Read the following statements:
  * Man will be able to cure cancer by 2025.
  * Computers will replace classroom teachers in the 21st century.
  * It is undeniable that parenting affects children’s performance at school.
  * Use of nuclear power is definitely wrong.
  * Life will end as a result of global warming.

All of these statements are ‘unhedged’ sentences, meaning that they are too certain. Words such
as will, undeniable, is, and definitely make the writing too absolute. Readers may easily challenge
these statements because there may be many alternative points of view. In academic writing, writers
need to discuss points which are not usually so definite, and which are often debatable. Therefore,
careful, uncertain language needs to be used, such as in the following ‘hedged’ sentences.
  * Man may be able to cure cancer by 2025.
  * It appears that computers may replace classroom teachers in the 21st century.
  * It seems that parenting may affect children’s performance at school.
  * Use of nuclear power may be wrong in some /situations.
  * There is growing evidence that life may end as a result of global warming.

These sentences are more cautious, more academic and less likely to be challenged by readers with
different opinions. It is important, when you are not 100% certain of a point you are making, to
use hedging in your academic writing as well.







Some of the language used for hedging includes:

Modal verbs

may / may not
might / might not
can

could

                 Verbs

                 seem(s) to
                 appear(s) to
                 tend(s) to
                 indicate(s)
                 suggest(s)
                 contribute(s)

Adjectives

possible
some
many

most

                 Adverbs

                 possible
                 likely
                 perhaps
                 often

                 usually

Identify the hedging expression in the following sentences: