<aside> 💡 See also Words and phrases to consider and avoid Words and phrases to consider and avoid when writing an academic text.

</aside>

Boosting

Boosting is a rhetorical device that is used to express confidence in a claim or statement. It is often (over)used in academic writing, but can be used in any type of writing. Boosters are words or phrases that add emphasis or intensity to a statement. Some common boosters that should be avoided when writing an academic text include: certainly, indeed, always, undoubtably, in fact, clearly, actually, obviously, know, prove, conclusively, definitely, evidently, etc.

Boosters can add weight to an argument, to make a statement more persuasive, or to simply express confidence in a claim. However, use boosters sparingly (if at all), as they can make your writing sound arrogant or boastful.

Here are some examples of how boosters can be used in writing (which typically should be avoided when writing an academic text):

• “The evidence clearly (or obviously, etc.) shows that climate change is real.”
• “I know for a fact that this is the best way to do it.”
• “This is undoubtedly the most important decision you will ever make.” When writing an academic text try to avoid boosting altogether unless the claim where the boosting occurs comes from a study (i.e., requiring a citation). In creative writing (poetry, short stories, novels, etc.) boosting is common and perfectly acceptable.
• Avoid very: “ For English language teachers, it is very important to implement the correct strategies in the classroom in order to ensure the learning of each student.”
• Absolutes or exaggerations: never, always, everyone, no one, it is true…, it is a fact…, it is a perfect way…, without a doubt…, etc.
• Subjective phrasing: It is important, it is vital, it is essential*,* it is crucial*, etc. - Demonstratives:* this, that, these those*

Here are some tips for avoiding overuse of boosters in your writing: - Read your work aloud to yourself. This will help you to identify any areas where you are using too many boosters. - Ask a friend or colleague to read your work and give you feedback. - Get feedback from a writing tutor or instructor.

By following these tips, you can avoid overuse of boosters and improve the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.

<aside> 💡 The error code “BH” (See Writing Errors Code List.) refers to either boosting or hedging too much. When writing an academic text, the writer must balance between these two extremes: boosting which results in overgeneralizing claims and hedging which can make the writer sound less assertive.

</aside>

Hedging

Hedging is a linguistic technique used in writing and speech to express caution or uncertainty, to soften statements, and to demonstrate politeness or diplomacy. It is particularly common in academic and professional contexts, where acknowledging the complexity of a topic or the limits of one’s findings is important. Here’s a detailed look at hedging and how to use it effectively:

When to Use Hedging

1. Presenting New Ideas or Theories: When suggesting ideas that are not yet widely accepted or are innovative.
2. Discussing Complex or Controversial Topics: Where there are multiple viewpoints or the evidence is not conclusive.
3. Interpreting Results: Particularly in research, where findings may not be definitive.