What is required for acceptance of an offer in contract formation?

In contract formation, acceptance of an offer must be unconditional and mirror the terms presented in the offer. This principle is rooted in contract law, where a valid acceptance creates a binding agreement between the parties.

When the acceptance is unconditional, it means that the accepting party agrees to all the terms without modifications. This aligns with the concept of "meeting of the minds," where both parties have a mutual understanding and agreement on the key components of the contract. If the acceptance includes changes or additional terms, it is typically viewed as a counteroffer rather than an acceptance.

Other options suggest alternatives that do not fulfill the requirements for a valid acceptance. A verbal agreement can be valid in some contexts, but it often lacks the clarity and specificity needed for enforceability. Formal documentation while helpful, is not strictly required for acceptance unless specified by the terms of the contract. Lastly, written notice to the offeror, while possibly integral in certain situations, does not inherently signify acceptance unless the terms are accepted unconditionally.