## Article 1 - Definitions 

## PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 

1.1. The headings and titles in these general conditions shall not be taken as part thereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation of the contract. 

1.2. Where the context so permits, words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa, and words in the masculine shall be deemed to include the feminine and vice versa. 

1.3. Words designating persons or parties shall include firms and companies and any organisation having legal capacity. 

1.4. The definitions of the terms used throughout these general conditions are laid down in the ‘Glossary of terms’, Annex A1a to the practical guide, which forms an integral part of the contract. 

## Article 2 - Language of the contract 

2.1. The language of the contract and of all communications between the contractor, contracting authority and project manager or their representatives shall be as stated in the special conditions. 

## Article 3 - Order of precedence of contract documents 

3.1. The order of precedence of the contract documents shall be stated in the contract. 

## Article 4 - Communications 

4.1. Any written communication relating to this contract between the contracting authority or the project manager, and the contractor shall state the contract title and identification number, and shall be sent by post, cable, telex, facsimile transmission, e-mail or personal delivery, to the appropriate addresses designated by the parties for that purpose in the special conditions. 

4.2. If the sender requires evidence of receipt, it shall state such requirement in its communication and shall demand such evidence of receipt whenever there is a deadline for the receipt of the communication. In any event, the sender shall take all the necessary measures to ensure timely receipt of its communication. 

4.3. Wherever the contract provides for the giving or issue of any notice, consent, approval, certificate or decision, unless otherwise specified such notice, consent, approval, certificate or decision shall be in writing and the words ‘notify’, ‘consent’, ‘certify’, ‘approve’ or ‘decide’ shall be construed accordingly. Any such consent, approval, certificate or decision shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed. 

4.4. Any oral instructions or orders shall be confirmed in writing. 

