P5: Avoid Absolutes
P5: Avoid Absolutes: Replace absolute phrasing with more qualifying modifiers. See the following: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/qualifiers/
Avoid implying always and everyone – allow for exceptional cases, if there may be some.
All Americans agree that gun violence needs to be addressed. – Too absolute
Most Americans agree the gun violence needs to be addressed. – Allows for exceptions
McGraw hires scientists who always produce valuable results. – Too absolute
McGraw hires scientists who usually produce valuable results. – Allows for exceptions
Avoid implying no one or nothing. Allow for exceptional cases, if there may be some.
Americans never make healthy food choices. – Too absolute
Many Americans do not make healthy food choices. – Allows for exceptions
Nobody believes the conspiracy theories on YouTube. – Too absolute
Most people don’t believe the conspiracy theories on YouTube. – Allows for exceptions