Meaning & use
Ts and Cs
Last updated
Meaning
nounpluralinformal
The rules and legal details that you must accept before using a service or buying something.
Grammar: Always plural; takes a plural verb: 'The Ts and Cs are long.' Never say 'a Ts and Cs'.
Patterns
- the Ts and Cs of something
- accept the Ts and Cs
- read the Ts and Cs
I didn't read the Ts and Cs before I signed up, and now I'm stuck with a monthly fee.
The Ts and Cs say you can cancel within 14 days.
She always checks the Ts and Cs for hidden charges.
Common combinations
- agree to the Ts and Cs
- You must agree to the Ts and Cs before you can download the app.
- accept the Ts and Cs
- He clicked 'accept the Ts and Cs' without reading a word.
- in the Ts and Cs
- The refund policy is buried in the Ts and Cs.
Synonyms and how they differ
- terms and conditions
- The full, formal phrase; use it in contracts and official documents.
- terms of service
- Often used for online services; it focuses on the rules for using a website or app.
Commonly confused: Ts and Cs or T&Cs?
Ts and Cs vs T&Cs
The same abbreviation written with an ampersand; it is common in British English but less formal.
Practice
Before you create an account, you have to agree to the ______.
Choose one answer.
The standard informal abbreviation is 'Ts and Cs' (plural). 'Ts and C' is incomplete, 'T and Cs' mixes singular and plural, and 'Ts and Cs's' is not used.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Ts and Cs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.