contract-law
What counts as an offer being accepted?
<p>I know that a contract does not need to be signed. In general what counts as accepting a contract? I know some people can be tricky with words. For example if you emailed someone a contract (for example agreement to do freelance writing) and they reply "this seems sufficient" does that count? Or are the words "this seems sufficient" too ambiguous to accept a contract? </p>

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  <p>What counts as an offer being accepted?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Any conduct that reflects a reasonable conclusion that the offeree <em>knowingly and willfully</em> approved of the terms and conditions of the offer.</p>

<p>Acceptance can be manifested verbally or in writing (as the other answer rightly pointed out); alternatively, it can be inferred from the offeree's subsequent conduct that indicates (1) his enjoyment of benefits that are attributable to the contract, and/or (2) his efforts to comply with his duties as per that contract.</p>

<p>The language "<em>this seems sufficient</em>" constitutes an expression of <em>knowing and willful</em> acceptance, and it will ordinarily be construed that way unless the offeree is able to prove/persuade that the expression referred to something other than actually entering the contract.</p>

<p>This and many other aspects of <em>contract law</em> are similar among many jurisdictions: all of the US, Canada, many European countries, and elsewhere. The <a href="https://www.nylitigationfirm.com/files/restat.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><em>Restatement (Second) of Contracts</em></a> thoroughly formulates the doctrine of <em>contract law</em>, and it is frequently used as reference in <a href="http://www.leagle.com/leaglesearch?exact=restatement%20%28second%29%20of%20contracts" rel="nofollow noreferrer">opinions released by U.S. courts</a>.</p>

<p>For a contract to be valid there needs to be an offer and an acceptance. This can be verbal or in writing. In this case, emailing a contract would be an obvious offer and the reply "this seems sufficient" to me would be understood as an acceptance. The reason that I would consider this to be an acceptance is because it is generally understood that once a contract is proposed the opposite party will either accept the deal, reject it and propose a new contract, or reject it entirely. Also it's worth noting that different states have slightly different laws on contracts.</p>

<p>I'm not a lawyer, this is just my take from some light reading on contract law.</p>
