We have had many threads on here about the use of language. Here's an example of WHY it matters.

The California legislature passed a law regarding how computer professionals are paid. The intent was to mirror the federal law. They listed several skills of computer professionals. However, instead of writing "or" they wrote "and". Consequently... in order to qualify a person must perform ALL of the listed skills instead of just one.

Well...just change it, right? Not so easy! The legislature has many other things to consider, some people LIKE the way it is written and it is expensive to change once it has been published, (and difficult to admit a mistake) etc.

Just like "can" and "may" and all those others words often use interchangeably....it makes a difference!