Which statement describes foreseen reliance before acceptance as an exception to revocation?

• A. It can prevent revocation in some circumstances.
• B. It has no effect.
• C. It only applies to unilateral contracts.
• D. It always makes revocation impossible.

Answer: (A)

Foreseen reliance before acceptance can create an exception to the general rule that offers are revocable until accepted. When the offeror reasonably expects that the offeree will rely on keeping the offer open, and the offeree does in fact rely on it by taking steps toward performance or incurring costs before acceptance, reversing the offer would be unfair. In those situations, the offer can become effectively irrevocable to protect the relying party, often grounded in principles like promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance. This explains why the correct statement is that it can prevent revocation in some circumstances. It’s not universal, and it isn’t limited to unilateral contracts, nor does it always prevent revocation.