Signal phrases: introduce sources like a pro
A signal phrase names your source before you use it. The verb you choose tells the reader what the source is doing, and that is a small piece of analysis markers notice.
Nguyen (2021) argues that sleep loss impairs next-day recall.
APA recommends past tense (argued) or present perfect (has argued) for signal verbs; present tense is standard in MLA and literary work.
Neutral: reports what the source says
Safe default when you don’t want to judge.
Argues or claims
The source takes a position others could dispute.
Shows with evidence
Use when the source has data or proof behind it.
Suggests tentatively
The source hedges, or the evidence is limited.
Agrees or builds on
Links this source to another you have cited.
Disagrees or questions
Signals debate, useful for critical essays.
Why the verb matters
“Nguyen states” and “Nguyen claims” cite the same source but say different things about it. Claims hints the point is contestable; demonstrates tells the reader the evidence is strong; suggests signals caution. Picking the verb deliberately is the quickest way to show you’ve evaluated a source rather than just repeated it.
Signal phrase patterns
- Nguyen (2021) argues that…: the author leads.
- As Nguyen (2021) points out, …: the source supports your sentence.
- According to the World Health Organization (2023), …: good for organisations.
- …, a point Ortiz (2022) disputes.: the signal comes after, useful for contrast.
Common mistakes
- Dropped quotations: a quote sitting alone as a sentence with no introduction.
- “Says” every time: vary the verb to reflect the source’s stance.
- Doubling the citation: Nguyen (2021) argues… (Nguyen, 2021). Once is enough.
See how signal phrases turn parenthetical citations into narrative ones on parenthetical vs narrative citation.