Hedging and Speculation

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Whether one believes in such things or not, the coincidences proved stubborn enough to keep the legend alive. Kerry appear to be the deserved favourites.

Grammar Reference · Hedging and Speculation

Modal hedging

Use might, may, could to soften claims: This could suggest the team underestimated the opposition.

Distancing passive

The result is believed to have surprised even Moran's own staff. — keeps writer at arm's length from claim.

Lexical hedgers

Arguably, no team in the competition pressed as high or as relentlessly as Mayo did. — signals personal judgement, not fact.

Common error

It is said that this will be a classic final. ✗ — use may be or could be when speculating.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Hedging and Speculation

1.Many commentators tipped Louth to win the semi-final.

2.The priest to have declared that Mayo would never win again.

3., Moran's press conference was as important as the result itself.

4.The coincidences stubborn enough to sustain the legend for decades.

5.Kerry the experience that comes from winning consecutive titles.

6.It be argued that the seventeen-point margin flattered Mayo slightly.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Moran said that the media would not back Mayo in the final.

2.The curse originated at a roadside funeral, people say.

3.The press conference changed the momentum of the whole campaign.

4.Kerry have better experience and more medals than Mayo.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

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