Sentence Decomposition System

A Sentence Decomposition System is a sentence processing system designed to solve sentence decomposition tasks.

• Context:
  • It can (often) utilizes algorithms and models from the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP).
  • It can range from being a rule-based systems, statistical models, or machine learning techniques, including Language Models and Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • It can support Text Summarization Systems, Information Extraction Systems, Machine Translation Systems, and Legal Document Analysis Systems.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • For an LLM-based Sentence Decomposition System, using one-shot prompting:
    • “I want you to break sentences into simpler components. Here's an example: Given 'Upon the occurrence of casualty damage to the Leased Premises, the Lessor shall have the obligation to promptly commence repairs and to diligently pursue such repairs to completion in a timely manner until all damage has been fully remediated.' you should produce 'Casualty damage may occur to the Leased Premises (1). If casualty damage occurs, the Lessor shall have certain obligations (2). The Lessor shall promptly commence repairs (3). The Lessor shall diligently pursue such repairs to completion (4). The repairs shall be completed in a timely manner (5). The Lessor's obligations continue until all damage has been fully remediated (6).' Now, decompose this sentence: <ENTER_SENTENCE_HERE>".
      
      
    • “Here is how you can decompose complex legal sentences into their clauses. For the sentence 'Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, the tenant shall not make any alterations to the premises without the prior written consent of the landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.' the decomposition would be 'The tenant is restricted from making alterations to the premises (1). This restriction applies despite any other agreement provisions (2). Landlord's prior written consent is required for any alterations (3). The landlord's consent cannot be unreasonably withheld or delayed (4)'. Now, apply this instructions to this sentence: <ENTER_SENTENCE_HERE>".
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Sentence Combining Systems, which perform the opposite task by merging multiple simple sentences or clauses into a single complex sentence.
  • Text Generation Systems without a specific focus on sentence structure simplification.
• See: Natural Language Processing, Information Extraction, Machine Learning, Language Models, Large Language Models.

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References

2024

• GPT-4
  • To ensure that the revised instructions produce sentences that can stand alone for easier comparison across different contracts, consider the following updated version of your instructions:

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**Instructions for Simplifying Contractual Language into Standalone Sentences
1. **Identify the Main Clause:** Start by identifying the main clause of the sentence. This is typically the core idea or action. 
2. **Break Down Complex Ideas:** If the sentence contains complex ideas or multiple actions, break these down into simpler, individual components. Each component should convey a single idea or action.
3. **Sequential Numbering:** Number each simplified sentence sequentially. This will help in maintaining a logical flow and easy reference.
4. **Ensure Independence:** Reformulate each component so that it stands as an independent sentence. This means it should be understandable without needing to refer back to other sentences for context.
5. **Clarify Subjects and Actions:** Make sure that each sentence clearly states the subject (who or what is performing the action) and the action (what is being done). If the original sentence assumes knowledge of the subject or action, make it explicit in the simplified version.
6. **Address Conditional Statements:** If the original sentence contains conditional statements (if-then statements), reformulate these as separate sentences, clearly indicating the condition and the consequence.
7. **Maintain Original Meaning:** Ensure that the simplified sentences collectively maintain the original meaning and intent of the complex sentence.
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**Examples for Applying the Instructions:

*Original Sentence:* 
"Upon the occurrence of casualty damage to the Leased Premises, the Lessor shall have the obligation to promptly commence repairs and to diligently pursue such repairs to completion in a timely manner until all damage has been fully remediated."
*Simplified Version:*
1. Casualty damage may occur to the Leased Premises.
2. If casualty damage occurs, the Lessor shall have certain obligations.
3. The Lessor shall promptly commence casualty damage repairs.
4. The Lessor shall diligently pursue casualty damage repairs to completion.
5. The casualty damage repairs shall be completed in a timely manner.
6. The Lessor's obligations continue until all casualty damage has been fully remediated.

*Original Sentence:* 
"Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, the tenant shall not make any alterations to the premises without the prior written consent of the landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed."
*Simplified Version:*
1. The tenant is restricted from making alterations to the premises.
2. The tenant restrictions to alterations apply despite any other agreement provisions.
3. Landlord's prior written consent is required for any alterations.
4. The landlord's consent to alternations cannot be unreasonably withheld or delayed. 

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