Cautious language
seem, appear, tend, arguably, academic hedging.
The rules
- Hedged claim: "appears/seems to suggest", cautious, academic.
- "Arguably" = one could argue, a strong claim softened.
- "May contribute to some…" hedges scope and certainty.
- "Some evidence" claims support without overreaching.
- "What appears to be…", reporting without full certainty.
- Hedging matches the strength of the claim to the strength of the evidence.
Examples
- The data appears to suggest a link between sleep and memory.
- This is arguably the most important finding of the study.
- Smoking may contribute to some cancers.
- There is some evidence that the program works.
- The delay was due to what appears to be a software fault.
- To make claims precise and defensible against counter-evidence.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The data _____ to suggest a link between sleep and memory.
2.This is _____ the most important finding of the study.
3.Which is the most cautious claim?
4.There is _____ evidence that the program works.
5.The delay was due to what _____ to be a software fault.