The usage context is international law. [Editing of resolutions at the United Nations][1] > **Structure of resolutions** > > **Paragraphs** > > Resolutions are essentially one long sentence. There are normally > three elements in a resolution: the name of the organ, the preamble > and the operative part. > > - **Preambular paragraphs** are not numbered. They serve to present the background to the action part of the resolution. Preambular > paragraphs must begin with a verb in the form of a present, past or > perfect participle or an adjective in italics. Examples of the types > of verbs and adjectives used in preambular paragraphs are provided in > the annex. See the "Annex" for lists of "Common preambular verbs and adjectives" and "Common operative verbs". Links - [United Nations Terminology Database][2] - [UNdata][3] (United Nations Statistical Division where a Gloassary is provided) [1]: http://www.un.org/en/ga/second/72/editingguidelines.pdf [2]: http://data.un.org/Glossary.aspx [3]: http://data.un.org/Default.aspx