Qualifiers: Primarily, Typically, Approximately, Rarely

Notice qualifier words that limit how strong or broad a statement is.

Careful writers rarely say 'always' or 'never'. They use qualifiers, words that limit or soften a claim. 'Primarily' and 'mainly' mean for the most part. 'Typically', 'generally', and 'usually' mean in most cases. 'Approximately' and 'roughly' mean close to, not exact. 'Rarely' and 'seldom' mean not often. 'Partially' means in part. Qualifiers matter for two reasons. First, they change what is true: 'Owls hunt at night' and 'Owls typically hunt at night' are different claims, because some owls hunt during the day.

Second, test questions often hinge on them. If a passage says snakes 'rarely' attack people, an answer choice saying snakes 'never' attack is wrong, even though it sounds close. When reading, underline qualifiers in key sentences. When answering, choose the option whose strength matches the text exactly, not one that exaggerates or weakens it.

• 1Qualifiers limit how strong or broad a claim is.
• 2Typically, primarily, approximately, and rarely all soften a claim.
• 3Match answer choices to the text's exact strength.