tone · implemented rule

Performed surprise

A generic emotion cue substitutes for the writer’s specific reaction or observation.

What the rule matches

Matches maintained surprise and interest templates.

False-positive boundary

Personal narrative can use the phrase when followed by a concrete, individual detail.

Positive and negative fixtures

Rule matches

“What surprised me most was the interesting way the system handled the request.”

Rule does not match

“I expected caching to help, but database batching produced the larger gain.”

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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Related patterns