English Teaching

Professional English · Lesson 06 — Hedging — How to Disagree Without Creating Conflict

Hedging means softening a statement so it is persuasive rather than confrontational. It is not weakness; it is professional communication.

Examples

  • ‘I wonder if…’
  • ‘This might be worth reconsidering…’
  • ‘I’m not entirely convinced that…’

Practice

Think of a disagreement you recently had at work. Rewrite your response using one hedging phrase. Read both versions. Which one keeps the relationship intact?

Takeaway: Hedging changes the chemistry of a disagreement without changing your position.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.