Hedging and distancing
It would appear that…, tend to, is thought to, there is some evidence – sounding careful, not certain.
In academic and formal English, we rarely say things are 100% certain. 'Hedging' makes your writing sound careful and professional – examiners love it.
Softening verbs and phrases
Distancing from the facts
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).
APPEARS
The plan appears to be working .
Appear + to-infinitive.
TEND
Teenagers tend to sleep late at weekends.
Tend to = usually.
SAID
The house is said to be haunted.
Passive reporting: be said to + infinitive.
Common mistakes
- ✗ Young people tend to preferring online shopping.✓ Young people tend to prefer online shopping.Tend to + infinitive.
- ✗ It seems that the prices have risen, it is certain.✓ It seems that prices have risen.Don't hedge and then contradict yourself.
- ✗ He is said that he is rich.✓ He is said to be rich. / It is said that he is rich.Two patterns – don't mix them.
In your C1 essay, hedge your claims: not 'Social media makes people unhappy' but 'Social media may make some people less happy' or 'There is some evidence that…'. It sounds more convincing, not less.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Conectores en inglés para el B2 y el C1: lista con ejemplos →