diff --git a/spec/GraphQLOverHTTP.md b/spec/GraphQLOverHTTP.md
index d126f889..ba6b5277 100644
--- a/spec/GraphQLOverHTTP.md
+++ b/spec/GraphQLOverHTTP.md
@@ -599,7 +599,7 @@ code `200` (Okay).
 
 ##### Document validation failure
 
-Requests that fail to pass _GraphQL validation_, the server SHOULD NOT execute
+If a request fails to pass _GraphQL validation_, the server SHOULD NOT execute
 the request and SHOULD return a status code of `200` (Okay).
 
 ##### Operation cannot be determined
@@ -715,8 +715,8 @@ code `400` (Bad Request).
 
 ##### Document validation failure
 
-Requests that fail to pass _GraphQL validation_ SHOULD be denied execution with
-a status code of `400` (Bad Request).
+If a request fails to pass _GraphQL validation_, the server SHOULD NOT execute
+the request and SHOULD return a status code of `400` (Bad Request).
 
 ##### Operation cannot be determined