HEDGING

A range of expressions to distance ourselves from facts and

opinions
HEDGING WITH VERBS
 We can use appear and seem (that) to create a distance between
ourselves and what we say.
 Seem – “It seems that the president may soon resign.”
 Appear – “It appears that the news reports are true.”

 “The weather appears to be changing.”

 “The outcome seems to be inevitable.”
HEDGING WITH VERBS
 To add further distance, we can use the modal would.
 “It would appear that you have already made up your
minds.”
 “They would appear to be hostile.”
 “It would seem that you are avoiding me.”
HEDGING WITH THE PASSIVE VOICE

 We can use passive forms of the verb to show that an

opinion is not necessarily our own.
 It is widely recognized that the future of advertising is on
the Net.
 It is believed that there are no survivors.
 It is not known whether he will accept the offer.
HEDGING WITH NOUN PHRASES
 Hedge around a subject.
 “There is little doubt that she took her own life.”
 “There is some doubt that the country can control its
inflation.”
 “There is no doubt that he knows what he´s doing.”
GAME