§390.7 Rules of construction.

(a) In Part 325 of Subchapter A and in this subchapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a)(1) Words imparting the singular include the plural;

(a)(2) Words imparting the plural include the singular;

(a)(3) Words imparting the present tense include the future tense.

(b) In this subchapter the word —

(b)(1) "Officer" includes any person authorized by law to perform the duties of the office;

(b)(2) "Writing" includes printing and typewriting;

(b)(3) "Shall" is used in an imperative sense;

(b)(4) "Must" is used in an imperative sense;

(b)(5) "Should" is used in a recommendatory sense;

(b)(6) "May" is used in a permissive sense; and

(b)(7) "Includes" is used as a word of inclusion, not limitation.

[53 FR 18052, May 19, 1988, as amended at 60 FR 38744, July 28, 1995].