Shall and must
Is it correct to use shall and must interchangeably in this sentence? If not, kindly give some reasons.
The school rules state that no child shall be allowed out of the school during the day, unless accompanied by an adult.
The school rules state that no child must be allowed out of the school during the day, unless accompanied by an adult.
Top answer
To my ear, the first sounds like a law which must be strictly obeyed, and anyone who disobeys might be punished in some way; the second sounds like people are fearful that something bad might happen to the children if they are allowed out. So I wouldn't say they are exactly interchangeable even though there is a lot of overlap in the meanings. CJ
- To my ear, the first sounds like a law which must be strictly obeyed, and anyone who disobeys might be punished in some way; the second sounds like people are fearful that something bad might happen to the children if they are allowed out.
- So I wouldn't say they are exactly interchangeable even though there is a lot of overlap in the meanings.
- CJ
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To my ear, the first sounds like a law which must be strictly obeyed, and anyone who disobeys might be punished in some way; the second sounds like people are fearful that something bad might happen to the children if they are allowed out.
So I wouldn't say they are exactly interchangeable even though there is a lot of overlap in the meanings.
CJ
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