Level 1: Foundations of Complex Writing
Level 2: Expanding Sentence Range
Level 3: Cohesion and Flow
Level 4: Advanced Structures
Level 5: Mastery and Exam Practice
Hedging, Modals, and Cautious Claims
Use modal verbs, adverbs, and hedging phrases to express caution, speculation, and probability — essential for IELTS Task 2 discussion essays and PTE academic writing.
3 lessons · 17 exercises
Lessons
3Modal Verbs for Speculation and Probability
5 exercises · 25 min
Key structures
Subject + may/might/could + verb (low-medium certainty)
Subject + must + verb (high certainty, based on evidence)
Subject + is/are likely/unlikely + to + verb
In academic writing, the difference between a Band 5.5 and a Band 7 often comes down to how you handle certainty. Consider these two sentences: 'Social media causes depression in teenagers' versus 'Social media may contribute to depression in teenagers.' The first is a categorical claim — it states something as absolute fact. The second hedges the claim, acknowledging that the relationship is not proven beyond doubt. In academic writing, hedged claims are almost always stronger because they reflect how knowledge actually works: through evidence, probability, and careful reasoning rather than absolutes.
Modal verbs are your primary tool for expressing degrees of certainty.
High certainty (based on strong evidence): Use 'must + verb' when evidence strongly supports a conclusion. Example: 'Given the sharp rise in global temperatures, climate change must be affecting agricultural yields.' Note that 'must' for deduction is different from 'must' for obligation — in academic writing, you use it when the evidence points clearly in one direction.
Medium certainty: Use 'may' or 'might + verb' to express possibility without commitment. Example: 'Increased screen time may negatively affect children's sleep patterns.' The word 'may' signals that there is evidence but not definitive proof. 'Might' suggests slightly lower probability than 'may' and is marginally less formal.
Low certainty or open possibility: Use 'could + verb' to indicate that something is possible but you are not estimating its likelihood. Example: 'Improved infrastructure could attract foreign investment to rural areas.'
A particularly useful pattern is 'Subject + is/are likely/unlikely + to + verb': 'Renewable energy is likely to become more affordable over time.' This construction is common in both IELTS Task 1 (for interpreting graphs) and Task 2 (for making predictions).
For IELTS Task 1 (Academic), modals help you interpret graphs cautiously: write 'The number of tourists is likely to increase further' rather than 'The number will increase.' For IELTS Task 2, hedged claims demonstrate critical thinking. For PTE Write Essay, appropriate hedging contributes to the grammar score by showing range. The key rule: avoid presenting opinions as facts. Modal verbs make your writing more precise and more credible.
The data from the longitudinal study suggests that early exposure to bilingual education may enhance cognitive flexibility in children. Although the sample size was relatively small, the results indicate that bilingual students could outperform their monolingual peers in tasks requiring mental adaptability.
This paragraph uses 'may enhance' to present a tentative finding and 'could outperform' to express a possibility supported by data. The writer avoids claiming 'does enhance' or 'will outperform' because the evidence comes from a study with a small sample size. The hedging matches the strength of the evidence, which is precisely what IELTS examiners reward in Band 7+ writing.
As can be seen from the graph, the proportion of renewable energy consumption in Europe is likely to exceed 40% by 2035. If current trends continue, solar power must eventually surpass wind energy as the dominant source, given its significantly steeper growth trajectory since 2018.
This Task 1 interpretation uses 'is likely to' for a reasonable projection and 'must eventually' for a logical deduction based on visible trends. The writer interprets data rather than simply describing it — a distinction that contributes to higher scores in Task Achievement. The conditional clause 'If current trends continue' adds an additional layer of caution.
While some experts argue that artificial intelligence will revolutionise healthcare, others maintain that it might introduce new risks, particularly regarding patient data privacy. Both positions have merit, and the outcome will probably depend on the regulatory frameworks that governments choose to implement.
This discussion paragraph uses 'will revolutionise' (attributed to 'some experts' rather than stated as the writer's own view), 'might introduce' (attributed to 'others'), and 'will probably depend' (the writer's own hedged conclusion). The varying degrees of certainty show grammatical range and critical thinking — both of which contribute to higher IELTS band scores.
(Avoid categorical adverbs like 'definitely' in academic writing unless you have overwhelming evidence. Use modals of probability to express appropriate caution.)
(When interpreting data, use hedged predictions rather than definitive statements. Graphs show trends and projections, not certainties about the future.)
('Must' implies near-certainty and contradicts the admission that the study was small. Match the strength of your modal to the strength of your evidence.)
(Avoid 'people think' in academic writing. Use impersonal constructions like 'It might be argued that...' and replace informal verbs like 'spend' with formal alternatives like 'allocate funding'.)
Exercises
Technology will definitely solve the education crisis in developing countries.
1. The study had a very small sample size.
2. The researchers concluded that meditation improves concentration.
A survey of 200 university students found that 78% prefer online lectures, but only 34% reported higher grades in online courses compared to in-person classes.
min: 30 words
max: 50 words
modal of probability (2+ different modals)
Hedging Phrases and Academic Caution
4 exercises · 25 min
Key structures
It appears/seems/suggests that...
There is some evidence to suggest that...
This may/could/tends to + verb
Modal verbs are just one tool in your hedging toolkit. Academic English also relies on a range of phrases that express caution, often working alongside modals for layered hedging.
Impersonal constructions shift the focus away from a personal claim. Instead of writing 'I think pollution is bad', you can write 'It appears that pollution has significant negative effects.' These constructions are essential in academic writing because they present ideas as general observations rather than personal opinions.
Key hedging phrases include: 'It appears that...' (weaker than 'It is clear that...' and appropriate when evidence is limited), 'It seems likely that...' (adds a probability layer), 'It is possible that...' (expresses open possibility), and 'The evidence suggests that...' (grounds your claim in data).
Attribution phrases also serve as hedges. Instead of writing 'People think that technology is harmful', use: 'It is widely believed that...', 'It is often argued that...', or 'Some researchers claim that...' Notice how 'some' is itself a hedge — it does not attribute the view to everyone.
Hedging is especially important when discussing cause and effect. Avoid writing 'X causes Y' unless the evidence is definitive. Safer alternatives include: 'X is likely to contribute to Y', 'X may be a factor in Y', and 'There appears to be a link between X and Y.'
These phrases work particularly well in IELTS Task 2 discussion essays. When you present a view you partially disagree with, hedging lets you represent it fairly without committing to it: 'It has been suggested that technology will replace all manual labour. However, this claim appears to overstate the speed of automation.' For PTE Summarise Written Text, hedging helps you accurately represent a passage that presents tentative findings.
The key rule: every claim you make should match the strength of your evidence. Strong evidence can support stronger claims; weak or debatable evidence requires hedging.
It has been widely suggested that social media usage is linked to increased anxiety among adolescents. However, the evidence for a direct causal relationship appears to be limited. Several studies have indicated a correlation, but it is possible that pre-existing psychological factors contribute to both higher social media engagement and greater vulnerability to anxiety.
This paragraph layers hedging effectively: 'It has been widely suggested' (attribution hedge), 'appears to be limited' (evidential hedge), 'it is possible that' (possibility hedge). The writer carefully distinguishes between correlation and causation — a sophisticated move that demonstrates academic maturity and contributes to higher Task Response scores.
It is often argued that globalisation benefits all economies equally. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that the advantages tend to be concentrated in developed nations, while developing countries may experience increased economic vulnerability. This would imply that international trade agreements require more equitable terms.
The hedging phrases 'It is often argued', 'there is growing evidence to suggest', and 'tend to be' allow the writer to present a nuanced position without making unsupported absolute claims. The word 'would' in 'would imply' adds an additional layer of caution, suggesting that the implication depends on the preceding evidence being accepted.
Some researchers maintain that renewable energy alone cannot meet global demand within the next two decades. Others contend that, with sufficient investment and policy support, the transition could be accelerated considerably. The debate remains unresolved, and it appears that the outcome will depend on a complex interplay of economic, political, and technological factors.
'Some researchers maintain' and 'Others contend' attribute views without the writer committing to either position. 'Could be accelerated' hedges the positive claim, and 'it appears that' hedges the writer's own synthesis. This balanced structure is ideal for IELTS Task 2 discussion essays, where presenting multiple perspectives fairly is essential for a high Task Response score.
(Use attribution hedging ('suggests') rather than 'proved', which implies absolute certainty. Also hedge causation with 'may contribute to' rather than the categorical 'causes'.)
(Avoid informal phrasing like 'money can buy happiness' in academic writing. Replace vague attributions ('many people') with more precise hedges ('widely believed'), and use formal vocabulary ('financial wealth', 'a sense of well-being') for register consistency.)
(Do not use 'although' and 'but' together — they are both concessive markers and create redundancy. This is a common error for speakers of Chinese, where '虽然...但是' (although...but) is the standard construction.)
(Avoid universal quantifiers ('all', 'every', 'none') unless you have conclusive evidence. Use hedged quantifiers ('many', 'some') and add hedging verbs ('tend to') for appropriate caution.)
Exercises
Everyone agrees that social media is harmful to children.
It has been suggested that remote working increases productivity. However, the evidence appears to be mixed. While some studies indicate improvements in output, others suggest that collaboration and creativity may suffer when employees work in isolation. It is possible that the benefits of remote working depend largely on the nature of the industry and the individual's role.
1. Identify all the hedging expressions used in this paragraph and explain what each one hedges.
2. How would the meaning and tone of this paragraph change if all hedging were removed?
Some people believe that governments should ban fast food advertising to reduce childhood obesity.
min: 50 words
max: 70 words
hedging phrase (2+ different phrases)
modal of probability (1+)
Frequency and Probability Adverbs and Phrases
4 exercises · 25 min
Key structures
Subject + is generally/typically/broadly + past participle + to + verb
It is widely/commonly/generally + past participle + that...
The third layer of hedging involves adverbs and adverbial phrases that modify the frequency, typicality, or general acceptance of a claim. These work alongside modals and hedging phrases to create precise, nuanced academic prose.
Frequency adverbs adjust how often something happens, which softens categorical claims: 'often' and 'frequently' signal regularity without universality ('Children who read frequently tend to perform better academically'); 'typically' and 'generally' signal a pattern with acknowledged exceptions ('Developing nations generally rely more heavily on fossil fuels'); 'in many cases' and 'in most instances' signal scope without claiming totality ('In many cases, urbanisation leads to increased pollution').
Probability adverbs and phrases adjust how widely accepted something is: 'widely' and 'commonly' signal broad consensus ('It is widely recognised that education reduces poverty'); 'broadly' signals general agreement with possible nuances ('The findings broadly support the hypothesis'); 'to a large extent' signals predominant but not complete truth ('The policy has, to a large extent, achieved its objectives').
These adverbs work especially well in combination with passive constructions and impersonal structures — the kinds of structures you learned in the previous units on Passive Voice and Nominalization. Compare: 'People say that exercise is good for health' (informal, unhedged) with 'It is generally recognised that regular exercise contributes to improved health outcomes' (formal, hedged, nominalized). The second version uses an impersonal passive ('It is generally recognised'), nominalization ('health outcomes'), and a frequency adverb ('generally').
For IELTS Task 2, these adverbs help you write balanced discussion paragraphs. Instead of 'Everyone agrees that...' you write 'It is broadly accepted that...' — a small change that signals academic maturity. For PTE Write Essay, frequency and probability adverbs demonstrate lexical range and grammatical control simultaneously, contributing to both scoring criteria.
The key rule: match the strength of your adverb to the strength of your evidence. 'Widely recognised' requires genuine consensus; 'in some cases' is appropriate for limited evidence.
It is generally accepted that regular physical exercise contributes to improved mental health. Studies consistently show that individuals who engage in moderate physical activity at least three times per week are broadly less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
'Generally accepted' hedges the universality of the claim, while 'consistently show' strengthens the evidential support. 'Broadly less likely' combines a frequency adverb with a probability structure. The balance between caution and confidence is typical of high-scoring academic writing — the writer is neither too bold nor too uncertain.
Developing nations typically face greater challenges in implementing environmental regulations than their developed counterparts. This is largely due to economic constraints, which often force governments to prioritise industrial growth over environmental protection. However, in recent years, several countries have demonstrated that sustainable development is broadly achievable without sacrificing economic progress.
'Typically,' 'largely,' 'often,' and 'broadly' are all frequency or degree adverbs that prevent the claims from being categorical. They acknowledge exceptions and variations — a hallmark of nuanced academic prose. The writer avoids saying 'always face' or 'only due to', which would be inaccurate and would lower the Grammatical Range score.
It is widely recognised that education is one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty. However, access to quality education remains unevenly distributed, and it is commonly observed that rural communities are disproportionately affected. Addressing this imbalance is likely to require substantial government investment and, in many cases, international cooperation.
'Widely recognised' establishes consensus, 'commonly observed' attributes the claim to shared knowledge, and 'in many cases' hedges the scope of the solution. The combination of these expressions with modal hedging ('is likely to') and passive voice ('remains unevenly distributed') creates multiple layers of caution — exactly the kind of structural variety that pushes writing toward Band 7+.
(Replace colloquial generalisations ('everybody knows') with formal hedging expressions ('it is widely acknowledged'). Avoid informal vocabulary ('the key to success') in academic writing.)
(Avoid categorical frequency adverbs like 'always' when describing agreement or consensus. Use 'broad consensus' or 'general agreement' instead, and replace 'global warming' with the more formal 'climate change'.)
('Solves' is too categorical even when paired with 'usually'. Use hedged language like 'contributes to a reduction in' rather than 'solves', and pair it with a more precise frequency adverb like 'typically'.)
('Commonly' cannot stand alone before 'that' in an impersonal construction. It must be paired with a past participle such as 'observed', 'recognised', 'believed', or 'accepted' to form a complete hedging phrase.)
Exercises
Young people always use their phones too much and it definitely harms their education.
It is generally accepted that globalisation has broadly increased economic growth worldwide. However, the benefits are typically unevenly distributed. Developing nations often struggle to compete with established economies, and it is commonly observed that wealth disparities tend to increase rather than decrease. Addressing this imbalance would likely require substantial reform of international trade agreements.
1. List all the frequency and probability adverbs and phrases in this paragraph. For each one, explain what it hedges and whether the hedging is appropriate.
2. Replace 'would likely require' in the final sentence with a phrase expressing higher certainty. How does this change the tone of the paragraph?
The impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
min: 40 words
max: 60 words
frequency/probability adverb or phrase (2+ different expressions)
Unit Assessment
4Test your understanding of this unit before moving on.
People know that technology causes problems for young people. Schools should ban mobile phones because they always distract students and they definitely make grades worse.
Some experts contend that the widespread adoption of renewable energy could substantially reduce global carbon emissions within the coming decades. However, it appears that the transition may face significant economic and political obstacles. In many cases, governments tend to prioritise short-term economic growth over long-term environmental sustainability. It is broadly acknowledged that a balanced approach is needed, but achieving such a balance is likely to require considerable international cooperation.
1. Identify and categorise all the hedging strategies used in this paragraph. Classify each one as a modal, a hedging phrase, a frequency/probability adverb, or an impersonal construction.
2. This paragraph targets IELTS Band 7+ in Grammatical Range. Explain which specific hedging features contribute to a higher score and why.
Some people believe that governments should invest more money in space exploration. Others think the money would be better spent on solving problems on Earth. Discuss both views.
min: 70 words
max: 90 words
modal of probability (2+ different modals)
hedging phrase (1+)
frequency/probability adverb (1+)