If you write something that is easy to contradict, your argument will be weak. For example, look at these two statements:
So, it is better to be careful about the language you use in your academic writing so that you do not say more than you really mean. One way of doing this is by using cautious language. This is often referred to as "hedging".
How does this show critical thinking?
Using hedging in your writing shows that you are thinking carefully about what you say and that you know that things are not always simple.
You can find lots of useful academic phrases that you can adapt for your writing in the Manchester Academic Phrasebank.
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