Using language with a suitable amount of caution can protect your claims from being easily dismissed. It can also help to point the known degree of certainty we now have in relation to the data or support.
Compare the next two texts that are short (A) and (B). You will notice that even though the two texts are, in essence, saying the thing that is same (B) has an important quantity of extra language around the claim. A large level of this language is performing the purpose of ‘hedging’.
Compare the next two short texts, (A) and (B). How many differences do you see into the text that is second? What’s the function/effect/purpose of every difference?
You shall probably observe that (B) is more ‘academic’, but it is important to comprehend why.
(A) Extensive reading helps students to enhance their vocabulary.
(B) Research conducted by Yen (2005) generally seems to indicate that, for a substantial proportion of students, extensive reading may play a role in an improvement in their active vocabulary. Yen’s (2005) study involved learners aged 15-16 within the UK, although it can be applicable to many other groups. However, the study involved an opt-in sample, which means the sample students may have been more ‘keen’, or more involved in reading already. It might essay writer be helpful to see perhaps the findings differ in a wider sample.
(please be aware that Yen (2005) is a fictional reference used only as one example).
The table below provides some examples of language to make use of when making knowledge claims.
Try to look for samples of hedging language in your own reading, to add to the table.
Phrases for Hedging
Language Function with Example Phrases
1) Quantifiers
some
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August 21st, 2019 
