Softening statements: I think, perhaps, might, tend to
Hedging word/phrase + main statement
I don't think that's quite right.
Do you think perhaps we should wait?
💡 Hedging makes statements less direct and more polite. Common in academic, professional, and polite conversation.
✓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.