Definition and Function
What is the primary function of a mitigator?
To soften or reduce the intensity of a statement.
Which of the following is a mitigator: very, slightly, or absolutely?
Slightly
Choose the correct mitigator: "The weather is ___ cold today." (slightly, extremely, absolutely)
Slightly
Why are mitigators useful in polite requests?
They make the request sound less direct or demanding.
True or False: Mitigators can be used to express uncertainty.
True
True or False: Mitigators strengthen the meaning of a word.
False
Name two common mitigators.
Slightly, somewhat
Rewrite the sentence with a mitigator: "He is wrong."
"He is somewhat wrong."
Identify the mitigator in this sentence: "Could you perhaps help me with this task?"
Perhaps
In the sentence "This might be a bit complicated," what does the mitigator do?
It reduces the certainty and intensity of the statement, making it more tentative.
What is the opposite of a mitigator in grammar?
Intensifier
Complete the sentence: "I am ___ tired, but I can keep working."
A bit
In which context would you use mitigators more: formal or informal settings?
Formal settings, to sound more polite.
Rewrite the sentence to make it more polite: "Turn the volume down."
"Could you please turn the volume down a bit?"
Combine a mitigator with the word “expensive” to make the statement softer.
"This is somewhat expensive."
Provide an example of a sentence with a mitigator.
This soup is somewhat salty
True or False: “Kind of” can be used as a mitigator.
True
Explain the effect of mitigators on the tone of a sentence.
They make the tone softer and less forceful.
What mitigator can be added to soften the sentence: "I think you're wrong"?
"I think you might be slightly wrong."
Use a mitigator to soften the following sentence: "The project is failing."
"The project is somewhat failing."
Why are mitigators important in polite communication?
They help make statements less direct or harsh, improving politeness.
Identify the mitigator in this sentence: "The movie was rather boring."
Rather.
Create a sentence using “a little bit” as a mitigator.
"I’m a little bit unsure about this decision."
Explain how mitigators can reduce conflict in communication.
Mitigators soften criticism or disagreement, making statements less confrontational and more constructive.
How does the use of multiple mitigators in a sentence affect its tone?
It can make the sentence overly cautious or hesitant, sometimes leading to a lack of clarity.