Neutral

                                             Tentative

                                              Strong

                                   Usually to present the facts

                             More speculative, not absolutely certain

                       Making a strong argument, either positive or negative

Positive

  Negative

discuss
examine
analyse
define
describe
echo
find
note
outline
present
reflect
report
state
unpack
observe
comment
explain
allege
study
point out
consider
mention

question
maintain
claim
reason
postulate
inquire
suggest
propose
imply
intimate
put forward
identify
speculate
theorise
suppose
recommend
take into consideration
hypothesise
assume
develop

add
agree
affirm
contend
concur
endorse
maintain
point out
prove
reason
reveal
show
stress
support
prove
clarify
contribute
determine
claim
stress
believe
emphasise
highlight

disagree
argue
cast doubt
challenge
disapprove
disprove
rebuff
refute
reject
counter