Section 454.50  Rules of Construction

a)         In these Rules 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 masculine gender include the feminine.

b)         In these Rules, the word:

1)         "Shall" is used in an imperative sense;

2)         "Must" is used in an imperative sense;

3)         "Should" is used in a recommendatory sense;

4)         "May" is used in a permissive sense to state authority or permission to do the act described and the words "no person may *** " or "a person may not *** " means that no person is required, authorized or permitted to do the act described; and

5)         "Includes" is used as a word of inclusion not limitation.