Hedging
tend to, appear to, it would seem, arguably, to some extent: the art of not claiming too much.
In academic and professional English, very categorical statements are avoided. Claims are softened (hedged) with verbs, adverbs and impersonal structures.
| Device | Examples |
|---|---|
| verbs | seem to, appear to, tend to, suggest, indicate |
| modals | may, might, could, would |
| adverbs | arguably, apparently, possibly, probably, largely, relatively |
| impersonal structures | It would seem that…, It could be argued that…, There is some evidence that… |
| limiters | to some extent, in most cases, in general, broadly speaking |
- This would seem to suggest that prices will rise.double hedge: would seem + suggest
- It could be argued that the policy has failed.impersonal, the writer doesn't commit
- Young people tend to use social media more.a tendency, not a rule
Test yourself
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Hedge: Men earn more than women.
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Men tend to earn more than women. -
Hedge: The results prove that the method works.
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The results would seem to suggest / indicate that the method works. -
What does «arguably the best» mean?
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there are good reasons to call it the best -
Add a limiter: He's right.
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To some extent, he's right.