Page 199 - English for Writing Research Papers

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(13) We believe that the present findings (14) might help to reassess the real effect of the

Roman aqueducts on the local water supply systems and their role in the daily life of the
urban populations.

(15) To the best of our knowledge , this is the first time that …
In the above text, Elisabetta uses a series of non-assertive verbs and soft introduc-
tory phrases in an attempt to gain credibility in her community.

suggest (11) is much less strong than verbs such as ‘prove’ or ‘demonstrate’.

There is thus evidence (12) – this phrase manages to disassociate the author, Elisabetta,
from her findings. Rather than saying we revealed that the aqueduct only became neces-

sary , she opts for an impersonal expression – there is . The idea is to focus the reader’s
attention on what was found (i.e. the evidence ) rather than who found it ( we revealed ). She
uses thus to reinforce the logic in her argumentation.

We believe that (13) is combined with might help (14). This is like a double hedge. Elisabetta
is making quite a controversial statement that implies a paradigm shift from previous think-

ing in her field. She uses this double hedge to make her claims seem more tentative.
To the best of our knowledge (15) – Elisabetta again is protecting herself against the possi-

bility that, unknown to her, someone else has already made this finding. If she had begun

her conclusion with This is the first time that … the tone would have been too strong, and
her proposition would have left no room for doubt.