The Art of "Almost All": Exploring Language Softening and Modality through Systemic Functional Linguistics

Have you ever noticed how people use phrases like "almost all" in conversations, debates, or public speeches? It's a subtle yet powerful way of expressing a point without fully committing to it. While it may seem harmless, this linguistic choice often reflects something deeper---a way to hedge, soften, or avoid the risks of overgeneralisation. For instance, a politician might say, "Almost all citizens support this policy," leaving room for exceptions while still conveying a strong majority. But why do people choose this wording, and what does it reveal about their intent? In this post, we'll explore this phenomenon through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and uncover how qualifiers like "almost all" shape meaning, relationships, and perception.