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

(1) Words imparting the singular include the plural;

(2) Words imparting the plural include the singular;

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

(b) In this subchapter the word—

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

(2) Shall is used in an imperative sense;

(3) Must is used in an imperative sense;

(4) Should is used in a recommendatory sense;

(5) May is used in a permissive sense; and

(6) 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; 83 FR 16226, Apr. 16, 2018]