simple past

[Hanka]

Hi,

could you please tell me whether it is possible to use simple past in the following sentence when talking of a hypothetical situation which may or may not happen in the future:

In such case, the client shall also be entitled to use the retained part of the payment to cover the costs incurred by him as a result of the fact that the outstanding works had to be completed by a different business partner.

Thanks a lot!

Hanka

 

[David L.]

In such case, the client shall also be entitled to use the retained part of the payment to cover the costs incurred by him as a result of the fact that the outstanding works had to be completed by a different business partner.

In such cases,
or
In such a case, the client shall also be entitled to use the retained part of the payment to cover the costs incurred by him as a result of the fact that the outstanding works had to be completed by a different business partner.

Quite correct, assuming (which is probable) that the works have been completed, so that is also in the past.

 

[Hanka]

In such case, the client shall also be entitled to use the retained part of the payment to cover the costs incurred by him as a result of the fact that the outstanding works had to be completed by a different business partner.

In such cases,
or
In such a case, the client shall also be entitled to use the retained part of the payment to cover the costs incurred by him as a result of the fact that the outstanding works had to be completed by a different business partner.

Quite correct, assuming (which is probable) that the works have been completed, so that is also in the past.

This is a contractual provision, so none of the activities described in the contract have not happened yet and maybe will not happen at all. This sentence just says that if something happens after the parties sign the contract, then the client shall be entitled to do something. At the moment when the parties sign the contract, nothing is past, so I am a bit confused.

 

[David L.]

Then what about:

In such cases,
or
In such a case, the client shall also be entitled to use the retained part of the payment to cover the costs incurred by him iin the event that the outstanding works have to be completed by a different business partner.

I like it!

 

[Hanka]

Yes, I like it, too!!!!!!! :up::-D