Multiple choice

X proposes by a letter sent by post to sell his house to Y. Y accepts the proposal by a letter sent by post. The letter of acceptance is in the course of transmission to X. Y

  1. cannot revoke his acceptance

  2. may revoke his acceptance at any time before the letter communicating the acceptance reaches X but not afterwards

  3. may revoke his acceptance at any time after the letter communicating the acceptance reaches X

  4. can revoke only after the prior approval of X
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Under the postal rule, acceptance is complete when posted, but revocation is only effective when it reaches the offeror. Y can revoke acceptance anytime before the acceptance letter reaches X, but not afterwards. This is because the acceptance is already legally effective upon posting, so revocation must be communicated before that moment to prevent contract formation.

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