GROUP 6

THE IMPERATIVE FORM,

INDICATIVE FORM &
SPECIFICATION LANGUAGE
PRESENTED BY: MICKAELA KASSANDRA P. PARAN
& Sandra Mae Bitara
 SENTENCE STRUCTURE

Two basic grammatical sentence moods can be used to

clearly convey specification requirements:

• Imperative mood • Indicative mood

 IMPERATIVE FORM

The imperative mood in English is generally

used to give an order, to prompt someone to
do something, to give a warning or to give
instructions.
 The Imperative
Form Example
1 Spread adhesive with notched trowel.

2 Install equipment plumb and level.

3 Apply two coats of paint to each exposed surface.

4 Adjust and test all hardware hinges, locks,

catches, belts, closers, and other hardware.
 INDICATIVE FORM

The indicative mood, passive voice requires

the use of shall in nearly every statement.
This sentence structure can cause
unnecessary wordiness and monotony.
 The Indicative
Form Example
1 Adhesive shall be spread with notched
trowel.

2 Equipment shall be installed plumb and

level.
Two coats of paint shall be applied to each exposed
3
surface.
The contractors shall adjust and test all
4
hardware hinges, locks, catches, belts, closers,
and other hardware.
 NOTE:
The imperative form is the preferred
sentence form.

This does not mean the indicative form,

using the word “shall”, can never be used.

Tip: Use this same sentence form for writing notes on

drawings
 Specification Language
All Any Should Such

Words to Avoid
Must
Every Could Please
& etc.

As As
As allowed As required
appropriate necessary
Phrases to Avoid
As
As directed etc.
indicated
 The Indicative
Form Example
1 Adhesive shall be spread with notched
trowel.

2 Equipment shall be installed plumb and

level.
Two coats of paint shall be applied to each exposed
3
surface.
The contractors shall adjust and test all
4
hardware hinges, locks, catches, belts, closers,
and other hardware.
 Know the meaning of
Specification Language your words and use
them consistently.

Terms should be defined in the contract.

Furnish – to supply and deliver to the project site, ready

to install.

Provide – to furnish and install, complete, ready for use

Supplier: A business seeking to provide goods or services

to a buyer

Install – to place in position for service or use.

 ABBREVIATIONS
• Only use on drawings and in schedules
when space is limited.

• Every abbreviation must be defined on

the Drawing Legend Sheet.

• Avoid using them in the body of a

specification
Don’t use
these ‘ Spell out feet

Symbols: “ Spell out inches

because By being % Spell out percent

clear, concise and
information-rich, a + - Spell out plus or minus
specification provides
answers to many onsite o Spell out degrees
construction
questions, saving the
project team, client
and contractor time
and money.
 • Do not use:
Every word in a
– Underline
specification is
– Bold important.
– Italicize The specification provides
– Highlight clear instructions on
project intent,
performance and
• Do not use color in construction.
final specifications.
That is all,
Thank you!