We will explore an important aspect of communication in English: expressing hesitation. Knowing how to convey doubts and uncertainties is crucial for communicating precisely and clearly.
In this lesson, we will discover various ways to express hesitation in English, using words and expressions that will be useful in different situations.
Use hesitation adverbs:
Hesitation adverbs are words that indicate doubt or uncertainty in a sentence. Here are some common examples:
Perhaps:
Perhaps I will go to the cinema tonight.
Probably:
I will probably come to the party tomorrow.
Possibly:
I might, possibly, consider joining the club, but I need some more time to think about it.
Maybe:
Maybe I’ll attend the meeting, but perhaps a bit late.
Expressions of doubt:
There are also ready-made expressions to convey doubt or uncertainty:
I’m not sure:
I’m not sure if it’s the right decision.
I wonder if:
I wonder if she’ll come to the party.
It’s possible that:
It’s possible that it might rain this afternoon.
I’m not convinced:
I’m not convinced it’s a good idea.
I don’t know for sure:
I don’t know for sure what to do this weekend.
Conditional sentences:
Use conditional sentences to express an action or decision dependent on a prerequisite:
If I have time, I will go:
This means you will go only if you have the time.
Hesitations in spoken language:
In spoken English, you will often encounter expressions of hesitation that denote quick reflection:
Um…:
Um… I’m not sure what to say.
Well:
Well, I think it’s possible.
So:
So, I could maybe help you.
Verbs of doubt:
By using certain verbs, you can express your hesitation more explicitly:
Doubt:
I doubt that it’s true.
Hesitate:
I hesitate between the two options.
Wonder:
I wonder if I should go.
Remember that expressing hesitation is entirely normal, even for native speakers. Learning a foreign language often involves exploring its boundaries and becoming familiar with new ways of communicating.
By practicing these words and expressions, you will be better prepared to communicate effectively in English, conveying your doubts and establishing clear and precise communication. So, don’t hesitate to use them in your everyday conversations!
We hope this lesson has been helpful. Happy practicing, and see you soon for more linguistic tips!
