Acceptance in English contract law
In English contract law, acceptance normally communicates a final and unqualified assent to the offer. A response changing the terms is generally a counter-offer rather than acceptance, while an enquiry for information may not be. The offer can specify a required method, and special communication rules, including the postal rule in appropriate circumstances, can affect when acceptance takes effect. Whether a binding contract exists also depends on other requirements, including consideration and intention where applicable.
Worked example
A supplier offers to deliver 100 units for $1,000. The buyer communicates agreement to those terms before the offer expires. A reply offering $900 instead would generally be a counter-offer, not an unqualified acceptance.
Common mistake
Treating a request to change the price as automatic acceptance, or applying one communication-timing rule without examining the method and terms.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | LW (ENG) | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |