According to best practices, how should assertions be prefaced in technical writing?

In technical writing, prefacing assertions with qualifiers is considered best practice as it adds clarity and precision to claims being made. Qualifiers serve to indicate the degree of certainty or scope of applicability regarding the assertion. For instance, phrases like "likely," "may," "often," or "to some extent" help to temper statements, making it clear that there are exceptions or that further evidence may be needed. This approach not only reflects a more nuanced understanding of the topic but also prepares the reader for the possibility of variability in the information being presented.

By using qualifiers, technical communicators can effectively acknowledge the limitations of their assertions and avoid overgeneralization, ultimately enhancing the credibility of the documentation and allowing readers to better evaluate the information. In contrast, starting assertions with strong statements can lead to misconceptions or misinterpretations; examples or definitions might clarify concepts but do not serve the same purpose as qualifiers in expressing the degree of certainty about the assertion.