is to be vs is supposed to be

[AlexAD]

Hello.

I am rewriting the phrase, 'Node must not be null' or 'Node must be not null' and have the following results:

1. 'Node is not to be null',
2. 'Node is not supposed to be null'

Do 1 and 2 means the same? Or pretty much the same?

Thanks, Alex.

 

[emsr2d2]

Hello.

I am rewriting the phrase, 'Node must not be null' or 'Node must be not null' and have the following results:

1. 'Node is not to be null',
2. 'Node is not supposed to be null'

Do 1 and 2 means the same? Or pretty much the same?

Thanks, Alex.

Do you have some more context? I have no idea what "Node must not be null" means!

 

[SoothingDave]

Why are you re-writing? "Node must not be null" is the clearest form, to me. If you're afraid people won't understand "must not be," then say "is not supposed to be" or "is not allowed to be."

 

[BobSmith]

[nat]

1 means "Node must not be null"
2 means "Node should not be null, but it might be."

If you need to ensure it is never null, I think your original phrase is best, "Node must not be null".

 

[AlexAD]

Do you have some more context? I have no idea what "Node must not be null" means!

It connected with computer science.
Node is a variable that can be assigned a value. A value can be an object or null (no object).
I wish I would explain it better than that but I am afraid I cannot.

 

[AlexAD]

Why are you re-writing? "Node must not be null" is the clearest form, to me. If you're afraid people won't understand "must not be," then say "is not supposed to be" or "is not allowed to be."

I recognize that you might have on your mind something like 'Why doesn't this weird guy just stick to the simplest solution!' :-D

Though, my answer is this is the way I learn written English trying to get alternatives at some point.
By the way, I got that approach from the OALD!
Hopefully, it will clarify why I am asking such a dumb question :roll:

And as you usual, I would appreciate if you would correct grammar in this post.

Thanks, Alex.

 

[AlexAD]

It is been a while since I got the last answer, so I am putting this thread at the top.
I would be more than happy if you would answer.

Thanks, Alex.

 

[5jj]

It is been a while since I got the last answer, so I am putting this thread at the top.
I would be more than happy if you would answer.

Posts #3 and #4 seem to have answered your question. What are you not clear about?

 

[AlexAD]

Oh.. Sorry. You are right, I haven't read BobSmith's post thoroughly.
Thanks.