hereof

Hereof is a formal legal adverb meaning “of this document” or “in this matter.” It is used to refer to provisions, statements, or terms contained within the instrument in which the word appears. The term functions as a cross-reference, anchoring language to the document itself rather than to external statements.

Etymology and usage: Hereof derives from the combination of here and of, and has a long history in legal drafting. In modern practice it appears mainly in contracts, deeds, certificates, and other official instruments. It is commonly paired with related forms such as herein (in this document), hereunder (under this document), and thereat or thereunder; together they reflect a traditional, formal drafting style.

Style and reception: Hereof is often regarded as archaic or overly formal in contemporary writing. Many writers and jurisdictions favor plain-language alternatives such as “of this agreement,” “contained in this document,” or “in this document.” Nevertheless, hereof persists in boilerplate language because it can help create precise, self-referential cross-references within a single instrument, reducing ambiguity about what document is being referenced.

Notes: When used, hereof typically appears in phrases like “the terms and conditions hereof” or “the obligations hereof.” Its appropriateness depends on the document’s drafting standards and the audience’s expectations. In plain-language contracts, simpler phrasing is usually preferred to improve readability while maintaining legal clarity.