Always be as precise as possible. The incorrect or vague use of the terms can, may, might, must, should, could, and so on is one of the most frequent causes for misinterpretation.
1 Use can when you mean the ability or power to do something.
2 May and might both indicate possibility or probability. Might suggests a somewhat lower probability than may.
Don’t use may to imply the ability to do something. In this case, use can.
Don’t use may to imply the permission to do something. In this case, use allowed to.
Tip:
Phrases with you include can more often than may (“You can ….”).
3 Use must to describe a user action that’s required. If you feel that the word must is too strong or impolite because it implies an obligation, rephrase your sentence as an instruction or use need to or have to.
Note:
In American English, don’t use shouldn’t instead of mustn’t because you think that mustn’t sounds too British. Use must not instead, which is unambiguous for an international audience.
4 Use should only to describe a user action that’s recommended but optional. However, try to avoid the word should altogether because it always conveys an element of doubt. Instead, clearly tell the reader what to do, or clearly mark your sentence as a recommendation.
Never use the word shall in technical documentation.
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