Common use of Rules of Construction and Definitions Clause in Contracts

Rules of Construction and Definitions. 1.1 Rules of Construction 1.1.1 Unless the context requires otherwise, the singular form of a word shall also mean and include the plural (and vice versa), and the masculine gender shall also mean and include the feminine and neutral genders (and vice versa). 1.1.2 References to statutes or regulations include all current and future statutory or regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing the statute or regulation referred to. 1.1.3 References to sections, exhibits, attachments or appendices to this Agreement and references to articles or sections followed by a number shall be deemed to include all subarticles, subsections, subclauses, subparagraphs and other divisions bearing the same number as a prefix. 1.1.4 The words “including,” “includes” and “include” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” 1.1.5 The words “shall” or “will” shall be deemed to require mandatory action. 1.1.6 Words such as “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” are not limited to the specific provision within which such words appear but shall refer to the entire Agreement taken as a whole. 1.1.7 Words such as “person” or “party” shall be deemed to include individuals, political subdivisions, governmental agencies, associations, firms, companies, corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures. 1.1.8 References to “days” shall mean calendar days unless expressly stated to be “Business Days.” If the due date for a task, payment, or any other requirement falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday observed by King County, the due date shall be deemed to be the next Business Day. 1.1.9 The headings and captions inserted into this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, limit, or otherwise describe the scope or intent of this Agreement, or any provision hereof, or in any way affect the interpretation of this Agreement. 1.1.10 This Agreement was negotiated and prepared by the Parties and their respective attorneys. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the rule of construction that an ambiguous contract should be construed against the drafter shall not be applied in any construction or interpretation of this Agreement.