The words of instruments are taken most strongly against him who uses them.

Explanation

He who chose the words bears the burden of their ambiguity; the drafter of a deed, contract, or statute cannot profit from the obscurity of his own language.

Where this applies

• The person who wrote the contract made it ambiguous and now wants the ambiguity to work in their favor.
• The insurance company drafted the policy and the unclear language should be read against them.
• The drafter chose the words — any ambiguity is their problem, not mine.

See also

• 10.3.1 An ambiguous answer is to be taken against him who offers it.
• 10.5.1 The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another.