Hedging and stance

Adjust certainty and politeness with tentative verbs, modal expressions and stance adverbs.

When do we use it?

Distinguish strong claims from appropriately cautious academic or professional statements.

Form

Use forms such as appears to, may, tends to, arguably and it is possible that.

• The results appear to support the claim.
• This may indicate a broader trend.
• Arguably, the policy was premature.

Key contrast

At C1, grammar choices shape emphasis, stance, information flow and register as well as basic correctness.

Common mistakes

• The results prove perhaps. → The results may suggest.
• It is maybe that prices rise. → It is possible that prices will rise.

Remember

Adjust certainty and politeness with tentative verbs, modal expressions and stance adverbs.

Quick check

• Identify the focus, stance or relationship between clauses.
• Check inversion, complementation and reference carefully.
• Prefer the option that is both grammatical and appropriate for the register.