Signal Phrases
A signal phrase is an introductory phrase that informs the reader that a direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary is about to be presented. It typically includes the author’s first and last name(s), the title of the work or publisher if important/needed, and any relevant information about the author that helps the reader understand why their ideas are being used. Signal phrases usually come at the beginning of the source material.
A complete signal phrase is only needed the first time you use a source in your paper. After that, you can simply include the author’s last name(s) and page number as an in-text citation.
Why signal phrases?
Signal phrases have an important purpose: they show when your words stop, and a source’s words begin. They help smoothly transition from your ideas to the source’s ideas. Using a signal phrase allows you to show your work and explain why the sources you have used are reliable.
Possible Verbs to use in signal phrases
General signal phrases
- Addresses
- Asserts
- Claims
- Comments
- Concludes
- Declares
- Describes
- Illustrates
- Implies
- Indicates
- Points out
- Presents
- Reports
- Shows
- Writes
Signal phrases to show opinion
- Argues
- Believes
- Claims
- Implies
- Recommends
- Suggests
Signal phrases to show disagreement
- Counters
- Disputes
- Denies
- Rejects
- Refutes
- Criticizes
Examples with direct quotes
These signal phrases demonstrate how to incorporate direct quotes smoothly:
- According to NBA champion Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships” (20).
- Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to fly in space, declares, “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations” (34).
- “I wonder whether the tiny atoms and nuclei, or the mathematical symbols, or the DNA molecules have any preference for either masculine or feminine treatment,” asserted accomplished experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu when she was excluded from the Nobel Prize in 1964 (56).
- Abraham Lincoln, in the poignant “Gettysburg Address,” suggests “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Examples with paraphrased sources
These signal phrases demonstrate how to incorporate paraphrased sources smoothly:
- According to NBA champion Michael Jordan, players need more than talent to win championships. They need team cohesion and intelligence, too (20).
- Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to fly into space, declared that people should not stifle their ambitions just because others narrowly define them (34).
- Experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu implied that atoms and DNA molecules are not sexist, unlike the Nobel Prize judges who disregarded her contributions in 1964 (56).
An introductory phrase that informs the audience that a direct quote, paraphrased, or summarized source materials is about to be shared.
