Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Is anyone else bothered by the use of "confirm" and "may" in the same sentence? If it's confirmed, it is, not may be, right?


Personally, yes. But this is standard scientific nomenclature.


Not at all.

If I am trying to reverse engineer a bread recipe, and find CO2, I will have confirmed yeast may have been used.

It's logically equivalent to "Scientists confirmed yeast could not be ruled out." That happens all the time. There is absolutely nothing to be bothered by. Running an experiment and getting a maybe is important and valid scientific information.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: