Hedging

Question 1

Definition of hedging

Answer 1

It’s a speaking strategy that involves using certain words, phrases or structures to make a statement less absolute.

Question 2

Hedging with modal verbs

Answer 2

May
Might
Could
Should

Question 3

Hedging with adverbs of certainty

Answer 3

Possibly
Probably
Potential
Likely

Question 4

Hedging with qualifying adjectives

Answer 4

Possible
Potential
Probable

Question 5

Hedging with conditional statements

Answer 5

If
Unless
In the event that

Question 6

Hedging with hedging verbs

Answer 6

Appear
Seem
Suggest

Question 7

Hedging with passive voice

Answer 7

By using the passive voice, the focus is shifted away from the subject to make the statement less direct.

“Mistakes were made during the experiment”.

Question 8

Hedging with nominalizations

Answer 8

Turning verbs into muons can make a statement more abstract and less assertive.

“The implementation of the policy is under consideration”.

Question 9

Hedging with quantifiers

Answer 9

Some
Few
Many

Question 10

Hedging with comparatives

Answer 10

Better
Worse
More

Question 11

Hedging with hedge phrases

Answer 11

In some cases
It is possible that
It could be argued that