CHK.2:4.2 - Give answers enough expressive range

Use answer forms that preserve consequential distinctions. In the examples here, Yes asserts the question’s condition on the stated basis; No denies it on such a basis; unknown says the available grounds do not settle it; not checked says no check was performed for this occasion. These are local answer meanings, not a universal state taxonomy. An old adequate result may be reused even when no fresh check occurred.

Use not applicable only with a reason why the question does not concern this subject or use. Missing access is a reason for an unresolved answer, not for inapplicability. Some questions call for a quantity, identified alternative or short account rather than Yes/No. Choose that form when it carries the distinction more faithfully.

When a label such as “prepared” abbreviates several conditions, recover which conditions hold together, which are alternatives, and which depend on another subject. A later label in a displayed list does not establish every earlier condition. A supplied plan can answer a question about planning while leaving resource availability or actual performance unanswered. Keep those conditions explicit enough for the intended action; an ordinary explanation can suffice.

Where the aid supports planning, distinguish an expected occasion for a condition from when it actually holds, is observed, and is recorded. Preserve the scope of a question that continues across several editions or attempts, as well as questions confined to one edition. Repeated attempts and alternative paths do not form a universal ladder in which every answer stays positive.

Add observation time, description edition, performer or evidence reference when the receiving use depends on it. Keep entry time distinct from observation time. Avoid fields with no practical consumer. A three-question aid used immediately can be spoken; a record reused tomorrow usually needs enough context to recover its grounds.