Hedging & Discourse Markers

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

A Stanford Institute analysis found that unemployment among the most AI-exposed workers rose by just 0.77 percentage points — actually less than the rise among the least-exposed workers. Despite bold predictions, the data looks stable.

Grammar Reference · Hedging & Discourse Markers

Hedging with modals

Use could, may, might to signal uncertainty. AI could shift more roles to freelance work over the coming decade.

Concession markers

Use despite, notwithstanding, in spite of + noun phrase. Despite bold predictions, unemployment has remained largely stable.

Attributing sources

Use according to to frame a claim with a source. According to Stanford researchers, employment in AI-exposed roles is largely stable.

Common error

Despite unemployment was stable... ✗ → Despite stable unemployment... ✓ — 'despite' takes a noun phrase, not a clause.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Hedging & Discourse Markers

1. the alarming forecasts from tech CEOs, unemployment in AI-exposed sectors has remained stable.

2. ZipRecruiter, 74% of employers now consider AI skills a strong advantage for any candidate.

3.AI accelerate the shift to freelance and contract work over the next decade.

4. stable headline unemployment figures, AI is already changing what most jobs involve day to day.

5. the Stanford report, employment trends in AI-exposed occupations are largely stable for now.

6.The long-term impact of AI on hiring be far greater than current data suggests.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.AI will replace most entry-level jobs. (soften with a modal)

2.The report shows that unemployment is stable. (add 'according to')

3.Even though hiring requirements have risen, job numbers are stable. (use 'despite')

4.AI is creating some jobs and eliminating others. (add 'notwithstanding the disruption')

5.Economists are confident AI will transform labour markets. (soften with 'suggest')

6.The data shows no mass displacement yet. (start with 'In light of')

7.ZipRecruiter found that half of employers want AI users on day one. (use 'according to')

8.AI will definitely change the nature of work. (hedge appropriately)

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Hedging & Discourse Markers01classplan.ai