Introducing sources

From https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/introducing-sources.aspx#

How to Use a Signal Phrase

Signal phrases provide a seamless transition from the writer’s thoughts to a source’s thoughts and can provide details about the source that highlight credibility and expertise.

Avoid dropped quotations:

Did you know that some bread batters should be hand mixed? “This light mixing technique produces quick breads with a lovely open crumb” (Greenspan 2).

Instead, use a signal phrase:

Did you know that some bread batters should be hand mixed? According to Dorrie Greenspan, author of Baking: From My Home to Yours, “This light mixing technique produces quick breads with a lovely open crumb” (2).

Signal Phrase Examples

In the words of noted psychologist Carl Jung, “…”

As cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead noted, “…”

Kanye West, Grammy award-winning songwriter and rapper, says, “…”

“…,” claims reality-TV star Hulk Hogan.

Authors Amy Tan and Tobias Wolfe offer two unique perspectives on growing up: “…” (Hacker 408) 

Verbs in Signal Phrases

Choose an appropriate verb to create your own signal phrase that will make your source’s position clear (Hacker 408). 

[Note from the professor: Be attuned to what each of these words says about what YOU think about your source material. If you say someone "states" something, that is neutral. If you say they "claim" something, that suggests that you are skeptical of that person's ideas. If you say they "point out" something, that suggests that you agree with them. Choose verbs to lead into your quotes to convey your own opinion of the value of the quote in your work.] 

Acknowledges	Comments	Endorses	Reasons
Adds	Compares	Grants	Refutes
Admits	Confirms	Implies	Rejects
Agrees	Contends	Insists	Reports
Argues	Declares	Illustrates	Responds
Asserts	Denies	Notes	Suggests
Believes	Disputes	Observes	Thinks
Claims	Emphasizes	Points out