Hedging Modals — The STAR That Saves an Answer
Grammar: Taught explicitly
Free ESL grammar exercise on hedging modals themed around the star that saves an answer. Printable worksheet from classplan.ai.
What's on this worksheet
A Business English ESL grammar exercise on work, practising taught explicitly. The worksheet has a short reading excerpt, a grammar reference and graded practice items.
From the reading
The STAR version: 'In my last role, I would sometimes take on tasks I should have delegated. I have since learned to set clearer deadlines, and our turnaround times improved by roughly 20%.' The second answer uses 'would' to describe a past tendency gently.
Grammar
- Hedging with would
- I would sometimes take on too much. — softens a past habit, not an excuse
- Hedging with tend to
- I tend to double-check everything. — frames a pattern, not a flaw
Sample items
- I ______ sometimes forget to update my manager on progress.
- My presentation skills ______ use some polishing.
- I ______ to overthink small decisions.
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