Signal Phrases | Examples & Definition
Signal phrases are used to indicate the original source of a quote or idea. Along with in-text citations, signal phrases are an important step to letting the reader know which ideas are your own and which information is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from another source.
Why are signal phrases used?
There are several functions of a signal phrase, including:
- Integrating quotes, information, and ideas from other authors
- Recognizing the work of other scholars or studies to avoid plagiarism
- Establishing the credibility of your sources as valid evidence to support your argument
Signal phrases can also be a useful tool for indicating your position in relation to the external information presented. For example, phrases like “has demonstrated” or “has established” imply that you agree with the source discussed, whereas phrases such as “has claimed” or “has suggested” are more neutral and can be used to present a contrasting point.
How to use signal phrases
Signal phrases should be used to effectively integrate outside information into your text. They can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Varying the placement of your signal phrases enhances the rhythm of the text, making it a more engaging read.
To use signal phrases appropriately, include:
- The name of the scholar(s) or study
- An attributive tag (e.g., “has proposed,” “has asserted”)
- The quote or paraphrased material
To add further credibility to the information, you can include the source title or the author’s credentials (e.g., “Philosopher and critic Michel Foucault posited…”).
The signal phrase you choose should accurately represent the author’s argument and position.
- Yaniz proposes that 25% of mice consumed more food than necessary when given the opportunity to do so.
- Yaniz found that 25% of mice consumed more food than necessary when given the opportunity to do so.
Signal phrases also come in handy when you want to juxtapose different arguments. In these cases, transition words like “whereas” or “in contrast” are useful.
Signal phrase examples
There are a variety of signal phrases. The phrase you use conveys information about the position of the author cited or your own view of the information presented. Signal phrases should therefore be selected carefully to appropriately frame the information within your broader argument.
| Function | Example sentence | Signal words and phrases |
|---|---|---|
| Argumentative: Used to introduce a position arguing either for or against a point in an ongoing debate. | Baudrillard asserts that the city is based on a Puritanical “obsessiveness” with minimalism. | assert, argue, contend, counter, deny, insist, maintain, refute |
| Conciliatory: Used to concede the validity of a point while implying that the author may hold different views. | Although Kristeva acknowledges that suffering has long been part of the literary tradition, she identifies the 20th century as the start of “abject” literature. | acknowledge, admit, allow, concede, grant |
| Supportive: Used to support a previously established position. | Economists have agreed that the policy is likely to have a major impact on the lower classes in particular. | agree, confirm, echo, endorse, reinforce, promote, support |
| Propositional: Used to introduce an argument rather than a declared stance; may or may not be a response to existing debate. | Paleontologist Ornella Bertrand (2024) posits that ascertaining intelligence based on neuron count does not produce scientifically accurate results. | claim, declare, emphasize, imply, propose, posit, suggest |
| Neutral: Used to present a point without implying anything positive or negative about it. | Researchers have observed an increasing number of diagnoses within the last five years, indicating the acceleration of the crisis. | according to, analyze, ask, describe, discuss, explain, note, observe, point out, per, report, write |
| Demonstrative: Used to introduce a verifiable statement that either confirms or refutes a claim. | Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell confirmed the rediscovery of a long-lost satellite, which is now under observation. | confirm, determine, establish, display, reveal, show |
Signal phrases and citation styles
The appropriate verb tense to use when using signal phrases generally depends on the style guide (e.g., MLA, APA) you are following.
Phrases that do not include a verb (e.g., “according to”) do not require alterations, but phrases that use a verb must follow the appropriate tense according to the given style.
- APA Style uses the simple past tense or present perfect tense
- MLA and Chicago use the simple present tense
- Several researchers posit that future activity will likely be limited due to recent cuts in funding.
- Several researchers have posited that future activity will likely be limited due to recent cuts in funding.
- Simone de Beauvoir proposed that women’s behavior is conditioned to be “feminine” from the time they are born.
- Simone de Beauvoir proposes that women’s behavior is conditioned to be “feminine” from the time they are born.
Frequently asked questions about signal phrases
- How do I use signal phrases?
-
Signal phrases have a variety of functions. They can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
When using signal phrases to integrate another author’s ideas, words, or data, include:
- The name of the scholar(s) or study
- An attributive tag (e.g., “has proposed,” “has asserted”)
- The quote or paraphrased material
The verb tense you use in your signal phrase depends on the style guide you are following.
- APA Style uses the past tense or present perfect tense
- MLA and Chicago use the simple present tense
- Why do I need to use signal phrases?
-
Signal phrases are used to attribute information to the original source. This is important as it enables you to:
- Establish the credibility of the information presented
- Underscore your knowledge of the field and relevant arguments
- Place your work into conversation with other researchers’ findings
- Avoid committing plagiarism
- What are good signal phrases?
-
The type of signal phrase you use provides information about your or the original author’s position on the point presented. Signal phrases can indicate agreement, disagreement, doubt, and other relationships between authors’ stances.
Common signal phrases to indicate agreement include “confirms” or “supports” (e.g., “Smith’s works confirms the prevailing view”).
Common signal phrases to indicate disagreement include “denies” or “refutes” (e.g., “Attorney Marta Resnick denies that there is any credible evidence pointing to her client”).
Neutral signal phrases include “states” or “observes” (e.g., “Liu and Gray observe that …”).
