Hedging

There are several characteristics which distinguish hedging from boosting in academic writing. Hedging is the use of linguistic devices to express hesitation or uncertainty as well as to demonstrate politeness and indirectness. In contrast, boosting express doubt, boosters demonstrate confidence. Hedging has its benefits; hedges suggest that the writer is careful, nuanced, and keen to avoid generalizations. A text that contains hedging is an open text, a text that invites debate and further research. On the other hand, the danger with boosters is that they can make you seem cocky and pompous. However, if you use them sparingly they can convey the right amount of self-assurance. The use of boosters will convince your reader that you know your stuff and are an expert in your field. Hedges and boosters affect the tone of our writing, and good writers use them effectively.