Which term covers strategies used to avoid direct language and soften a point?

• A. Hedging
• B. Interjection
• C. Hesitation
• D. Discourse Markers

Answer: (A)

Hedging is using language that lowers the force of what you’re saying and signals that you’re not making a blunt, absolute assertion. It often includes words like perhaps, maybe, it seems, could, might, or phrases like “I think.” This lets you guide the listener to consider the point rather than demand agreement, helping to preserve politeness and reduce face-threatening implications. For example, saying “This approach might work” or “I think we could consider a different option” softens the claim compared with stronger forms like “This approach will work.” Hesitation and fillers are more about speech flow than deliberately softening a point, and interjections express emotion rather than strategy to soften. Discourse markers organize talk but hedging specifically targets making statements less direct.