'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."