---
pattern: 23
type: success
name: Excessive Hedging
pack: en-filler
language: en
---

# Pattern 23 (en): Excessive Hedging — Success Case

## Input Text

> It could potentially be argued that this approach may, to some extent, offer certain advantages, though it is possible that the results might vary depending on factors that arguably remain to be fully understood. One might suggest that, in certain cases, the method tends to produce outcomes that could be seen as somewhat favorable. It is conceivable that further research may eventually shed light on the mechanisms involved.

## Expected Output

> This approach has clear advantages for small teams: groups under eight people completed projects 26% faster in our pilot. Results varied for larger teams, and we do not yet know why. A follow-up study starting in Q2 will test whether communication overhead is the bottleneck.

## Applied Pattern

- Pattern 23 (Excessive Hedging): At least eight qualifiers stacked across three sentences — "could potentially," "may, to some extent," "certain advantages," "it is possible," "might vary," "arguably," "one might suggest," and "it is conceivable." Each sentence is so hedged it makes no falsifiable assertion.

## Judgment

**Success** — The fire condition is met: 8 qualifiers across 3 sentences far exceeds the 3+ threshold for a single claim. The combined hedging evacuates all meaning — the reader cannot determine whether the approach works or not. The corrected version makes a direct claim ("clear advantages for small teams"), quantifies it (26% faster), acknowledges genuine uncertainty in one place (larger teams), and states a concrete next step (Q2 follow-up study).
