We use hedges to soften what we say or write. Hedges are an important part of polite conversation. They make what we say less direct. The most common forms of hedging involve tense and aspect, modal expressions including modal verbs and adverbs, vague language such assort ofandkind of, and some verbs.
Tense and aspect
Iwonderedif I could have a word with you?(less direct and more polite thanCould I have a word with you?)
Modal expressions
The answercouldbe that the trees have some sort of disease.(less direct thanThe answeristhat…)
Maybewe should have a word with him about it?(less direct thanWe shouldorwe must have a word with him about it.)
This ispossiblythe best performance in the Olympics.
Vague language
It’ssort ofdifficult to say.(less direct thanIt’s difficult to say)
Could youjustpost this letter for me?
Verbs (feel)
Some verbs (such asfeel,suppose,reckon) can be used to hedge personal statements, that is, to make personal statements less direct:
Wefeelhe should let them decide whether to buy the flat.(less direct thanHe should let them decide…)
Ireckonthat’s the best answer to the problem.(less direct thanThat’s the best answer to the problem.)
Hedges in academic writing
We use certain types of hedging in writing, especially in academic writing, so that statements don’t seem to rely simply on personal opinion.
We often use structures withitin the passive such asit is argued thatandit has been agreed that:
It has been generally agreed thatthese new video phone technologies will transform everyday life.(a more cautious and less personal statement thanI agree that…)
See also:
Vague expressions
Modality: introduction
Politeness