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S1–S5 give the reader no space to choose another possible interpretation. Such

claims are very strong when used in reference to your own findings, but may be fi ne
when talking about the literature.

Softer versions of S1–S5 are in S6–S10, respectively.

S6. This factor may be / is probably responsible for the increase in…
S7. These results would seem to show / indicate / suggest the importance of…
S8. These fi ndings provide some evidence / appear to prove that x = y.
S9. This problem tends / seems / appears to manifest itself in…
S10. It seems likely / probable / possible that x = y.

S7–S9 make use of two verbs, the fi rst ( seem, appear, tends ) reduces the power of
the second ( show, prove, manifest ). Other useful verbs with a similar function are:
help, contribute, have a tendency , and be inclined.

10.5 Toning down adjectives and adverbs

Some adjectives and adverbs have a very strong tone. Here are some examples:

innovation: innovative, novel, cutting edge, seminal, pivotal
importance: extremely important, very signifi cant, of central / vital / fundamental importance

certainty: clear(ly), obvious(ly), evident(ly), conclusive(ly), definite(ly), undeniable, undeni-

ably, undoubtedly
When you are referring to your own work, you need to be careful how you use the
above adjectives and adverbs. You might risk being accused of being too sure of
yourself. For example:

S1. *This pivotal approach is particularly interesting for physicians.

The adjective pivotal describes something that is of vital or central importance.
An expression such as this pivotal approach (S1) makes the author sound rather
arrogant, since it is he or she who is assessing his / her own work. Such an
expression, however, would be totally acceptable if the author were using it in a
review of someone else’s approach. S1 also states that the author’s approach will
be particularly interesting for doctors, but perhaps the author should let the doc-
tors decide for themselves how interesting the approach is. It would be more
acceptable to write:
S2. Our approach would lend itself well for use by physicians.
S3. We hope that physicians will find our approach useful.