Timeline for The use of words such as "clearly", "obviously" etc. in a technical paper
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
10 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24 at 1:02 | comment | added | user541686 | @Dirk: We obviously disagree | |
| May 22 at 20:48 | comment | added | Dirk | @user541686 If it is obvious it should be as simple to write why. If it's clear, just write it clearly. In all cases there is a better way to handle it than writing "it's obvious" (try starting with "it follows from" or "by ... we see"). If this does not work, omit the "obvious" altogether and the text will be better still. | |
| Feb 17, 2015 at 7:46 | comment | added | user541686 | I think saying something is obvious (if it actually is) can be useful though, it helps the reader do a sanity check and make sure they're following all your arguments correctly. | |
| Jun 24, 2014 at 0:32 | comment | added | paul garrett | @AndreasBlass, I agree that a description of the depth of a missing bit can be helpful, and we can hope to trust the author's characterization... but I still do think that either a very short explanation itself can be given, or some details about the allegedly not-too-long argument if the author doesn't want to give it. Otherwise, if it's not been made clear (an admittedly subjective issue) by the previous narrative, announcing that it's clear all too easily verges on petty bullying. I myself prefer more gentle, polite explanatory styles. | |
| Jun 23, 2014 at 1:52 | comment | added | Andreas Blass | "Saying something is clear is not what makes it clear": Perhaps, but it can certainly help to make something clear. If I read a statement that isn't accompanied by a proof, I might try various ways to convince myself that it's true. If the statement is accompanied by "clearly", that reduces the number of ways I'm inclined to try and suggets looking at the easiest ones first. That "clearly" can save me a lot of time. | |
| Jun 29, 2013 at 6:56 | comment | added | Tobias Kienzler | @JeffE I propose it's circumlocution | |
| Jun 28, 2013 at 16:19 | comment | added | JeffE | I prefer "We emphasize that..." to indicate emphasis. Sparingly, of course. | |
| Jun 28, 2013 at 3:51 | comment | added | hunter2 | Meh, it is redundant, but I agree with his idea that it is a better way of 'underlining' a point (and is OK to use occasionally) - Similar to VS's (below) 'it follows'. | |
| Jun 28, 2013 at 3:45 | comment | added | JeffE | But even "Observe that" is redundant. You don't need to announce that you're about to say something. Just say it. | |
| Jun 27, 2013 at 16:35 | history | answered | paul garrett | CC BY-SA 3.0 |