We all like a little wiggle room, and no one understands this better than weather reporters during hurricane season. Because forecasts are unpredictable, reporters must strike a balance between accuracy and caution: “There appears to be another tropical disturbance forming … ” carefully avoids specifics. The phrase “appears to be” is a textbook example of “hedging,” or using language to express uncertainty.
The verb “hedge,” a synonym for “evade,” comes from the notion of hiding in a hedge to dodge something. And there are many ways to hedge linguistically. For example, modal verbs such as “may,” “could,” “can,” and “might” help us when we can’t commit fully. “The rain might be letting up” leaves room for a sudden downpour. Similarly, reporting verbs (such as “suggest,” “argue,” and “claim”) help present interpretations or tentative conclusions: “Data suggests we’re in for an active hurricane season.”
But hedging isn’t just for reporters or researchers — we do it all the time in conversation, too. You might say, “It seems that you spilled some coffee,” to be polite to a stranger. To a friend, you’d probably cut to the chase and tell them where to find the paper towels.
That’s the key: Hedging isn’t always appropriate or helpful. If something is a fact, state it plainly. We wouldn’t say, “It appears that the Earth orbits the sun.” Overusing hedging can make you sound suspicious, untrustworthy, or hesitant. For instance, “Research suggests vitamin C comes from citrus fruits” is an overuse of hedging. Replace “suggests” with “shows” to convey confidence.
A guiding principle of many style guides, including AP style, is brevity, so hedging should be used only when necessary. But knowing when it’s necessary can be tricky. The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University offers this advice: Ask yourself, “How has it been used in the research you’ve read?” and “Can you make this claim as strongly as you are doing here?” If your claims match the research and the experts, state them confidently. If there’s genuine uncertainty, soften it with some hedging.
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