Caveats and conditionals

A reader writes, apropos this post:

“But part, I think, might be the tendency of some people — at least in some circles — ”

In the spirit of light hearted Friday afternoon banter, I offer the following suggestion:

You might, under some circumstances, evaluate, consider, or at least entertain the possibility of limiting, restricting or cutting back on the use of caveats, conditionals, and stipulations in your personal writing. At least occasionally.

     I appreciate the feedback; and I agree that such conditionals and caveats may make writing less forceful and persuasive. I also suspect that I sometimes use more of them than necessary.

     And yet some of this is necessary, if I am to be accurate, and to be seen as accurate. For instance, the post to which the reader alludes (my first one today about white men who prefer Asian-American women) was based on my personal observations of such relationships, and of the people who criticize them. I’m well aware that my personal experience on such matters is quite limited. I can’t speak to what all critics think, or even what most critics think, or even what many critics think in other social groups than mine.

     So to be careful and precise — and I like to cultivate both the perception and the reality of care and precision — I decided to include some suitable caveats. They may make my writing less persuasive because they distract and annoy some readers. But they may make it more persuasive, because readers won’t be alienated by what they will see as claims that go beyond the evidence. And I’ll feel better, because I’ll know that I’m not making such claims.