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Kelly Burhenne wrote (in response to a question about the use of "verbal")--
>>It is legitimate to specify verbal or written when referring to a
contract. One will not hold up in court!
The question concerns the clarity of usage. "Verbal" can mean "using words"
or "using the spoken rather than the written word." In this case, "oral" is a
far clearer word choice since it allows a more limited range of interpretation.
In other words, "verbal contract" can mean either a written or a spoken
agreement because, in either instance, language is being used to record
information. (See the usage note in Am. Heritage Online Dictionary if you have
access to it.)
Bill Burns * "It takes a big man to cry,
Assm. Technical Writer/Editor * but it takes a bigger
Micron Technology, Inc. * man to laugh at that man."
Boise, ID *
WBURNS -at- VAX -dot- MICRON -dot- COM * J.H.
