where the continuation of the Supplier’s Service will become the subject to the price change. Termination pursuant to paragraph 10.5 of this Agreement shall be announced by written notice sent by the Customs to the Supplier at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the price change, in which case the termination shall become effective at the same time as the increase of prices.
Trans Infopreneur (TI) TEP:
If the Supplier exercises its right to adjust prices and Customs does not approve the proposed increase, Customs may terminate this Umbrella Agreement, in whole or in part, including the Service subject to the proposed price change, by written notice given at least thirty (30) days before the increase takes effect, in which case the termination shall become effective on the same date as the revised prices take effect.
Phrase-Mapping Table (PMT)
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase | Revised TI Phrase | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toimittajan käyttäessä hinnanmuutosoikeuttaan | When the Supplier exercises their right to change the price | If the Supplier exercises its right to adjust prices | Although “change the price” can technically mean upward or downward, English contract style prefers “adjust prices” because it sounds formal, covers all directions and cases, and reflects a continuing right — not a one-time alteration. |
| on Tullilla oikeus irtisanoa valintansa mukaan koko Kattosopimus kokonaan tai hinnanmuutoksen kohteena oleva Palvelu | the Customs has the right to terminate the Umbrella Agreement in its entirety or only in the part where the continuation of the Supplier’s Service will become the subject to the price change | Customs may terminate this Umbrella Agreement in whole or in part, including the Service subject to the proposed price change | The translator’s long phrase is awkward and unidiomatic. English contracts use the fixed pair “in whole or in part.” |
| mikäli Tulli ei hyväksy Toimittajan ehdottamaa korotusta | but Customs does not accept the increase proposed by the Supplier | and Customs does not approve the proposed increase | “Approve” is the proper formal verb for official acceptance. |
| Irtisanominen … tapahtuu Tullin kirjallisella ilmoituksella Toimittajalle vähintään 30 päivää ennen muutoksen voimaantuloa | Termination … shall be announced by written notice sent by the Customs to the Supplier at least 30 days prior … | by written notice given at least 30 days before the increase takes effect | “Announced by written notice sent” is redundant; “by written notice given” is the standard formula. |
| jolloin irtisanominen tulee voimaan päivitettyjen hintojen voimaantulohetkellä | in which case the termination shall become effective at the same time as the increase of prices | in which case the termination shall become effective on the same date as the revised prices take effect | Smoother wording; “increase of prices” is non-idiomatic. “Effective date of the revised prices” is clear and legal. |
If the Finnish clause clearly refers to a specific item, “change the price” is fine. But if it grants a general right, which is the case in Liite 6 Kattosopimus, “adjust prices” fits better.
Finnish → English Legal Translation Style Guide
1. Tone and Register
- Avoid casual or conversational phrasing such as “when it happens,” “in this case”.
- Prefer shall, may, must, is entitled to for legal obligation and rights.
- Maintain consistent party references: Supplier, Customs (Tulli), Umbrella Agreement (Kattosopimus).
- Avoid gendered pronouns: use its for companies.
“Supplier shall give written notice” ✔
“Supplier must send a letter” ✖
2. Sentence Structure
- Break long Finnish compound sentences into two balanced English clauses if clarity improves.
- Maintain parallel structure for repetitive obligations (e.g., Customs may require, and the Supplier may propose…).
- Use active voice wherever possible.
3. Legal Verbs and Modality
| Finnish concept | Preferred English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| tulee / on velvollinen | shall / must | “Shall” preferred for binding duties. |
| voi | may | Grants permission or discretionary right. |
| on oikeus | shall have the right / may | “May” is more natural if context implies permission. |
| pyytää suostumusta | obtain approval / seek prior consent | Choose based on hierarchy of obligation*. |
| ilmoittaa kirjallisesti | give written notice | Standard fixed legal collocation. |
Typical Hierarchy of Obligation (Finnish → English Legal Translation)
(for contracts, regulations, and technical instructions)
| Legal Strength | Finnish Indicator | Preferred English Verb(s) | When to Use | Example (Finnish → English) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Absolute legal obligation (binding duty in a contract) | tulee, on velvollinen | shall | Use in contracts and agreements when defining a binding duty between parties. | Toimittajan tulee toimittaa raportti viikoittain → The Supplier shall deliver the report weekly. | “Shall” is the formal, standard verb for contractual duties. It expresses obligation without sounding like a command. Avoid overusing “must” in contracts. |
| 2. Command or regulatory requirement (law, policy, instruction) | tulee, on velvollinen, pitää | must | Use in laws, compliance rules, manuals, or where violation implies legal penalty or non-compliance. | Laitteentulee olla kytkettyennenkäyttöä → The device must be connected before use. | “Must” is stronger and directive — it signals strict enforcement, not a negotiable term. |
| 3. Expected or prescribed procedure (soft duty) | on toimitettava, edellytetään että | is to / is required to | Use when describing procedural or administrative duties that are obligatory but not a core contractual covenant. | Asiakirjat on toimitettavaennenmääräaikaa → The documents are to be submitted before the deadline. | Slightly weaker tone than “shall.” Often used in schedules, annexes, or procedural clauses. |
| 4. Discretionary right or permission | voi, on oikeus | may | Use when a party is allowed (but not obliged) to act. | Tulli voitarkastaajärjestelmän → Customs may audit the system. | “May” gives a party the option; it confers a right, not a duty. |
| 5. Possibility / general ability | voidaan, saa | can / might / may be | Use for physical, technical, or factual possibility — not rights or obligations. | Tietojavoidaankäyttäätilastointiin → The data may be used for statistical purposes. | “Can” = capability; “may” = permission. Choose based on whether it’s about ability or authorization. |
Quick Reference Summary
| Finnish source verb | Contractual translation | Regulatory / instruction translation |
|---|---|---|
| tulee / on velvollinen | shall | must |
| voi / on oikeus | may | may |
| voidaan / saa | can / may be | can / may |
| on toimitettava / edellytetään että | is to / is required to | is required to / must |
How to Decide (Practical Rule of Thumb)
1. Ask: Does this clause create a binding contractual duty or just describe a procedure?
→ If binding → use shall.
→ If procedural or regulatory → use must or is to.
2. Ask: Does it grant permission or ability?
→ If permission → use may.
→ If ability or technical capacity → use can.
4.Common Finnish Legal Phrases → Standard English Forms
| Finnish source phrase | Correct English rendering | Avoid using |
|---|---|---|
| sopimuksen voimassaoloaikana | during the term of this Agreement | "during the validity of the Agreement" |
| eroaa sisällöltään / poikkeaa | if there is any inconsistency between | "differs from" |
| on määräävä | shall prevail | same |
| kuvattu liitteessä | set out in Appendix | "described in" |
| ilman erillistä pyyntöä | without separate request | "without being asked" |
| viipymättä | without delay | “immediately” (too strict) |
| kirjallinen ilmoitus | written notice | “written announcement” |
| kokonaan tai osittain | in whole or in part | “in its entirety or only in the part” |
5. Word Choice and Consistency
| Area | Preferred Term | Avoid / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legal approval | approval or consent depending on authority | Use “approval” for binding authorization* |
| Price changes | adjust prices, proposed increase | Avoid “change the price” (too informal) |
| Agreement reference | this Umbrella Agreement, the Appendices | Avoid repeating “the Agreement of this Agreement.” |
| Systems | Target System, Services (capitalized) | Keep capitalization consistent with Finnish defined terms. |
| Audit rights | may audit, by giving written notice | “has the right to perform an audit” sounds bureaucratic. |
*an approval or consent that is formally granted and legally effective, not just informal or advisory.
6.Verb Tense and Aspect
- In legal English, we use “shall” or the future tense only when something will happen later or will become binding once a condition occurs — not for things that are already true or ongoing.
- So, “shall” = future obligation (something the party will have to do later).
If the clause describes a rule that already exists or a continuing state, we use present tense, not “shall.”
| Situation | Verb Choice |
|---|---|
| Ongoing or standing rule | Present tense (“is”, “provides”, “delivers”) |
| Triggered or future obligation | Shall (“shall deliver”, “shall notify”) |
| Existing fact or condition | Present (“is valid”, “applies”) |
Use “shall” or the future tense only when the duty arises after a specific trigger (e.g., on request, after approval, on commencement).
If the clause simply describes a current rule or ongoing duty, keep it in the present tense — not “shall.”
“Customs may audit…” (ongoing right)
“The Supplier shall provide…” (obligation).
7. Prepositions and Articles
| Rule | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Use “the” for something already defined or unique in the agreement. | Refers to a specific, known entity or term defined earlier. | Toimittajatoimittaaraportin → The Supplier delivers the report (because the report is defined elsewhere). |
| Use “a / an” for something mentioned for the first time or one of several. | Introduces a new item or non-unique object. | Tulli voiantaakirjallisenilmoituksen → Customs may give a written notice. |
| Omit article before plural or abstract nouns used generally. | When referring to something in general, not a specific item. | Palveluttarjotaanasiakkaalle → Services are provided to the customer. |
| Use “this” or “that” for references to the current document. | For defined objects inside the contract. | Tämäsopimus → this Agreement; kyseinenpalvelu → the said Service (formal) or that Service (modern legal English). |
Prepositions — Add What Finnish Leaves Out
Finnish legal writing often drops prepositions that English requires to make a clause complete.
When translating, always add the correct preposition to show direction, source, or relation.
Below are the most common cases, with correct (✔) and incorrect (✖) examples.
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase ✖ | Revised TI Phrase ✔ | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| liitteessä 1 | described at Appendix 1 ✖ | set out in Appendix 1 ✔ | Use in for material contained within another document. “Set out in” is the fixed legal phrase; “at” or “on” are never used for documents. |
| toimitetaanTullille | delivered Customs ✖ | delivered to Customs ✔ | Add to to mark the direction of delivery or communication. |
| Tullin kirjallisellailmoituksella | by Customs’ written notice to Supplier (awkward) ✖ | by written notice given by Customs to the Supplier ✔ | English needs by to indicate the agent and to for the recipient; both are required for clarity. |
| 30 päivääennenvoimaantuloa | 30 days before entering into force ✖ | at least 30 days before the effective date ✔ | Replace literal “entering into force” with the legal noun phrase “effective date.” |
| ilmanerillistäpyyntöä | without separate request ✖ | without a separate request from Customs ✔ | Add article a and preposition from to identify the actor and maintain English grammar. |
| sopimuksenliitteessä 1 | in Appendix 1 of the Agreement ✖ | in Appendix 1 to this Agreement ✔ | Use to, not “of,” when connecting appendices or schedules to an agreement. |
| palveluidentuottamiseenliittyen | related services production ✖ | in connection with the provision of Services ✔ | Finnish omits prepositions entirely; English legal phrasing requires “in connection with.” |
| sopimuksenmukaisesti | according to agreement ✖ | in accordance with the Agreement ✔ | Standard English legal collocation; always use “in accordance with.” |
• Always add to, by, in, with, for, on, at where Finnish leaves them out.
• Use in for anything inside a document (clauses, appendices, sections).
• Use to for recipients or attached items.
• Use by for agents performing an action.
• Use in accordance with, set out in, attached to, liable for, subject to — never replace these with literal Finnish forms.
When in doubt, check: Is this item already defined or unique?
If yes → use the.
If no → use a / an.
8. Agreement vs. Appendix References
| Finnish phrase | Correct English form | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tämänsopimuksenliitteessä | in Appendix to this Agreement | Always connect appendices to the agreement using to, not of. |
| sopimuksenehdot | the terms of the Agreement | Use of for ownership or content relationships. |
| liitteessämääritellytehdot | terms set out in the Appendix | Use in when something appears inside another document. |
9. Common Legal Collocations (Keep Together)
Certain English prepositions are fixed with legal verbs; they should not be replaced by literal Finnish equivalents:
| Legal Verb / Phrase | Correct Preposition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| enter into | into | enter into this Agreement |
| comply with | with | comply with applicable laws |
| in accordance with | with | in accordance with Section 10 |
| subject to | to | subject to approval by Customs |
| liable for | for | liable for damages |
| set out in | in | set out in Appendix 1 |
10. Quick Diagnostic Check
When reviewing a Finnish → English legal translation, ask:
- Does each noun have an article where required?
(the Supplier, a notice, the Appendix). - Does each verb have a necessary preposition?
(deliver to, comply with, set out in). - Are defined terms consistently capitalised and introduced with “the” or “this”?
(the Services, this Agreement).
If any are missing, add them — Finnish often leaves them implicit.
11. Avoid Literal Translations
Finnish syntax and participial clauses can sound mechanical in English.
Recast them into smooth, idiomatic clauses:
“if Customs does not approve the proposed increase”
(not “if Customs does not accept the increase proposed by the Supplier”).
12. Formatting and Capitalization
- Capitalize defined terms: Agreement, Supplier, Customs, Services, Target System, Appendix.
- Keep number formatting consistent: fourteen (14), thirty (30).
- Maintain standard punctuation (no Finnish-style comma splices).
Finnish often joins two full clauses (each with its own subject and verb) using just a comma, and that’s perfectly correct in Finnish grammar.
In English, however, joining two independent clauses with only a comma is a comma splice, which is grammatically wrong in legal or formal writing.
A comma splice makes the sentence look informal or confusing, so in English contracts you must use:
• a semicolon (;),
• a full stop (.) to make two sentences, or
• a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) with the comma.
| Finnish Phrase | Literal Phrase ✖ | Revised TI Phrase ✔ | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulli voivaatiamuutoksia, Toimittajavoiehdottaaniitä. | Customs may require changes, the Supplier may propose them. ✖ | Customs may require changes, and the Supplier may propose them. ✔ | The comma joined two full sentences; English needs “and.” |
| Sopimus on voimassakolmevuotta, sitävoidaanjatkaaosapuoltensuostumuksella. | The Agreement is valid for three years, it may be extended by mutual consent. ✖ | The Agreement is valid for three years. It may be extended by mutual consent. ✔ | Replaced comma splice with a period. |
| Toimittajavastaatoimituksesta, Tulli maksaahinnan. | The Supplier is responsible for delivery, Customs pays the price. ✖ | The Supplier is responsible for delivery; Customs shall pay the price. ✔ | A semicolon separates two balanced legal clauses. |
Why it matters
- In Finnish, commas often show a light pause, not a grammatical break.
- In English, commas cannot join two complete clauses without a connecting word.
- Legal English demands precision and clarity — a comma splice can make it unclear who is obliged to do what.
If there are two subjects and two verbs in a sentence separated only by a comma → Add “and,” “but,” “or,” or break it into two sentences.
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