The word "will" is used inappropriately throughout all Parts of the standard. It generally should be used only for an event at some indeterminate future time.

Proposed change: Replace the use of "will" with the correct present definite tense. For example, "The numbering definition part will contain the definition for…" should become "The numbering definition part contains the definition for…" and "This simple type specifies that its contents will contain …" should become "This simple type specifies that its contents contain …"

General

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Proposed Disposition of DIS 29500 Comment GB-0014 (Modified: 2007-12-14) Agreed; some uses of “shall,” “may,” and so on, are inconsistent. Rather than enumerate all places that need changes in this response, general comments on such usage will be addressed in an editorial pass over all parts. This editorial pass will address the comments as follows: The word shall will be used to indicate requirements even if a feature is optional. As a deprecated feature is not optional, the use of shall in such a context makes sense. The word may will be replaced by can or might, as appropriate. The use of may is especially problematic in the negative; does may not mean cannot or might not? These instances will be carefully reviewed and changed. The word must will only be used in informative contexts, never instead of shall. Regarding the use of will and an alternate tense usage, this change will be made. Similar Comments: AU-0007 , DE-0042 , DK-0076 , ECMA-0018 , JP-0006 , JP-0007 , JP-0008