Number | 553
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Category | errata
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Synopsis | 1.2: "can" vs. "may"
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State | lrmdraft
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Class | errata-discuss
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Arrival-Date | Feb 26 2004
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Originator | Shalom.Bresticker@motorola.com
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Release | 2001c: 1.2
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Description |
In the 1364-2001 LRM, section 1.2 says, "the term 'can' is used to indicate optional features", and "The term 'can' denotes optional features that the model developer can exercise at discretion." It seems that this contradicts IEEE Standards Style rules. Section 13.1 of the IEEE Standards Style Manual says, "The word may is used to indicate a course of action permissible within the limits of the standard ('may' equals 'is permitted'). The word can is used for statements of possibility and capability, whether material, physical, or causal ('can' equals 'is able to')." That is also in keeping with the common understanding of 'may' and 'can'. I propose to direct the editor to check all uses of 'may' and 'can' in the LRM, changing them as necessary to meet the IEEE Standards Style Manual, without having to submit a list of each change to the WG. However, first it is necessary to fix section 1.2. -- Shalom Bresticker Shalom.Bresticker@motorola.com Design & Reuse Methodology Tel: +972 9 9522268 Motorola Semiconductor Israel, Ltd. Fax: +972 9 9522890 POB 2208, Herzlia 46120, ISRAEL Cell: +972 50 441478 [x]Motorola General Business Information [ ]Motorola Internal Use Only [ ]Motorola Confidential Proprietary |
Fix |
In 1.2, "The term shall is used throughout this standard to indicate mandatory requirements, whereas the term can is used to indicate optional features." "The term can denotes optional features that the model developer can exercise at discretion." CHANGE "can" to "may". |
Audit-Trail |
Analyzed by etf@hotmail.com on Fri Jun 11 11:07:09 2004 Unknown Fix replaced by Shalom.Bresticker@freescale.com on Thu Nov 25 00:21:24 2004 In 1.2, "The term shall is used throughout this standard to indicate mandatory requirements, whereas the term can is used to indicate optional features." "The term can denotes optional features that the model developer can exercise at discretion." CHANGE "can" to "may". Also file 2 new issues in which: 1. The editor is requested to examine in his copious free time the use of the terms "shall" and "must" in the LRM. He will submit a list of possible changes to the WG. 2. The editor is requested to examine in his copious free time the use of the terms "can" and "may" in the LRM. He may make changes without prior approval of the WG. However, he will submit to the WG a list of changes he made and of possible additional changes. Fix replaced by Shalom.Bresticker@freescale.com on Mon Nov 29 09:11:57 2004 In 1.2, "The term shall is used throughout this standard to indicate mandatory requirements, whereas the term can is used to indicate optional features." "The term can denotes optional features that the model developer can exercise at discretion." CHANGE "can" to "may". |
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