Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700 (Tenn. 2008). · Go Syfert
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700 (Tenn. 2008). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
225 citation events (225 in the last 25 years) across 10 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Charles Hyatt v. Adenus Group, LLC (tennctapp, 2022-07-12)
Treatment trajectory · 2009 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2009 2017 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Charles Hyatt v. Adenus Group, LLC
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2022 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the interpretation should be one that gives reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) In Re Estate of Alys Harris Lipscomb
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2020 · signal: cf. · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
we cannot read portions of a contract in isolation-they must be read together to give meaning to the document as a whole.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Barbara M. Hicks Vick v. Brandon P. Hicks
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2014 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the interpretation should be one that gives reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Zurich American Insurance Company v. Tom James Company
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2026 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008). “‘Ambiguity, however, does not arise in a contract merely because the parties may differ as to interpretations of certain of its provisions.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Great American Insurance Company v. Bigger Dream, LLC d/b/a QNTM Fit Life; Nikko Glasper; Johnny Wilkins; 114 RE Investment LLC; Nichoel Ryner; Honor Tjornhom; Anna Leduc; Bailey Payne-Jones; Claudia Barhorst; Katherine McCool; Alison Brown; Melanie Miller; Deandra Stinson; Lindsey Platt; and Tana Whited
M.D. Tenn. · 2026 · confidence medium
“If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous,” the Court will determine the parties’ intent from the four corners of the contract by interpreting the contract “according to its plain terms as written” and “giv[ing] reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Margaret Hill-Satterfield v. Angie K. Lauderdale; April Switzer (a/k/a/ April Stadel)
E.D. Tenn. · 2025 · confidence medium
“A contract is ambiguous only when it is of uncertain meaning and may fairly be understood in more ways than one.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (quoting Johnson v. Johnson, 37 S.W.3d 892, 896 (Tenn. 2001)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kelsey Saint Clair v. William Zink
M.D. Tenn. · 2025 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kenneth R. Burd, Jr. v. Christopher Michael Richey
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2025 · confidence medium
If the release provision is “clear and unambiguous, the literal meaning controls the outcome of the dispute.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Delisa Roose v. Bath Fitter Tennessee, Inc.
unknown court · 2025 · confidence medium
Healthcare Corp., 459 S.W.3d 33, 42 (Tenn. 2014))); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (same); Bob Pearsall Motors v. Regal Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc., 521 S.W.2d 578, 580 (Tenn. 1975) (same); *312 Guardian Life Ins.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Amos Financial LLC v. First Horizon Bank (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
W.D. Tenn. · 2025 · confidence medium
The plain meaning of a contract's text as written is the best evidence of the parties' intent, id., “and the language used is taken in its ‘plain, ordinary, and popular sense.’” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (quoting Bob Pearsall Motors, Inc. v. Regal Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc., 521 S.W.2d 578, 580 (Tenn. 1975); Planters Gin Co. v. Fed.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) City of Chattanooga, Tennessee v. Walker County, Georgia
E.D. Tenn. · 2025 · confidence medium
“Absent ambiguity, contractual language ‘is interpreted according to its plain terms as written, and the language used is taken in its plain, ordinary, and popular sense.’” Id. (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 804 (Tenn. 2008)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pharma Conference Education, Inc. v. State of Tennessee
unknown court · 2024 · confidence medium
Healthcare Corp., 459 S.W.3d 33, 42 (Tenn. 2014))); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (same); Bob Pearsall Motors v. Regal Chrysler- -5- Plymouth, Inc., 521 S.W.2d 578, 580 (Tenn. 1975) (same); Guardian Life Ins.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Avantax Wealth Management, Inc v. Marriott Hotel Servs., Inc. (4×) also: Cited "see"
6th Cir. · 2024 · confidence medium
Our task is to give the body of the contract meaning as a whole, and we therefore “cannot read portions of a contract in isolation.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 705 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Martin v. WM Middle Tennessee Environmental Center, LLC
M.D. Tenn. · 2024 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Thorne IV v. Satellogic USA, Inc.
M.D. Tenn. · 2024 · confidence medium
Tenn. 2012) (citing Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Thunder Roads Magazine/Thunder Publishing, LLC v. Smith
M.D. Tenn. · 2023 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Avantax Wealth Management, Inc. v. RHP Hotels, LLC (2×)
M.D. Tenn. · 2023 · confidence medium
“If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous, the literal meaning controls the outcome of the dispute … [and] the contract is interpreted according to its plain terms as written, and the language used is taken in its ‘plain, ordinary, and popular sense.’” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704-05 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Graves v. Auto-Owners Insurance Company
W.D. Tenn. · 2023 · confidence medium
Gov’t of Nashville, 380 S.W.3d 73, 85 (Tenn. 2012); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Borrelli Walsh Limited v. Pope Investments LLC
W.D. Tenn. · 2023 · confidence medium
If a contract is unambiguous, “the literal meaning controls the outcome of the dispute.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) CapWealth Advisors, LLC v. Twin City Fire Insurance Company (2×) also: Cited "see"
M.D. Tenn. · 2023 · confidence medium
“If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous,” the Court will determine the parties’ intent from the four corners of the contract by interpreting the contract “according to its plain terms as written” and “giv[ing] reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (citations omitted); see also Union Realty Co. v. Family Dollar Stores of Tenn., Inc., 255 S.W.3d 586, 591 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2007).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Crigger v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company
M.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
“If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous,” the Court will determine the parties’ intent from the four corners of the contract by interpreting the contract “according to its plain terms as written” and “giv[ing] reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Christopher McCoy v. Katelyn Conway
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
Clark v. Sputniks, LLC, 368 S.W.3d 431, 436 (Tenn. 2012); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company v. Gonzalez (TV1)
E.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
Under Tennessee law “[t]he interpretation of written agreements is a question of law[.]” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008); see also Planters Gin Co. v. Federal Compress & Warehouse Co. Inc., 78 S.W.3d 885, 890 (Tenn. 2002) (stating that the “determination of the intention of the parties is generally treated as a question of law 6 because the words of the contract are definite and undisputed, and in deciding the legal effect of the words, there is no genuine factual issue left for a jury to decide”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Innovative Water Care, LLC v. Olin Corporation
E.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
“If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous,” the Court will determine the parties’ intent from the four corners of the contract by interpreting the contract “according to its plain terms as written” and “giv[ing] reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Innovative Water Care, LLC v. Olin Corporation
E.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
“If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous,” the Court will determine the parties’ intent from the four corners of the contract by interpreting the contract “according to its plain terms as written” and “giv[ing] reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Grange Ins. Co. v. The Steve Tolley & Pam Nelson Joint Venture
6th Cir. · 2022 · confidence medium
However, “[t]he entire written agreement must be considered.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) New Dairy Kentucky, LLC v. Mike Tamarit
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
When interpreting a contract, “[t]he entire written agreement must be considered.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lisa Boyd v. David Benjamin Gibson IV M.D.
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hatfield v. Covenant Medical Group, Inc. (JRG3)
E.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
When “the contractual language is clear and unambiguous, the literal meaning of the contract controls the dispute and the language used in the contract is construed using its plain, ordinary, and popular sense.” Id. at 42 (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn.2008) (internal quotation omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) First Choice Property & Development LLC v. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America erroneously identified as Travelers Personal Insurance Company
W.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
Gov’t of Nashville, 380 S.W.3d 73, 85 (Tenn. 2012); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Landmark American Insurance Company v. Heco Realty, LLC
W.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
Gov’t of Nashville, 380 S.W.3d 73, 85 (Tenn. 2012); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Charles Clifton v. Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company (2×)
unknown court · 2021 · confidence medium
As this Court has explained concerning insurance policy interpretation: -7- “Tennessee law is clear that questions regarding the extent of insurance coverage present issues of law involving the interpretation of contractual language.” Garrison v. Bickford, 377 S.W.3d 659, 663 (Tenn. 2012) (citing Clark v. Sputniks, LLC, 368 S.W.3d 431, 436 (Tenn. 2012); Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Frederick Jones v. Reda Homebuilders, Inc.
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2021 · confidence medium
“In such a case, the contract is interpreted according to its plain terms as written, and the language used is taken in its ‘plain, ordinary, and popular sense.’” Id. (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ma. Mut. Life Ins. v. RSC
6th Cir. · 2021 · confidence medium
Absent ambiguity, contractual language “is interpreted according to its plain terms as written, and the language used is taken in its plain, ordinary, and popular sense.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (quotation omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Castro v. Fire Door Solutions, LLC
M.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
Co., 150 F.3d 550, 556 (6th Cir. 1998) (en banc); Maggart v. Almany Realtors Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008); Anderson v. Dillard’s, Inc., 153 P.3d 550, 554 (Kan. 2007).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ross v. Kirkpatrick
M.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Allmerica Financial Benefit Insurance Company v. Eagle Sales Company, Inc.
W.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
“If the contractual language is clear and unambiguous, the literal meaning of the control controls the dispute.” West v. Shelby County Healthcare Corp., 459 S.W.3d 33, 42 (Tenn. 2014) (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) STATE OF TENNESSEE v. ROBERT DOLL
Tenn. Crim. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Davis v. Assurity Life Insurance Company
E.D. Tenn. · 2020 · confidence medium
“If the contractual language is clear and unambiguous, the literal meaning of the contract controls the dispute.” West v. Shelby County Healthcare Corp., 459 S.W.3d 33, 42 (Tenn. 2014) (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. 50 North Front St. TN, LLC
W.D. Tenn. · 2020 · confidence medium
(Id.) (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 705 (Tenn. 2008)); Adkins v. Bluegrass Estates, Inc., 360 S.W.3d 404, 411 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2011).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Communications Unlimited Contracting Services, Inc. v. COMDATA INC.
M.D. Tenn. · 2020 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Metropolitan Life Insurance Company v. Dorothy L. Nelson
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hardwick Clothes, Inc. v. Jahn, Jr.
Bankr. E.D. Tenn. · 2019 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (citation omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) MSM Development, LLC v. William Steward
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
West, 459 S.W.3d at 42 (citing Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dialysis Newco, Incorporated v. Commty Hlth Sys Tr
5th Cir. · 2019 · confidence medium
The ERISA plan at issue invokes the laws of Tennessee, and under analogous Tennessee law “[a] contract is ambiguous only when it . . . may fairly be understood in more ways than one[,]” but “[a]mbiguity . . . does not arise . . . merely because the parties may differ as to interpretations of certain . . . provisions[,] . . . [and] court[s] will not use a strained construction of the language to find an ambiguity where none exists.” Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008) (citation omitted); accord Ramirez, 872 F.3d at 727–28 (looking to very similar Texas l…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) C.Bruce Batten v. Community Trust and Banking Company - Dissent in Part
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
As noted in Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008), “[t]he interpretation [of a contract] should be one that gives reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect.” A court will not look beyond the four corners of the document to determine the parties’ intent when the contract is unambiguous.
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Estate of Rickie Charles Vaughn
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008) (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Larry Beckwith v. LBMC, P.C.
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tenn. 2008).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Waste Servs. of Decatur, LLC v. Decatur Cnty.
W.D. Tenn. · 2019 · confidence medium
Maggart , 259 S.W.3d at 704 (holding that courts must interpret contracts to give "reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect"); see also Town of Smyrna, Tenn. v. Mun.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bailey Cooper v. Pete Patel
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
“In such a case, the contract is interpreted according to its plain terms as written, and the language used is taken in its ‘plain, ordinary, and popular sense.’” Id. (quoting Maggart v. Almany Realtors, Inc., 259 S.W.3d 700, 704 (Tenn. 2008)).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Tammy Renee MAGGART
v.
ALMANY REALTORS, INC. Et Al.
M2005-02532-SC-R11-CV.
Tennessee Supreme Court.
Aug 14, 2008.
259 S.W.3d 700
2008 Tenn. LEXIS 534
2008 WL 3513958
Arthur E. McClellan, Gallatin, Tennessee, for the appellant, Almany Realtors, Inc., Jeffrey 0. Powell, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellee, Tammy Renee Maggart.
Barker, Holder, Clark, Wade, Koch.
Cited by 131 opinions  |  Published

OPINION

WILLIAM M. BARKER, C.J.,

delivered the opinion of the court,

in which JANICE M. HOLDER, CORNELIA A. CLARK, GARY R. WADE and WILLIAM C. KOCH, JR., JJ., joined.

In this personal injury case, the plaintiff was an employee of the defendant and was injured on the job. The trial court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment concluding that the plaintiff had executed a general release of liability in favor of the defendant. The Court of Appeals reversed, holding that the release was invalid as against public policy. Upon thorough consideration of the record and of the applicable law, we hold that summary judgment was inappropriate because the release of liability only covered accidents occurring while the plaintiff was running errands off-premises and did not cover the particular accident at issue in this case. Therefore, we affirm the Court of Appeals’ decision denying summary judgment, on alternate grounds, and remand this case to the trial court for further proceedings.

Factual Background

In August 2002, the plaintiff, Tammy Renee Maggart, began working for the defendant, Almany Realtors, Inc., as an administrative assistant. At that time, there were only two other employees of the company: Frances Almany, the president, and Vicki Louallen, the office manager.

In January 2004, Ms. Almany approached Ms. Maggart and asked her to draft and sign a document that would release Almany Realtors, Inc. from liability. Ms. Maggart agreed, and she drafted and signed the following document:

January 23, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
I Tammy Renee Bivens [1] release Alma-ny Realtors, Inc. from any liability if I am running business or personal errands that I agree to do on company time. If I am in an accident or injured, I will not hold Almany Realtors, Inc. or any employees at fault or hable. Sincerely,
s/ Tammy Renee Bivens
Tammy Renee Bivens

Although not material to the resolution of the issue in this case, there are facts in dispute regarding the scope and intent of this document. Ms. Almany testified via deposition that she had been growing concerned that if Ms. Maggart were injured on the job, the company would be liable, causing potential financial strain. It was her intention that the release cover all injuries, both those occurring on the premises and off. On the other hand, Ms. Maggart believed that she was only releasing liability for accidents and injuries occurring while she was running errands off-premises, such as her regular trips to the bank. It is also disputed whether Ms. Almany made her concerns and the intended scope for the release clear to Ms. Mag-gart.

On February 24, 2003, Ms. Maggart was injured in the office of Almany Realtors, Inc. While standing on a step-stool and working out of the top drawer of a filing cabinet, the filing cabinet fell over and[*703] knocked her to the ground, injuring her head and back.

Ms. Maggart filed suit against Almany Realtors, Frances Almany, and Vicki Louallen seeking damages for personal injuries suffered in her February 2003 accident. Because Almany Realtors, Inc. was not subject to Tennessee’s workers’ compensation laws, [2] the complaint alleged damages only in common law tort. In their answer, the defendants plead as an affirmative defense that Ms. Maggart had executed a general release that absolved each of them of all liability. They also denied the existence of any corporate entity with the name “Almany Realtors.”

The defendants filed a motion to dismiss, which the trial court treated as motion for summary judgment after hearing arguments. However, the court elected not to rule on the motion until discovery had been completed. Following discovery, the court initially entered an order denying summary judgment after concluding that there was a dispute of material fact with respect to the identity of the corporate defendant. The defendants filed a motion to alter and amend and a second motion to dismiss the original complaint, along with the affidavit of Frances Alma-ny, stating that “Almany Realtors” was not a legal entity. The trial court dismissed the complaint against Frances Almany and Vicki Louallen individually based upon the court’s finding that the release of liability was unambiguous and that it released the individual defendants from liability for all accidents and injuries.

Ms. Maggart amended her complaint to correctly name the corporate defendant, Almany Realtors, Inc., which responded with an answer and a motion to dismiss based on the release of liability. The trial court granted the motion to dismiss consistent with its prior holding that the release covered all accidents and injuries, including the one at issue in this case.

Ms. Maggart filed a notice of appeal only as to Almany Realtors, Inc. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s dismissal, holding that the release was void as against public policy. We granted review.

Analysis

Summary judgment is appropriate only when the moving party demonstrates that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that he or she is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See Tenn. R. Civ. P. 56.03; Teter v. Republic Parking Sys., 181 S.W.3d 330, 337 (Tenn.2005); Byrd v. Hall, 847 S.W.2d 208, 210 (Tenn. 1993). Because the review of a trial court’s grant of summary judgment is a question of law, the standard of review is de novo, according no presumption of correctness to the trial court’s determination. Teter, 181 S.W.3d at 337; Christenberry v. Tipton, 160 S.W.3d 487, 491-492 (Tenn. 2005).

In the present case, all facts material to this appeal are undisputed, and the issue presented is solely one of law — the interpretation of the release of liability. The interpretation of written agreements is a question of law that this Court reviews de novo on the record according no presumption of correctness to the trial court’s conclusions of law. See Guiliano v. Cleo, Inc., 995 S.W.2d 88, 95 (Tenn.1999); Union Planters Nat’l Bank v. Am. Home Assurance Co., 865 S.W.2d 907, 912 (Tenn. Ct.App.1993).

“The cardinal rule for interpretation of contracts is to ascertain the intention of the parties and to give effect to that[*704] intention, consistent with legal principles.” Bob Pearsall Motors, Inc. v. Regal Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc., 521 S.W.2d 578, 580 (Tenn.1975); see also Christenberry, 160 S.W.3d at 494. If the language of the contract is clear and unambiguous, the literal meaning controls the outcome of the dispute. Planters Gin Co. v. Fed. Compress & Warehouse Co., 78 S.W.3d 885, 890 (Tenn.2002). In such a case, the contract is interpreted according to its plain terms as written, and the language used is taken in its “plain, ordinary, and popular sense.” Bob Pearsall Motors, Inc., 521 S.W.2d at 580; Planters Gin Co., 78 S.W.3d at 890. The interpretation should be one that gives reasonable meaning to all of the provisions of the agreement, without rendering portions of it neutralized or without effect. See Davidson v. Davidson, 916 S.W.2d 918 922-23 (Tenn.Ct.App.1995). The entire written agreement must be considered. D. & E. Const. Co. v. Robert J. Denley Co., 38 S.W.3d 513, 518-19 (Tenn.2001).

In construing a contract, the entire contract should be considered in determining the meaning of any or all of its parts. It is the universal rule that a contract must be viewed from beginning to end and all its terms must pass in review, for one clause may modify, limit or illuminate another.

Cocke County Bd. of Highway Comm’rs v. Newport Utils. Bd., 690 S.W.2d 231, 237 (Tenn.1985) (internal citations omitted).

However, on occasion, a contractual provision may be susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation, rendering the terms of the contract ambiguous. Planters Gin. Co., 78 S.W.3d at 890. “Ambiguity, however, does not arise in a contract merely because the parties may differ as to interpretations of certain of its provisions. A contract is ambiguous only when it is of uncertain meaning and may fairly be understood in more ways than one.” Johnson v. Johnson, 37 S.W.3d 892, 896 (Tenn.2001) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). The court will not use a strained construction of the language to find an ambiguity where none exists. Farmers-Peoples Bank v. Clemmer, 519 S.W.2d 801, 805 (Tenn.1975).

In this case, Ms. Maggart drafted and signed a document [3] that purported to release Almany Realtors, Inc. from liability. The key issue is whether that release of liability extends to the accident that took place within the office of Almany Realtors, Inc. on February 24, 2003. Ms. Maggart contends that the release only covered accidents or injuries that might occur while she was out of the office running errands on company time. The defendant, however, argues that the release covered all accidents and injuries, both outside and inside the office. Both parties argue that the contract is unambiguous.

The trial court held that the release was unambiguous in favor of the defendant, finding it to be a general release. While we agree with the trial court that the contract is unambiguous, we hold that it only released Almany Realtors, Inc. from liability for accidents and injuries occurring while Ms. Maggart was running[*705] errands outside of the physical office environment. [4]

The release contains only two sentences, which are joined together into one paragraph.

I Tammy Renee Bivens release Almany Realtors, Inc. from any liability if I am running business or personal errands that I agree to do on company time. If I am in an accident or injured, I will not hold Almany Realtors, Inc. or any employees at fault or liable.

The meaning of the first sentence is agreed upon by both parties: if Ms. Mag-gart is injured while running errands outside of the office but during work hours, she will not hold Almany Realtors, Inc. or its employees liable. It is the meaning of the second sentence over which the parties disagree.

If we were to read the second sentence independently and in isolation, we could read it to mean that Ms. Maggart was releasing Almany Realty, Inc. and its employees from all liability for any injury sustained either at the workplace or while she was out running errands. However, we cannot read portions of a contract in isolation-they must be read together to give meaning to the document as a whole. See Davidson, 916 S.W.2d at 922-23. To do otherwise would render the first sentence meaningless. If there was a general release for all injuries or accidents, there would be no need to have a specific release for injuries or accidents while running errands.

Instead, when read together, it becomes clear that the release is limited to accidents and injuries that might occur while Ms. Maggart is “running business or personal errands.” The first sentence explains when liability is being released-when Ms. Maggart is out of the office running errands. The second sentence explains whose liability is being released and for what-Almany Relator’s Inc. and its employee’s liability for any accident or injury.

Conclusion

In sum, we hold that the release document is unambiguous and only releases liability for accidents and injuries occurring while Ms. Maggart is off-premises, running errands. Therefore, the accident at issue in this case does not fall under the release. We affirm the Court of Appeals in reversing the trial court’s grant of summary judgment and remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings.

Costs of this appeals are taxed to the appellant, Almany Realty, Inc., for which execution may issue if necessary.

1

. The plaintiffs name was “Bivens” throughout the time that she worked for Almany Realtors, Inc. She later married and changed her name to “Maggart.”

2

. The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act does not apply "[i]n cases where fewer than five (5) persons are regularly employed.” Tenn.Code Ann. § 50-6-106(5) (2005).

3

. It is questionable as to whether there was adequate consideration for this release. It is a basic principle of law that all contracts must be supported by adequate consideration. Bratton v. Bratton, 136 S.W.3d 595, 600 (Tenn.2004); Ward v. Sharpe, 139 Tenn. 347, 200 S.W. 974, 974 (1917). Consideration may be either a benefit to the promisor or a detriment to, or an obligation upon, the promisee. Bratton, 136 S.W.3d at 600; Brown Oil Co. v. Johnson, 689 S.W.2d 149, 151 (Tenn.1985). However, the issue of whether there was any consideration given in exchange for the release of liability was not raised until the matter was before this Court, and therefore it is waived.

4

. By finding that the release did not extend to the accident at issue in this case, we do not reach the public policy issue addressed by the Court of Appeals.