Evidence is not always conclusive enough to justify certainty.
The idea
Use may, appear or likely to signal uncertainty, and limit a claim to the population or conditions studied. Choose the strength that the evidence supports.
Examples
- The results may indicate a change in demand.
- The new route appears to save some passengers time.
- This pattern is likely to vary by region.
- The sample suggests a possible link with sleep.
- In this survey, most respondents preferred shorter meetings.
- The delay could have several explanations.
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Watch out
A hedge does not turn an unsupported guess into a finding; nor should a clear count be made unnecessarily vague.
Try it yourself
The small sample ___ suggest a benefit, but cannot establish one. (may / proves)
Show answer or example answer
may
may: the small sample allows a possibility, not proof.
The figures ___ to show a decline, although more data is needed. (appear / prove)
Show answer or example answer
appear
appear: the figures suggest a decline while leaving room for uncertainty.
Among the ten sites studied, ___ had a garden: seven did. (most / all)
Show answer or example answer
most
most: seven of ten is a majority, not the whole group.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
The small sample ___ suggest a benefit, but cannot establish one. (may / proves)
The figures ___ to show a decline, although more data is needed. (appear / prove)
Among the ten sites studied, ___ had a garden: seven did. (most / all)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a small survey result and suggest one possible explanation without claiming a cause.