Consider whether it is desirable to include a severability provision, that is, whether, if the Attorney General or a court should later determine that one or more provisions of the by-law is illegal or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions would continue in full force and effect. Careful thought should be given here, since the loss of some provisions could defeat the whole intent of the by-law. State the effective date of the by-law if it is to be later than provided by general law. Present Tense Verbs - Use the present tense, third person singular. For example, prefer the administrator shall consider the application to the administrator shall give consideration to the application.
Nouns are usually longer and require supporting words for meaning.
If you must use a pronoun, make sure the antecedent is clear and unambiguous. Avoid masculine pronouns. Adjectives and Modifiers - Avoid misplaced or unnecessary modifiers. Active Voice Verbs - Use the active voice. The passive voice lacks a clear actor.