The two words are "probably" and "likely" (or the phrase "not likely"). Why? The reason lies in the meaning of the words themselves. When I looked up these words in the dictionary recently, the meaning came down to not much more than sophistry. It came down do a matter of what is predicted, or what people think will happen. This is far from factual.
Thus, when journalists use these words they are obligated to state who said such-and-such is probable or likely. If it is just the journalist, the same should write "this writer believes," or "I believe."
There is enough hubris in journalism already. We don't need more.
Thus, when journalists use these words they are obligated to state who said such-and-such is probable or likely. If it is just the journalist, the same should write "this writer believes," or "I believe."
There is enough hubris in journalism already. We don't need more.
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