B1 • Lesson 22
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
To avoid giving a direct answer or making a clear statement.
"Don't hedge—just tell me if you think the plan will work or not."
A statement that includes conditions or limitations rather than being absolute.
"His support was only a qualified statement—he said he agreed with some parts but not all."
To make something less strong, hard, or direct; to make milder.
"I used a kind word to soften the criticism I needed to give."
Not sure; not knowing what will happen or what to think.
"I'm uncertain about whether to take the job offer because the location is far away."
To prevent hurting someone's feelings or making them angry.
"I used polite language to avoid offense when disagreeing with my boss."
A statement that denies responsibility or clarifies what you do not mean.
"He added a disclaimer that he was speaking only about his personal experience."
A softer way to express an opinion rather than stating it as a fact.
"I would say that this solution is probably the best option we have."
Words used to soften what you're saying and make it less absolute.
"The project is kind of complicated, and we might need more time."
A phrase suggesting that something is true from one perspective but not absolutely.
"In a way, both solutions could work, depending on the situation."
Partly or somewhat; used when something is true but not completely.
"To some extent, I agree with your point, but there are other factors to consider."
A way to suggest a possibility without stating it as certain.
"It might be that we need to reconsider our approach to this problem."
A phrase used to clarify that you are using words in a loose or figurative way.
"We need to be flexible and, so to speak, ready to change direction quickly."
In English, hedging is a communication technique that softens statements and makes them less absolute. It's especially useful when you're uncertain, want to be polite, or need to avoid offense. Good communicators use hedging regularly, particularly in professional and academic settings.
There are many reasons to hedge your language. First, hedging shows respect for other people's opinions and perspectives. When you say "I would say that your idea might work" instead of "Your idea is wrong," you soften the message and make the conversation more positive. Second, hedging is honest—it reflects real uncertainty or limitation in your knowledge. If you're not completely sure about something, it's more professional to express that doubt.
However, hedging has a disadvantage: too much hedging can make you sound uncertain or weak. In some situations, people want clear, direct answers. If you hedge every single statement, listeners might think you don't believe what you're saying or that you lack confidence in your ideas.
The key is balance. Use hedging phrases like "sort of," "kind of," "to some extent," or "it might be that" when appropriate. These phrases help you express qualified opinions without being harsh or absolute. In professional communication, this approach shows both politeness and professionalism.
Learning to hedge effectively means understanding when directness is valued and when softening your language is appreciated. Both approaches have their place in good communication.
~290 words • B1 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson. You don't need to write answers—just consider your thoughts.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "Can you think of a situation where you had to soften your words to avoid hurting someone's feelings?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Do you prefer when people give you direct answers or when they use hedging language? Why?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "In what situations do you think hedging is most important in your language or culture?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes