{"id":283,"date":"2021-02-18T16:49:47","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T08:49:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dses.eduhk.hk\/?page_id=283"},"modified":"2022-09-16T15:07:54","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T07:07:54","slug":"egap-vocab-hedges-and-boosters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dses.eduhk.hk\/?page_id=283","title":{"rendered":"EGAP-Vocab-Hedges and Boosters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\tHedges and Boosters\n\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\"brett-jordan-Choose\n\t

In our writing, we often indicate how confident we are about the claims we make. If we are doubtful that something is true, we may use words like perhaps <\/em>or possibly<\/em>. If we’re confident, we may say that something is clearly <\/em>or obviously <\/em>true. These words are called hedges and boosters. They affect the tone of our writing, and good writers use them effectively.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tHedging\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

To hedge means to waffle on an issue, to avoid committing oneself. Originally, the term referred to literally hiding in a bush or hedge. These days, hedging simply means expressing some feeling of doubt or hesitancy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here is a list of words that are considered hedges:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Examples: Perhaps, maybe, admittedly, might, possibly, likely, probably, predominantly, presumably, so to speak, seems, appears, may, think, to some extent, suggests, sometimes, often, around, roughly, fairly, usually, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Observe the difference in tone when we use hedging:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • No hedging: We vandalized school property.<\/li>\n
    • With hedging: It’s possible that we may have vandalized school property.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      In this example, hedging is merely a strategy for evasion<\/strong>. Indeed, if you’re not careful, hedging can hurt your writing. It’s easy to come across as timid and lacking in confidence. Hedging can also clutter up your sentences.<\/p>\n

      Yet, hedging has its benefits. Hedges suggest that the writer is careful<\/strong>, nuanced, and keen to avoid generalizations. A text that contains hedging is an open text, a text that invites debate and further research.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\tBoosting\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

      If hedges express doubt, boosters demonstrate confidence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Here are some examples of common boosting words:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Examples: certainly, indeed, always, undoubtedly, in fact, clearly, actually, obviously, know, prove, conclusively, definitely, evidently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        The danger with boosters is that they can make you seem cocky and pompous. However, if you use them sparingly they can convey the right amount of self-assurance. The selective use of boosters will convince your reader that you know your stuff and are an expert in your field.<\/p>\n

        \n\t\tShort Quiz\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\n
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        \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>
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        1 \/ 4<\/p>\n

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        Which of the following word can be used as hedges?<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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