Chapter 3 - Useful Sentence Structures and Language for Academic Writing

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Chapter 3: Useful Sentence Structures and Language for Academic Writing

3b: Hedging Language

Hedging language is often used to soften the tone and avoid making sweeping statements, over-generalisations and unsupported claims. Using hedging language allows us to be cautious and more accurate when explaining results or making a point.

There are several ways to hedge:

		Examples	Sample Sentences
(i)	Using adjectives to indicate possibility and tendency	possible, probable, prone to, (un)likely	What are the *possible* reasons for young people to smoke? Teenagers are *prone to* smoke with companions.
(ii)	Using modal verbs to show uncertainty	can, could, may, might	A more radical measure the government *might* want to adopt is to introduce a licensing system for sales of tobacco and limit it to a few licensed retail locations. Schools *could* launch an anti-smoking campaign.
(iii)	Using adverbs to show frequency, approximation and probability	often, perhaps, possibly, apparently, presumably, approximately, nearly	Noticeable drops were observed in 2007 and 2011, *probably* due to the comprehensive smoke-free legislation in 2007 and the 50% increase in tobacco tax in 2009.
(iv)	Using “cautious” verbs and/or the passive voice to make statements less direct	assume, believe, suggest, seem, appear, say, consider, think, tend to	Smoking is considered a source of comfort for some people. *It is believed* that curiosity is also a reason for teenage smoking. Men *tend to* have a higher dependence on tobacco than women.

3a 3b 3c 3d

Activity 4

Rewrite the following sentences with the use of hedging language.

Peer influence is the most common reason for teenage smoking.
(Using a “cautious” verb)

The significant drop in the number of teenage smokers is due to the recent anti-smoking campaign.
(Using an adverb showing possibility)

Teens with emotional problems always have nicotine addiction.
(Using an adjective indicating possibility and tendency)

Nicotine is as addictive as other drugs, including cocaine and morphine.
(Using the passive voice)