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Academic writing argument is rarely expressed in strongly positive language. To express an idea or finding in such a way would leave the writer open to attack by critical readers. To avoid making strong claims and expressing subjective opinions, academic writers use tentative rather then assertive language.. Compare the tentative and assertive language in the table below.
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Modal verbs such as could, may and might are common in academic writing because they help writers express uncertainty or tentativeness. Also common are the verbs appear to and seem to, as well as adverbs of probability: perhaps, possibly, probably, likely, unlikely.
Of course, depending on viewpoint and the available evidence, a writer can express greater or lesser degrees of certainty. Look at the examples in the table below.
| 1. Positive and assertive: | Clearly, then, Hong Kong student’s standard of written Chinese is declining. |
| 2. Suggesting likelihood: | The evidence seems to suggest that Hong Kong student’s standard of written Chinese is declining. |
| 3. Expressing less likelihood: | It may/might/could be the case that Hong Kong student’s standard of written Chinese is declining. |
| 4. Negative: | It is unlikely that Hong Kong student’s standard of written Chinese is declining. |
Click here for more information about modals and tentativity.
Task
In the table below, there are a number of assertive statements. Your task is to make them more tentative. Write your sentences in the right hand column of the table. The first one has been done for you as an example.
Last updated on 05 November 2004.
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