GV

Hedging Language

Softening statements: I think, perhaps, might, tend to

intermediate

When to Use Hedging Language

  • •Expressing uncertainty: I think this might be the answer.
  • •Being polite: Perhaps we could try a different approach?
  • •Academic writing: The results seem to suggest...
  • •Avoiding absolutes: It tends to rain a lot in autumn.
  • •Diplomatic communication: I would argue that...

How to Form Hedging Language

Affirmative (+)

Hedging word/phrase + main statement

Negative (-)

I don't think that's quite right.

Question (?)

Do you think perhaps we should wait?

💡 Hedging makes statements less direct and more polite. Common in academic, professional, and polite conversation.

Examples of Hedging Language

✓I think there might be a problem with the data.

✗There is a problem with the data.

Hedged version is less confrontational and allows for discussion.

✓The evidence seems to suggest a correlation.

✗The evidence proves a correlation.

'Seems to suggest' is more cautious than 'proves'.

✓Perhaps we could consider another option?

✗We should consider another option.

'Perhaps' and question form soften the suggestion.

Common Mistakes with Hedging Language

💡 Practice Tips for Hedging Language

  • • Modal verbs: might, may, could, would
  • • Adverbs: perhaps, possibly, probably, apparently
  • • Phrases: I think, It seems, tend to, to some extent
  • • Verbs: suggest, appear, seem, indicate
  • • Use hedging to be polite, not to be vague about important facts
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.Hedge politely: 'There is a problem with the data.' → 'I think there   be a problem with the data.'
  2. 2.Choose the academic hedge: The evidence   a correlation.
  3. Question 3: Soften: 'We should consider another option.' → 'blank we could consider another option?' (one word, polite suggestion)
    3.Soften: 'We should consider another option.' → ' we could consider another option?' (one word, polite suggestion)
  4. Question 4: Fix the contradiction: This is probably definitely the answer. → This is blank the answer. (one hedging word)
    4.Fix the contradiction: This is probably definitely the answer. → This is the answer. (one hedging word)
  5. Question 5: Fix the contradiction: I sort of completely disagree. → I blank ___ disagree. (mild hedge, two words)
    5.Fix the contradiction: I sort of completely disagree. → I ___ disagree. (mild hedge, two words)
  6. Question 6: Pick the hedging adverb: It blank rain later — bring an umbrella just in case.
    6.Pick the hedging adverb: It rain later — bring an umbrella just in case.
  7. Question 7: Soften disagreement: 'You are wrong.' → 'I'm not blank ___ I agree with that.' (two words)
    7.Soften disagreement: 'You are wrong.' → 'I'm not ___ I agree with that.' (two words)
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