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, probably, 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 3

Compare the two texts below. Choose the one with a softer tone.

Text 1
There are different reasons for teenagers to take up smoking. Some teenagers see smoking as a way of rebelling and showing independence. The developmental changes in adolescents fuel their urge to imitate adult behaviour, one of which is to make their own decisions. Coupled with the urge to rebel against authority, adolescents will start smoking. Boredom also causes teenagers to smoke. Although teenagers know the harm caused by smoking, they continue to smoke simply because they have become addicted to nicotine.

Text 2
Surveys conducted by some non-government organisations suggest that there are different possible reasons for teenagers to take up smoking. Some teenagers may see smoking as a way of rebelling and showing independence. The developmental changes in adolescents are very likely to fuel their urge to imitate adult behaviour, one of which is to make their own decisions. Coupled with the urge to rebel against authority, adolescents are prone to smoke. Boredom is likely to be another reason for youth smoking. It is believed that although most of the teenagers interviewed know the harm caused by smoking, they may continue to smoke because of possible nicotine addiction.