What is a Signal Phrase?
A signal phrase is a few words that introduce a quotation, paraphrase or summary by naming its source, such as "Smith argues that" or "According to the World Health Organization". It tells the reader where your words stop and the source's begin, and it is usually paired with an in-text citation.
Signal Phrase Examples
- According to Smith (2020), most first-year students underestimate reading time.
- Jones argues that the policy failed because it ignored local conditions.
- In a ten-year study, Brown and Lee (2019) found that...
- As the historian Mary Beard puts it, "..."
- Critics of the model, such as Okafor (2021), point out that...
Signal Verbs and What They Imply
The verb shows how you read the source, so choose it carefully:
- Neutral: states, reports, describes, notes, observes, explains.
- Making a case: argues, claims, contends, maintains, suggests.
- Agreeing: confirms, supports, demonstrates, shows.
- Disagreeing: disputes, questions, challenges, rejects, refutes.
"Shows" and "proves" tell the reader you accept the claim; "claims" can suggest doubt.
Which Tense to Use
- APA: past or present perfect for research: "Smith (2020) found", "researchers have shown".
- MLA: present tense, since the text still speaks: "Morrison writes", "Smith argues".
Why Signal Phrases Matter
- Clarity: readers can tell your ideas from your sources'.
- Credibility: naming an expert, with a word on who they are, adds weight.
- Flow: a quotation dropped in with no introduction reads as abrupt.
Best Practices
- Vary the position: start, middle or end of the sentence.
- Vary the verb, but never at the expense of accuracy.
- For long quotations, introduce the block quote with a full sentence and a colon.
- Follow the quotation with your own comment; the signal phrase introduces evidence, your analysis explains it.
Full guide: Signal Phrase Examples: 57 Verbs and How to Use Them