What is an example of a signal verb?

In most citation styles, the writer can add proof to their research by introducing quotations or paraphrases found in different sources. For this purpose, a useful tool which helps make writing more vivid and descriptive exists, it is called signal verbs. These are words which indicate how an individual is expressing their ideas and views. Such verbs are used as a way for giving context to the text, indicating agreement or disagreement, points of view, and other emotions. Moreover, these words introduce quotes, or references to other sources. These verbs are specific, and they help to understand the implied meaning of the text. It is important to remember to be attentive to each verb’s usage aspects.

Cut 15% OFF your first order

We’ll deliver a custom Writing & Assignments paper tailored to your requirements with a good discount

Use discount

322 specialists online

Signal phrases help to introduce the source which is used in the text, and they permit readers to distinguish between quotes and the ideas of the author. It is important not to put citations into text without proper introduction or explanation. Each argument in the paper must be supported, and show how paraphrases and quotes prove the ideas, which is an integral part of writing. Signal verbs help to indicate the opinion of the author about the material.

The most common word is “say”, and it is often overused. There are many other verbs offering more creative ways for showing the approaching quote or other person’s opinion. Some of those words are objective, while others imply a more emotional connotation, and, thus, should be used carefully. Among the objective verbs are: illustrate, indicate, suppose, suggest, and many others. The examples of the emotionally-colored words are: charge, assert, and complain.

The use of various verbs allows avoiding being monotonous. For example, to stress weakness in a quoted argument one may choose the words “admits” or “concedes” to show the point. There are words which help introduce the focus of the author, such as “emphasize”, “highlight”, and “focus on”. Moreover, these verbs often give readers an opportunity to understand the context in which the statement should be treated. There are words that have a neutral connotation, such as “define”, “suggest”, “illustrate”, “demonstrate”, “observe”, “mention”, “comment” and others. Other verbs intend to give the phrase a more negative, or argumentative shade, among the examples are “fear”, “dispute”, “argue”, “insists”, “reject”, “deny”, “contradict”, “critique”, and others. Such words are typically used to show the disagreement or negative opinions.

Sometimes, using a more natural word is better in order to convey the meaning of uncertainty. For instance, if one chooses a word “say” instead of “prove”, they are implying that the author provided the thesis without any supporting facts. From this perspective, it is important to make sure that each signal verb matches the situation, and consists with the intention of the author. It is preferable to read the whole sentence after it is written to check if the signal word coheres with the quote or paraphrase following it.

In conclusion, signal verbs are an essential tool for all the writing styles. They allow giving emotional connotation to statements, helping readers to understand the implied meaning of the text. There are a big number of words for different occasions, and one should be careful while using the signal verbs, as all of them have specific meanings. However, when a writer comprehends the subject, signal verbs serve as a formidable instrument which allows creating a certain atmosphere in the text.

On-Time Delivery!

Get your customised and 100% plagiarism-free paper done in as little as 3 hours

Let’s start

322 specialists online

1[intransitive, transitive] to make a movement or sound to give someone a message, an order, etc. Don't fire until I signal. Did you signal before you turned right? signal (to somebody) (for something) He signaled to the waiter for the check. signal to/for somebody to do something He signaled to us to join him. The police officer signaled for her to stop. signal somebody to do something She signaled him to follow. signal something The referee signaled a foul. signal (that)… She signaled (that) it was time to leave. signal which, what, etc… You must signal which way you are going to turn.

2[transitive] signal something to be a sign that something exists or is likely to happen synonym indicate This announcement signaled a clear change of policy. The scandal surely signals the end of his political career.

3[transitive] to do something to make your feelings or opinions known signal something He signaled his discontent by refusing to vote. signal (that)… She signaled (that) she was willing to run for office.

See signal in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

When writing a paper that includes other writers’ voices, it can be helpful to vary the word choices to make your writing more active and descriptive. One way to do this is to use signal verbs, which are verbs that indicate how someone is expressing their ideas. Signal verbs can be used to give variety and context to writing, indicating agreement, disagreement, interaction, point of view, etc. Signal verbs indicate how someone is saying something, rather than just that they are saying it.

The following are example sentences using some of the most common signal verbs to demonstrate how signal verbs create more active sentences and provide stronger context for your readers.

The Learning Hub’s tutors agree that writing is challenging but can also be very rewarding.
The Learning Hub argues that strong note-taking skills make you a better reader.
Tutors claim getting started on a project early will result in a better grade.
Ray concluded the help her students received from The Hub improved their writing skills.
Students often disagree on the best way to outline a paper, but that’s okay!
Students discussed their time management strategies in The Hub’s Academic Skills workshop.
The students can explore the various resources available on The Learning Hub’s website.
The student’s grades illustrate the benefits of visiting The Learning Hub.
The writing tutor observed her student working hard revising her paper.
The student says that her writing tutor helped her get an A on her paper.
The Learning Hub’s website shows how students can make an appointment with a tutor.
The sign out front states The Learning Hub’s business hours and contact information.
Professor Ramirez suggests that his students attend Hub workshops for extra credit.
The Learning Hub supports the idea that good pre-writing strategies result in a stronger paper.
The Learning Hub’s tutors think every student can succeed if they put in the work.

While the previous examples use some of the more common signal verbs, the following is a list of additional words and phrases you can use to make your writing more interesting, specific, and active. However, be sure to look up the definition of any word you don’t know so that you are using the right word/phrase for your context and purpose.