diff --git a/contributing-guides/maintainers-guide.md b/contributing-guides/maintainers-guide.md
index 307bf56e67..d16dbdfae8 100644
--- a/contributing-guides/maintainers-guide.md
+++ b/contributing-guides/maintainers-guide.md
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ as a guideline for current and future maintainers.
 
 ## II. Handling PRs
 
-- PRs will be merged once they
+- PRs should be merged once they
   (1) **pass the automated tests** (Travis CI, CLA signing, etc.),
   (2) have the **review comments addressed**, and
   (3) get **approved reviews by two maintainers**