Boosting and the nuances of hedging
A guide to understanding emphasis and uncertainty in academic writing
Boosting
When writing an academic (formal) text, avoid intensifiers - see Understanding Intensifiers.
Boosting is a rhetorical device used to express confidence in a claim or statement. It is often (over)used in academic writing but can be used in any type of writing. Boosters are words or phrases that add emphasis or intensity to a statement. Some common boosters that should be avoided when writing an academic text include certainly, indeed, always, undoubtedly, in fact, clearly, actually, obviously, know, prove, conclusively, definitely, evidently, etc.
Boosters can add weight to an argument, to make a statement more persuasive, or to simply express confidence in a claim. However, use boosters sparingly (if at all), as they can make your writing sound arrogant or boastful.
Here are some examples of how boosters can be used in writing (which typically should be avoided when writing an academic text):
“The evidence clearly (or obviously, etc.) shows that climate change is real.”
“I know for a fact that this is the best way to do it.”
“This is undoubtedly the most important decision you will ever make.” When writing an academic text try to avoid boosting altogether unless the claim where the boosting occurs comes from a study (i.e., requiring a citation). In creative writing (poetry, short stories, novels, etc.) boosting is common and perfectly acceptable.
Avoid very: “ For English language teachers, it is very important to implement the correct strategies in the classroom in order to ensure the learning of each student.”
Absolutes or exaggerations: never, always, everyone, no one, it is true…, it is a fact…, it is a perfect way…, without a doubt…, etc.
Subjective phrasing: It is important, it is vital, it is essential, it is crucial, etc. - Demonstratives: this, that, these those*
Here are some tips for avoiding overuse of boosters in your writing: - Read your work aloud to yourself. This will help you to identify any areas where you are using too many boosters. - Ask a friend or colleague to read your work and give you feedback. - Get feedback from a writing tutor or instructor.
By following these tips, you can avoid overuse of boosters and improve the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.
💡 The error code “BH” (See Writing Errors Code List.) refers to either boosting or hedging too much. When writing an academic text, the writer must balance between these two extremes: boosting which results in overgeneralizing claims and hedging which can make the writer sound less assertive.
Hedging
Hedging is a linguistic technique used in writing and speech to express caution or uncertainty, to soften statements, and to demonstrate politeness or diplomacy. It is particularly common in academic and professional contexts, where acknowledging the complexity of a topic or the limits of one’s findings is important. Here is a detailed look at hedging and how to use it effectively:
When to Use Hedging
Presenting New Ideas or Theories: When suggesting ideas that are not yet widely accepted or are innovative.
Discussing Complex or Controversial Topics: Where there are multiple viewpoints, or the evidence is not conclusive.
Interpreting Results: Particularly in research, where findings may not be definitive.
Writing in Scientific or Academic Contexts: To show that you are considering all possibilities and not overgeneralizing.
Demonstrating Politeness or Diplomacy: In professional communication, to avoid coming across as too direct or assertive.
How to Use Hedging
Use of Modal Verbs: Words like “might,” “could,” “may,” and “would” suggest possibility rather than certainty.
Employing Tentative Language: Phrases like “it seems that,” “it is possible that,” or “there appears to be” indicate uncertainty.
Incorporating Softening Adverbs: Words like “probably,” “perhaps,” “generally,” and “mostly” can soften a claim.
Qualifying Statements: Phrases like “to some extent,” “in some cases,” or “to a certain degree” indicate that a statement is not absolute.
Using Passive Voice: Can sometimes be used to depersonalize statements and reduce the emphasis on the actor.
Examples of Hedging
Modal Verbs:
Without Hedging: “This treatment eliminates the symptoms.”
With Hedging: “This treatment may reduce the symptoms.”
Tentative Language:
Without Hedging: “All experts agree that climate change is accelerating.”
With Hedging: “Most experts seem to agree that climate change is likely accelerating.”
Softening Adverbs:
Without Hedging: “Regular exercise significantly improves mental health.”
With Hedging: “Regular exercise probably improves mental health.”
Qualifying Statements:
Without Hedging: “Technology improves communication.”
With Hedging: “Technology can improve communication to some extent.”
Using Passive Voice:
Without Hedging: “Our study proves the theory.”
With Hedging: “The theory is supported by the findings of our study.”
Conclusion
Hedging is a useful tool for writers who wish to convey their ideas accurately while acknowledging the complexity of their subject or the limitations of their knowledge. By using hedging appropriately, writers can make their writing more nuanced, credible, and respectful of different perspectives. It’s important, however, not to overuse hedging, as it can make statements overly vague or imply a lack of confidence in your own work. Balance is key.