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Subject:Re: Use of "shall" From:Walter Hanig <wdh -at- NETMANAGE -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 30 Jan 1998 09:49:38 -0800
At 12:18 PM 1/30/98 -0500, Linda K. Sherman wrote:
>
>However, I think it's safe to say that in formal writing, "shall"
>indicates requirement and "will" indicates intent.
>
This distinction was true when I was writing specs for military software in the 70's. "Shall" identified a contractual requirement; "will" indicated intent, but was not binding.
As I recall from junior high English classes (thank you Ms. Fowler, wherever you are!), "shall" used in first person singular and plural indicated determination/requirement (for example, "I shall return."). "Will" indicated intent. The reverse applied for second and third persons.
Ain't English wonderful?
Walter
Walter Hanig
NetManage, Inc.
12651 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130, USA
