diff --git a/BRANCHES.md b/BRANCHES.md
index 0ce47e89f9..844ec51455 100644
--- a/BRANCHES.md
+++ b/BRANCHES.md
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ compatibility on major version changes (e.g. from 3.x to 4.0). We also maintain
 ABI compatibility within LTS branches; see the next section for details.
 
 New LTS branches are usually created around the time of a new major version.
-After a new LTS branch is created, it remains supported for at least 3 years.
+When a new LTS branch is created, it usually remains supported for three years.
 
 ## Backwards Compatibility for application code