See also Words and phrases to consider and avoid when writing an academic text.
Benjamin L. Stewart
Boosting
Boosting is a rhetorical device that is 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, undoubtably, in fact, clearly, actually, obviously, know, prove, conclusively, definitely, evidently, etc.
Boosters can be used to 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.
Benjamin L. Stewart
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’s 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 an important 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.
Summary of boosting and hedging
Boosting and hedging are rhetorical strategies used in writing to manage the level of certainty and strength of the claims being made.
- Boosting:
- Definition: Boosting is used to express certainty and emphasize the strength of a statement or claim. It involves using language that is definitive and leaves little room for doubt or alternative interpretations.
- When to Use: Use boosting when you are confident about your information, data, or argument, and want to convey a strong, assertive stance. It is particularly useful in persuasive writing or when presenting findings in research where the evidence strongly supports your claims.
- How to Approach: To boost a statement, use strong verbs and definitive adjectives. Phrases like “clearly demonstrates,” “undoubtedly,” or “it is evident that” can be effective. Avoid qualifiers that weaken your claim.
- Example: “Research clearly shows that regular exercise significantly improves mental health.”
- Hedging:
- Definition: Hedging is the use of cautious or qualifying language to make statements less assertive. It introduces ambiguity or possibility, indicating that the writer is open to other perspectives or that the claim is based on partial evidence.
- When to Use: Hedging is useful when discussing theories, interpreting results with limited data, or when wanting to soften a statement to sound more diplomatic or less dogmatic. It’s common in academic writing where acknowledging the complexity and uncertainty of a topic is important.
- How to Approach: To hedge a statement, use qualifiers like “possibly,” “perhaps,” “it seems,” or “it is possible that.” Modal verbs like “could,” “might,” or “may” also indicate uncertainty or openness to other possibilities.
- Example: “It may be suggested that regular exercise could have a positive impact on mental health.”
Suggestions for Using Boosting and Hedging: – Assess Your Evidence: Use boosting when your evidence is strong and hedging when your evidence is less conclusive or when acknowledging alternative viewpoints. – Consider Your Audience: In persuasive writing aimed at a general audience, boosting can be more effective. In academic or scientific contexts where nuance is valued, hedging is often preferred. – Balance Your Approach: Overuse of either strategy can be problematic. Too much boosting can come off as dogmatic, while excessive hedging can make your writing seem unsure or weak. – Context is Key: The choice between boosting and hedging should align with the overall tone and purpose of your text. Be consistent with the rhetorical stance you choose to adopt.
Links
Why We Use Hedging Language, and Its Impact On Our Writing – Typely Official – Typely Forum