Preambulatory and Operative Clauses

One of the most important elements for writing a successful Model UN resolution is the
correct use of appropriate phrases to begin the preambulatory and operative clauses. Below is
the full list of preambulatory and operative phrases to maximize the effectiveness
of you MUN resolution.
What is a Preambulatory Clause?
Preamble clauses state the reasons for why the committee is acting on a given topic. It should
highlight relevant legal precedents, former relevant United Nations resolutions and past
international actions on the issue. Each clause should begin with a preambulatory phrase
(known as a present participle) is written in italics and ends with a comma. For more
information about preambulatory clauses check out our articles on How to Write a
Resolution or How to Write a Clause.
 
Preambulatory Phrases:
Acknowledging Expressing concern Observing
Acting Expressing its Reaffirming
Affirming appreciation Reaffirming also
Alarmed by Expressing its satisfaction Realizing
Alarmed Expressing satisfaction Recalling
Anxious Firmly convinced Recalling also
Appreciating Fulfilling Recognizing
Approving Fully alarmed Recognizing also
Aware of Fully aware Recognizing with
Bearing in mind Fully believing satisfaction
Believing Further deploring Referring
Cognizant Further recalling Regretting
Concerned Guided by Reiterating
Confident Having adopted Reiterating its call for
Conscious Having considered Reminding
Considering Having considered further Seeking
Contemplating Having devoted attention Seized
Convinced Having examined Stressing
Declaring Having heard Taking into account
Deeply concerned Having received Taking into consideration
Deeply conscious Having reviewed Taking note
Deeply convinced Having studied Taking note also
Deeply disturbed Having adopted Taking note further
Deeply regretting Having approved Underlining
Deploring Having considered Viewing with
Desiring Having decided appreciation
Determined Keeping in mind Viewing with
Emphasizing Mindful apprehension
Encouraged Noting Welcoming
Expecting Noting further Welcoming also
Expressing appreciation Noting with deep concern
Noting with approval Noting with regret
Expressing concern also Noting with satisfaction
What is an Operative Clause?
Operative clauses are actionable solutions to the problems raised in the preambulatory
clauses. Operative phrases are action oriented. They should be written in italics and with
numbers before each operative clause. Sub clauses do not need to start with operative
phrases. However, operative sub clauses should still avoid vague language and be action
oriented.

Operative Phrases
Accepts Demands Recalls
Acknowledges Deplores Recognizes
Adopts Designates Recommends
Advises Directs Regrets
Affirms Draws the attention Reiterates
Also calls for Emphasizes Reminds
Also recommends Encourages Renews its appeal
Also strongly condemns Endorses Repeats
Also urges Expresses its appreciation Requests
Appeals Expresses its hope Requires
Appreciates Expresses its regret Solemnly affirms
Approves Further invites Stresses
Authorizes Further proclaims Strongly advises
Calls Further recommends Strongly condemns
Calls for Further reminds Strongly encourages
Calls upon Further requests Suggests
Commends Further resolves Supports
Concurs Has resolved Takes note of
Condemns Instructs Transmits
Confirms Introduces Trusts
Congratulates Invites Underlines
Considers Notes Underscores
Decides Notes with satisfaction Urges
Declares Proclaims Welcomes
Declares accordingly Reaffirms