Another device that takes the problem out of the ambit of the parol evidence rule is the use of collateral contracts. By using this device, the court may hold that there are in fact two contracts: the written contract to which the parol evidence rule does apply and the oral collateral contract to which the rule does not apply. The basis for the latter is that an extrinsic oral assurance is given, the consideration for that promise being that the recipient then enters into the main written agreement: clearly a benefit to the other party.