Tentative language shows uncertainty or caution. Writers use modal verbs (may, might, could), adverbs (perhaps, possibly) and phrases (it seems, this suggests) when evidence is not certain.
Certain language uses must, will, clearly and definitely. Persuasive writers use it to sound confident: “We must act today.”
Choosing between them is a sign of a careful writer. Scientists and historians often write tentatively, because good evidence is rarely absolute. Use deduction too: “He must be tired” means you are nearly sure from the evidence.
Worked example
Rewrite more tentatively: “The results prove that sugar causes headaches.”
- Replace prove with a cautious verb such as suggest.
- Add a modal such as may.
Answer:The results suggest that sugar may cause headaches.
Key words
- tentative
- cautious, not certain
- hedge
- soften a claim
- deduction
- a conclusion worked out from evidence
Practise this
New questions every time.