Overview
Combine hedging language and precise vocabulary to write nuanced, authoritative academic prose.
Hedging Devices
- ModalThe results may indicate… / This could suggest…
- Hedging verbThe data appear to support… / It seems that…
- AdverbArguably, seemingly, relatively, broadly
- AttributionAccording to Smith (2021) / As argued by…
Precision Strategies
- Specific quantifiers: a significant proportion of / the majority of / in 73% of cases
- Scoping: in the context of / with respect to / in relation to
- Cautious generalisation: tend to / in general / under most conditions
- Contrastive precision: not X per se, but rather Y
Common C2 Mistakes
- ❌ Over-hedging: It might possibly perhaps tend to suggest… — credibility lost
- ❌ Under-hedging: This proves that X causes Y. → ✅ strongly suggests a causal link
- ❌ Imprecise quantifiers: a lot of research → ✅ a substantial body of evidence
- ❌ Hedging a certainty: Water arguably boils at 100°C — reserve hedging for debatable claims
When to use
Research papers
The findings appear to suggest a correlation, though causality cannot be established.
Policy analysis
Broadly speaking, the evidence supports the proposed intervention.
Legal reports
It would seem that the claimant was not fully informed of the relevant terms.
Academic essays
Arguably, the most significant implication is the need for systemic reform.