Avoid hedging your statements

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Scientists seek truth but they also know that absolute truths are rare in science. Perhaps it is this knowledge that prompts scientists to write such sentences as "The results suggest that application of fertilizers may have increased the yield" and "The data indicate a probable correlation between high temperatures and the amount of sweat produced."Such cautious writing is sometimes referred to as hedging. The Oxford Dictionary of English says that to hedge is to "avoid making a definite statement or commitment."

Avoid hedging your statements

Avoid hedging your statements

However, words such as suggest/s or indicate/s are sufficient to convey a degree of uncertainty: to combine them with more words that are indicative of uncertainty such as may and likely simply makes your writing sound weak. Therefore, avoid such combinations in your writing.

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