Whenever any word in any section is used, in describing or referring to any matters, parties or persons, any single matter, party or person shall be deemed to be included, although distributive words may not have been used.
(A) Gender. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.
(B) Number. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular.
(C) Tense. The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the present tense.
(D) Shall and may. “Shall” is mandatory. “May” is permissive.
(1992 Code, § 1-1-103)