Final answer:
Advertisements are usually not considered offers in the context of forming a legal contract because they do not provide a clear, specific commitment to sell, lacking the definiteness required for an offer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generally, advertisements do not constitute an offer because they are not specific enough to establish the necessary commitment to sell. They are typically considered invitations to negotiate or invitations to treat. An offer must include clear terms and a specific commitment that can be accepted, creating a binding contract. Advertisements, which are widespread and often contain general information about products or services, lack the definiteness and specificity required for an offer. An exception to this is when an advertisement is very detailed and includes terms that indicate a clear intention to be bound, such as specifying the quantity available and the exact price, and is directed to a specific person or group of persons.
For example, if someone says, 'I think I might sell my car for $10,000,' it is not a legally enforceable offer because it is merely an expression of opinion or intent, rather than a specific commitment to sell at that price.
On the other hand, if someone says, 'I offer to sell my car to you for $10,000,' it would constitute a valid offer because it contains a specific commitment to sell at a certain price.