Phrases for hedging opinions

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Contributor: Teachit Author
Phrases for hedging opinions
Main Subject
Category
ELT: Various topics
Resource type
Complete lesson
Skills
Vocabulary learning
Skills
Writing

A resource to introduce current or future university students to the notion of hedging, to help them understand why it is important and to give them practice with some ways of achieving it such as modals, the passive voice and 'that' clauses.

An extract from the resource:

Task 3

Phrases like the underlined ones in bold, used to make an opinion less direct or less certain, are called hedging expressions.

The following are some more examples from different academic disciplines:

It may/might be that a cure is never found for cancer.

It seems that the evidence is inconclusive as to whether the provision of education on how malaria is spread can actually reduce the number of cases of malarial infection.

It is/seems plausible/probable/likely that Marshall Plan aid had a considerable positive effect on postwar Europe.

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

to improve my students´ writing skills. thanks

19/11/2014

I'll make use of the material and ideas to encourage my students to discuss and write essays. Thank you very much.

19/11/2014

For CPE practice

19/11/2014

I am going to use it to help my students to succeed in their state exams (writnig part of it). Thank you)))

02/11/2014

to improve my students´ writing skills. thanks

19/11/2014

I'll make use of the material and ideas to encourage my students to discuss and write essays. Thank you very much.

19/11/2014

For CPE practice

19/11/2014

I am going to use it to help my students to succeed in their state exams (writnig part of it). Thank you)))

02/11/2014

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