Intentionally left blank: Overview, definition, and example
What does intentionally left blank mean?
“Intentionally left blank” is a phrase commonly used in contracts, legal documents, and reports to indicate that a section, page, or clause is deliberately left empty. It ensures there is no confusion about missing or incomplete information and prevents unauthorized additions or modifications after the document is finalized.
For example, in a contract with numbered sections, a page may state “This page is intentionally left blank” to show that no content was mistakenly omitted.
Why is intentionally left blank important?
This phrase is important because it prevents misunderstandings, protects document integrity, and ensures clarity. If a blank space appears in a contract without explanation, parties may question whether something was removed or forgotten. By explicitly stating that a section is intentionally left blank, it confirms that the omission was deliberate.
For businesses and legal professionals, using “intentionally left blank” ensures that contracts, agreements, and regulatory filings remain tamper-proof and properly formatted, reducing the risk of disputes over missing information.
Understanding intentionally left blank through an example
Imagine a company is drafting an employment contract with numbered clauses. Clause 7 is intentionally left blank because the employer plans to add details later in a separate agreement. By stating “Clause 7 is intentionally left blank”, it prevents any assumption that content was mistakenly omitted.
In another example, a financial prospectus has a blank page between sections for formatting purposes. To avoid confusion, the document states “This page is intentionally left blank”, confirming that no important information is missing.
An example of an intentionally left blank clause
Here’s how an intentionally left blank statement might appear in a contract or document:
“Section 10 is intentionally left blank. No content has been omitted, and this section is reserved for future use or formatting purposes.”
Conclusion
The phrase “intentionally left blank” ensures document clarity, prevents unauthorized changes, and avoids confusion over missing content. It is widely used in contracts, reports, and legal filings to maintain professional formatting and compliance.
For businesses, including this statement where needed helps protect the integrity of legal documents, ensuring that all omissions are intentional and not the result of errors or missing clauses.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.