3.+Generalisation+&+Cautious+Language

 Generalisation & Cautious Language In some academic writing it will be necessary simply to give and describe factual information. Often, however, it is necessary to make general comments or to generalise the information. The generalisations can be made ,ore precise by qualifying them. A generalisation is a general statement opinion that is based on only a few facts or examples. We generalise about something when we form an opinion or make a statement using only a small amount or information instead of looking at the details. For example: You can't make sweeping generalisations about French people if you've only been there for a day. There are three types of generalisations: 1. True in Most Cases · To tend (not) to DO...... (This is a very common pattern in both written and spoken styles). · To have a tendency to DO…… (Mainly used about people, rather than things. More common in written style than in spoken style). · To be inclined to DO…… (This is probably more often used to make critical comments). You can make such generalisations more exact by further qualifying them with “sometimes”, “often”, “generally”, “usually”. Examples: a) They generally tend to share very similar tastes in music and clothes. b) Middle-class people have a tendency to be more individualistic. c) Young people are much more inclined to challenge authority than in the past.

2. Uncertain Generalisations · Seem to DO…/to be DOING…… (The Simple Infinitive (to do) is used to describe fixed habits, unchanging habits/situations). · Appear to DO…/to be DOING…… (The Continuous Infinitive (to be doing) is used to describe changing habits/situations). · Perhaps (“perhaps” can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence). Examples: a) Working-class people seem slowly to be losing the feeling of inferiority they had in the past. b) Children appear to enjoy primary school more than secondary school. c) Parents are, perhaps, not strict enough with their children these days.

3. Phrases Showing in How Many Cases a Generalisation is True · In the vast majority of cases…… In a large number of cases…… In most cases…… Generally (speaking)…… In quite a number of cases…… Often/sometimes/occasionally…… In some cases…… In one or two cases…… · Only in a few cases…… · (Only) in a very few cases……

Source: eng 191 course pack for the department of commerce, finance and shipping set 2