'Should' Word Nuances

Discussions focus on the semantic differences between 'should' and stronger terms like 'must', 'can't', or 'would', highlighting how 'should' implies recommendation rather than strict obligation.

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Keywords

MUST plainlanguage.gov word statement conditional premise reap shouldn shall registered ought expression

Sample Comments

dataflow • May 13, 2023 • View on HN

I guess it says "should" instead of "must"?

mwexler • Apr 10, 2017 • View on HN

Perhaps better with the word "should" instead of "would"...

draw_down • Mar 22, 2017 • View on HN

"Should" is a tricky word.

cortesoft • Feb 19, 2018 • View on HN

"should be" is not the same as "must be"

calcnerd256 • Aug 12, 2009 • View on HN

The operative word was "should"

hndamien • Nov 21, 2018 • View on HN

"Shouldn't" is very different from "can't"

p_l • Feb 4, 2024 • View on HN

"should" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that statement :)

topaz0 • Mar 6, 2023 • View on HN

"should" is the key here

minimaxir • Apr 30, 2019 • View on HN

"should" is the operative word.

DigitalJack • Oct 21, 2013 • View on HN

They said "should" not "would."