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Distancing

Distancing language is utilized to make statements less direct and assertive, helping speakers maintain neutrality and caution. It is commonly found in news reports, academic writing, and formal discussions, often employing adverbs and reporting verbs to convey uncertainty. This language style aims to present information objectively and avoid strong claims.

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Genesis Dueñas
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6 views4 pages

Distancing

Distancing language is utilized to make statements less direct and assertive, helping speakers maintain neutrality and caution. It is commonly found in news reports, academic writing, and formal discussions, often employing adverbs and reporting verbs to convey uncertainty. This language style aims to present information objectively and avoid strong claims.

Uploaded by

Genesis Dueñas
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is Distancing Language?

● Distancing language is used to avoid making direct or strong


statements.

● It helps the speaker sound neutral, careful, or less personal.

● Common in:

○ News reports

○ Academic writing

○ Formal discussions

Arequipa example:

● Apparently, tourism in Arequipa is increasing this year.


→ The speaker is not 100% certain.
Adverbs for Distancing
Used to show uncertainty or lack of full evidence.

Common adverbs:

● apparently, arguably, probably, perhaps, seemingly

Examples (Arequipa context):

● Apparently, traffic near Plaza de Armas has


increased.

● The Misti volcano is probably the main tourist


attraction in Arequipa.

● Seemingly, more students are using public


transport.
Reporting Verbs (It + verb + infinitive)

Used to report ideas without saying who thinks them.

Common verbs:

● seem, appear, tend, believe, assume

Structure:

● It + verb + to + base verb

Examples:

● It seems to be colder in Arequipa this winter.

● People are believed to prefer traditional food like rocoto relleno.

● The city appears to be growing rapidly.


Modals, Passive Voice & Purpose

Used to reduce certainty and responsibility.

Modal verbs:

● may, might, could, would

○ The new mall might create more jobs in Arequipa.

Passive voice (general opinion):

● It is believed that Arequipa has one of the best cuisines in


Peru.

● Some facts are rumored to have been exaggerated.

Why we use distancing language:

● To sound objective

● To avoid strong claims

● To present information carefully

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