Loaded terms are words that make the reader question the credibility of the source. Objective news stories will use terms that may seem boring or colorless, but avoid showing the source in a biased light.
For instance, using the term “claimed” - considered a loaded word - instead of “said” - a neutral word - throws doubt on the source’s statement.
| Loaded terms | Neutral words |
| Alleged | Said |
| Asserted | Stated |
| Avowed | Told |
| Claimed | Related |
| Declared | Announced |
Did you know that the library's Films on Demand database has two videos on how to recognize fake news? Access them by clicking the image below!
