Preambulatory and Operative phrases

Useful preambulatory clause openings

Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
Confident
Contemplating
Concerned
Conscious
Convinced
Declaring
Deploring
Disturbed
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expecting
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully believing
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having devoted attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having studied
Keeping in mind
Noting with regret
Noting with deep concern
Noting with satisfaction
Noting further
Noting with approval
Observing
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Regretting
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming

Note: Clause starters can be reused by adding “further” or “deeply”. For instance “Noting” could be
reused as “Further noting” and “Concerned” could be reused as “Deeply concerned”.


Useful operative clause openings

Please note: All clauses that are marked with an asterisk (*) can only be used by the Security Council.

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Asks
Asks for
Asks that
Authorizes
Calls
Calls for
Calls upon
Condemns*
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Decides*
Declares Accordingly*
Demands*
Deplores
Designates
Draws the Attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its Appreciation
Expresses its Hope
Hopes
Invites
Notes
Proclaims*
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrets
Reminds
Requests
Resolves
Sanctions
Solemnly Affirms
Supports
Suggests
Takes Note of
Transmits
Trusts
Urges
Wishes

Note: Clause starters can be reused by adding “further” or “strongly”. For instance: “Requests” could
be reused as “Further requests” and “Asks” could be reused as “Strongly asks”.