Hedging & Diplomatic Language

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Pepperberg would often say Alex's performance seemed to suggest something, never that it proved it. Her hedged, careful language signalled that she had already considered the objections.

Grammar Reference · Hedging & Diplomatic Language

Modal hedge

Use may, might, could to soften a claim: This could indicate genuine understanding. Keeps the claim open to challenge.

Lexical hedge

Phrases like to some extent, arguably, somewhat admit partial truth: Arguably, the results were inconclusive.

Distancing

Pass responsibility to others: It has been suggested that... Removes the speaker as the sole source of the claim.

Approximators

Use roughly, around, approximately to avoid false precision: Alex learned roughly 100 words.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Hedging & Diplomatic Language

1.The data (modal) suggest a link between diet and mood.

2.It (passive distancing) that the method was flawed.

3.The survey included (approximator) two thousand respondents.

4. (lexical hedge), the plan has merit, though risks remain.

5.Many economists (hedge verb) that the policy will backfire.

6.The results (modal possibility) reflect a seasonal pattern rather than a real trend.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.This proves the theory is correct.

2.The experiment failed because of poor design.

3.Parrots understand grammar.

4.The study included 500 people.

5.Her results are wrong.

6.He is the best candidate.

7.This method always works.

8.The company will fail next year.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

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