Which sentence demonstrates hedging?

Which sentence demonstrates hedging?

• A. The party was somewhat spoiled by the return of the parents.
• B. The party was great.
• C. The party happened last night.
• D. The party is canceled.

Answer: (A)

Hedging is using cautious language to soften a claim and show uncertainty or nuance. In the sentence that contains somewhat, the adverb lowers the intensity of the statement, signaling that the party was spoiled to some degree but not completely. That softening is exactly what hedging looks like. The other sentences make strong or definite statements without any softening: great presents a bold evaluation, happened last night states a simple fact, and is canceled declares a definite outcome. So the sentence with somewhat demonstrates hedging.