What defines an express contract?

An express contract is defined as an agreement that is explicitly stated by the parties involved, whether this is done verbally or in writing. This means that all terms and conditions of the contract are clearly articulated and understood by all parties at the time of the agreement. The clarity of the expressed terms stands in contrast to other types of contracts, such as implied contracts, where agreements are inferred from actions or circumstances rather than explicitly communicated.

This clarity is especially important in legal contexts, as it helps prevent disputes regarding the interpretation of the contract's terms. By clearly defining obligations and expectations, express contracts provide a solid foundation for enforceability.

In contrast, other options present elements that do not fully capture the essence of an express contract. For example, a contract based solely on inferred agreement lacks the explicit definition needed for an express contract, verbal-only agreements may miss the formal clarity offered by written terms, and written agreements can indeed be express but do not encompass the possibility of orally agreed terms.