Hedging and cautious language

Softening claims with modal verbs, tentative verbs, adverbs and impersonal structures in academic and professional English

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1. 1
   Multiple choice

   Which sentence is the most appropriately hedged for an academic paper?

   These results would seem to indicate a correlation between sleep and memory.These results prove that sleep improves memory.Everyone knows that sleep improves memory.Would seem to indicate presents the conclusion cautiously, as academic writing expects.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   Choose the most tentative way to disagree with a colleague.

   I'm not entirely convinced that this is the best approach.This is the wrong approach.You're mistaken about this.Not entirely convinced softens disagreement while keeping it clear.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   It be argued that the policy has had the opposite effect to the one intended.

   couldmustwillshouldIt could be argued that... is a standard impersonal hedge: it introduces a view without fully committing to it.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   Which adverb hedges the claim most strongly?

   The scheme was arguably a success.The scheme was undoubtedly a success.The scheme was clearly a success.Arguably means 'there are reasons to believe' — it admits that others may disagree. Undoubtedly and clearly are boosters.
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   There to be a link between screen time and poor sleep, although further research is needed.

   appearsismustprovesAlso accepted: seemsThere appears / seems to be... reports evidence without claiming certainty.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   The figures suggest that demand is slowing, but it is too early to be sure.

   maymustwilldoAlso accepted: might, couldMay (might, could) softens a claim to a possibility.
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   To the best of our , this is the first study of its kind.

   knowledgeknowingknownacknowledgementTo the best of our knowledge... admits that we may have missed something.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   The new drug to reduce symptoms in the majority of patients tested.

   tendedprovedalwayswasAlso accepted: tends, appeared, seemedTend to describes a general pattern rather than an absolute rule.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   It is widely that the reforms will reduce inequality, though some economists remain sceptical.

   Answer: believedAlso accepted: thought, assumed, expectedIt is widely believed that... reports a common view without the writer adopting it.
10. 10
    True / false

    In academic writing, 'This proves beyond doubt that...' is usually safer than 'This suggests that...'.

    Answer: FalseAcademic writing prefers cautious claims: overclaiming can be easily challenged.
11. 11
    True / false

    'To some extent' and 'in most cases' are both ways of limiting the scope of a claim.

    Answer: TrueBoth phrases make it clear that the claim is not universal.
12. 12
    Discussion question

    Rewrite this claim in cautious academic style: 'Social media makes teenagers depressed.'

    Sample answer: There would appear to be an association between heavy social media use and depressive symptoms in some teenagers, although it remains unclear whether one causes the other.