Signal Phrases

Signal Phrases

First, let’s define what a signal phrase is. According to Purdue OWL (our frequent go-to online writing resource), a signal or “lead-in” phrase is an expression that “usually occur[s] in the parts of sentences that come just before quotes and paraphrases.” These phrases often include the speaker or author’s name, and perhaps some justification for citing this person (for example, he or she is an expert).

For example, take a look at the second sentence of this handout. What’s the signal phrase? If you guessed “According to Purdue OWL,” you’d be correct.

Purdue OWL also goes on to say that in many cases, “Signal phrases can be distinguished by the presence of a verb like ‘indicate’ or ‘argue’ that references what the author is doing in the original source. However, a few select signal phrases contain no verb.”

There are a couple important points to remember when using such phrases:

• MLA style, verbs in signal phrases will typically be in present tense. See examples below.

• APA style recommends that those same verbs in signal phrases be in past tense. See examples below.

• Any signal phrase used must be grammatically consistent with what follows that phrase, whether that is a direct quote, summary, paraphrase, etc.

For the following examples, assume Jane Doe is the original source.

Some examples in MLA style: Those same examples in APA style:

· Doe declares. . . > Doe declared …

· Doe argues that . . . > Doe argued that …

· Doe believes that . . . > Doe believed that …

· The work of Doe shows that . . . > The word of Doe showed that …

· As Doe indicates. . . > As Doe indicated …

· As Doe implies. . . > As Doe implied …

· As Doe suggests. . . > As Doe suggested …

· Doe thinks that . . . > Doe thought that …

· Doe addresses. . . > Doe addressed …

What are some other verbs that can be useful in signal phrases (in MLA style)?

· Acknowledges

· Adds

· Admits

· Argues

· Asserts

· Believes

· Claims

· Comments

· Compares

· Confirms

· Contends

· Declares

· Denies

· Disputes

· Emphasizes

· Endorses

· Grants

· Illustrates

· Insists

· Notes

· Observes

· Points out

· Reasons

· Refutes

· Rejects

· Reports

· Responds

· Suggests

· Thinks

· Writes