Strong claims sound impressive in conversation but lose marks in academic writing. “The internet has destroyed attention spans.” is too absolute. Examiners want cautious, qualified claims. Hedging language — tend to, may, in some cases, it could be argued — is how Band 7+ writers signal that they understand the limits of their argument.
Three layers of hedging
Layer 1 — Modal verbs
- may / might / could
- Possibility — for claims you're not certain about.
- tend to / are likely to
- Generalised pattern, not absolute rule.
- can
- Capability or possibility — softer than 'will'.
Layer 2 — Hedging phrases
- It could be argued that...
- Slightly distances you from the claim — useful in introductions.
- Some / many people argue that...
- Attributes the view to others, not yourself directly.
- There is some evidence that...
- Limits the scope of the claim — better than 'evidence shows that'.
- In some cases / for some students
- Carves out exceptions — defends against the ‘but what about X?’ reader.
Layer 3 — Qualifying adverbs
- often / frequently / generally
- Pattern not absolute.
- to some extent / largely / partly
- Degree qualifier. Useful when something is true but not entirely so.
- potentially / arguably
- Lighter touch than 'definitely' or 'clearly'.
Over-claim — Band 6
Social media destroys students’ concentration. Working from home causes loneliness. People will always prefer cars to public transport.
Hedged — Band 7+
Social media use can erode students’ concentration, particularly when notifications are unmanaged. Working from home may contribute to loneliness for some workers, though the effect varies. People tend to prefer cars over public transport in cities where services are infrequent.
Hedge or over-claim?
- 1
Which sentence reads as Band 7+ academic writing?
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.
- 2
Pick the most hedged version of: “Smoking causes cancer.”
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.