1 U.S.C. § 1 — Words denoting number, gender, and so forth

This section tells you how to read the words in any Act of Congress, unless that Act's own context says to read them a different way. Number and gender. A word written as singular also covers several people, parties, or things. A word written as plural also covers just one. A masculine word, like "he," also covers women. Tense. A verb written in the present tense also covers the future. For example, a rule that says someone "is" required to do something also applies to a future time. "Insane" and "insane person." These words cover every "idiot," every insane person, and every person who is "non compos mentis" — someone the law treats as unable to understand what they are doing. The section keeps these old legal terms without defining them further. "Person" and "whoever." These words are not limited to individual human beings. They also include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies. "Officer." This word includes anyone the law authorizes to carry out the duties of that office, even if they don't hold the exact title. "Signature" or "subscription." These words include a mark, as long as the person making the mark meant it as their signature. "Oath" and "sworn." "Oath" includes an affirmation. "Sworn" includes "affirmed." These are treated as the same thing under the law. "Writing." This word includes printing and typewriting. It also includes any reproduction of visual symbols made by photographing, multigraphing, mimeographing, manifolding, or any similar method.