Explains the verbal forms of requirements
Shall is a requirement, should a recommendation, may a permission, can a possibility (ISO/IEC Directives Part 2, clause 7).
Can AI do this?
AI does this well Most of the tested AI models master this. 3 of 4 models in the current benchmark master it.
| Model | Tier | Probability of mastery | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| gemini-4-argon | Flagship | 94% | Mastered |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | Low cost | 75% | Not shown |
| gpt-6-luna | Low cost | 95% | Mastered |
| claude-haiku-5-5 | Low cost | 95% | Mastered |
Mastered means a probability of at least 90% that the model has this knobit, estimated from its graded answers. “Not shown” means the answers do not settle it either way. How the models are tested.
What it looks like in practice
Expected result: Shall is a requirement, should a recommendation, may a permission, can a possibility (ISO/IEC Directives Part 2, clause 7).
How it is assessed: Answers a written question on the shall, should, may and can correctly
Related knobits
Needed for
- G-309 Recognises a recommendation written as a standard
- G-332 Rewrites a recommendation as a verifiable requirement
All 26 knobits of Write governance policies, standards and procedures.
Source: Practice the stage 3 reference and review checklist rest on