Examples Are Not Arguable

""The best way to end a totally bullshit sentence that makes it seem like it could be true... arguably.""

- Urban Dictionary's definition for "arguably"

Sometimes a Troper just isn't sure of whether or not a work uses a certain Trope. They're positive that the work contains something worth mentioning, but just aren't sure whether or not it counts as an example of the trope. Or maybe they have an example from their favorite show that doesn't quite fit the trope, but is close to it and they want to add it as an example anyway. The result is usually something like this:


 * Arguably, "Work A" uses "Trope B" when...
 * "Character C" is a possible example of this because...
 * To some, "Work D" is an example of "Trope E"...
 * Your Mileage May Vary, but "Character F" could be considered an example...

When writing an example, don't precede it with words like "arguably", "possibly", or "to some". This is an example of Weasel Words, and although we are more tolerant of such than That Other Wiki, in this case it weakens the foundation of the example by making it subjective. It is true that there may be disagreement between two or more tropers over whether or not a work uses a certain trope. That's fine. You can argue about it all you want in the discussion page or in your edit reasons. If a valid argument can be made against the work using the trope, and it trumps the argument for it, the example should just be removed.

If you truly believe that your example fits the trope, then list it. If it's Not an Example, then don't. If you have an example but aren't sure what trope it's an example of, list it here. If the item in question is subjective, it belongs on the YMMV page. Just don't write an "arguable" example.

For other words and phrases that should be avoided when writing examples, see Word Cruft.