tone · implemented rule

Hedge-stacked prediction

Multiple uncertainty markers make a prediction sound careful without calibrating probability.

What the rule matches

Requires a modal and a nearby hedge adverb.

False-positive boundary

Scientific forecasts may need several distinct uncertainty qualifications.

Positive and negative fixtures

Rule matches

“The update could potentially improve retention for some customers over time.”

Rule does not match

“We expect the update to improve retention, but the experiment has not started.”

One possible revision

It is important to note that the trial included only twelve participants, and this limitation is pivotal.

The trial included only twelve participants, which limits the conclusion.

Lead with the evidence and explain its consequence.

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