Verbs for Signal Phrases
"Signal phrases" are those phrases you use to introduce outside material in your essay. For example,
As Professor Weight shouted in class, "commas rule!"
Signal phrases should let the reader know 1) who is speaking and 2) how they are speaking. Therefore, you should use verbs that convey information about your source authors' attitudes or approaches. Also, remember to use the present tense of verbs to discuss the writings of others. Finally, keep in mind that these words are not synonyms of each other. In order to use the word properly, make sure you understand its meaning and how it affects the meaning of the quotation you are about to provide.| Author is neutral | ||||
| comments | describes | explains | illustrates | notes |
| observes | points out | records | relates | reports |
| says | sees | states | thinks | writes |
| Author interprets or suggests | ||||
| analyzes | asks | assesses | concludes | finds |
| predicts | proposes | reveals | shows | speculates |
| suggests | supposes | |||
| Author argues | ||||
| argues | claims | contends | defends | disagrees |
| holds | insists | maintains | ||
| Author agrees | ||||
| admits | agrees | concedes | concurs | grants |
| Author is uneasy or critical | ||||
| belittles | bemoans | complains | condemns | deplores |
| deprecates | derides | laments | warns | |