When we write at work, we usually have to be factual, clear and direct. At other times, though, we need to express ourselves more cautiously and diplomatically.
This will depend on the situation. Is it a statistic or fact that you are stating? If so, state it clearly and directly. Or is it something that requires tact, diplomacy or politeness?
The following are a few hedging words and phrases that can be used to achieve this.
- Introductory verbs – seem, tend, look like, appear to be, think, believe, doubt, be sure, indicate, suggest
- Verbs of belief or opinion – believe, assume, suggest
- Modal adverbs – possibly, perhaps, conceivably
- Modals – may, might, could
- Impersonal clauses with that – It could be the case that…, It might be suggested that…, There is every hope that…
Test yourself. Turn these direct statements into a hedged version.
- The project is behind schedule.
- Funding has been misallocated.
- The data are inaccurate.
- Staff morale is declining.
- The programme will fail without intervention.
- The situation is worsening.
- The timeline is unrealistic.
Answer key
- The project appears to be behind schedule, and current reporting suggests that additional delays may occur.
- Funding seems to have been possibly misallocated in certain areas.
- It could be the case that some of the data are not entirely accurate.
- Initial feedback indicates that staff morale might be declining.
- The programme could face significant challenges without further intervention.
- It looks like the situation may be worsening in some areas.
- We would doubt that the timeline is fully realistic under current conditions.
UN-style pattern
- State the issue plainly and directly (often internally)
- Then reframe with hedging techniques (for possibly sensitive external communications)
- Often shift from judgement to possibility
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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Carol’s memoir of her times at the United Nations, Behind the Flags, is available on Amazon and lulu.com
ISBN 9783952632703 Behind the Flags Amazon
9783952632710 Behind the Flags Black and White Version Amazon (Australia and Japan)
9783952632727 Behind the Flags lulu.com
It is also available for sale at Payot and in the UN bookshop at the Pregny entry in Geneva.