15 Introducing Sources
Kaci Wilson and Jessica Hawkes
When incorporating information from another source, it’s best to introduce the quotation or paraphrase to set it in context. Introduce the quotation or paraphrase by setting it in context. There are three ways to introduce quotations or paraphrases:
3 Ways to Introduce Quotations or Paraphrases
- Use a complete sentence followed by a colon to introduce the quotation.
- Sarah Smith emphasizes the importance of proper quote integration: “It is important to set the context of your quotation because it helps to make your point clear to the reader” (89).
- Use a signal phrase naming the author or character, followed by a comma.
- In her work, “Signaling in Style”, Sarah Smith asserts, It is important to set the context of your quotation because it helps to make your point clear to the reader” (89).
- Write a sentence in your own words and complete it with quoted words.
- Providing context for quotations is key “because it helps to make your point clear to the reader” (89).
Using Signal Phrases
A signal phrase are short phrases that allow writers to seamlessly integrate quotes, paraphrases, and summaries academic writing. Signal phrases help to appropriately attribute supporting evidence to the original author or authors and to avoid disrupting the overall flow of the writing. Signal phrases are also used as effective transitions, to better guide readers between your ideas and the ideas of your supporting resources.
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Introducing a quotation:
- Sarah Smith, author of “Signaling in Style”, asserts that “signal phrases are crucial to the writing process as seamlessly integrate quotes, paraphrases, and summaries” (56).
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Introducing a paraphrase:
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- According to Smith, signal phrases are used for two primary purposes: to incorporate supporting evidence without interrupting the flow of the writing and to offer a smooth transition between your words and those of your source (Smith 56).
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A signal phrase introducing a summary:
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- In her work “Signaling in Style”, Smith outlines the many ways that educators can support students in the writing process, including offering accessible writing resources, conducting outreach initiatives on writing and citation practices, and supporting the development of early intervention writing programs (56).
Signal Phrase Examples:
Not sure which signal phrase to use? Try out one of the phrases below.
MakingClaims |
Disagrees orQuestions |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| advocate | demonstrate | attack | contradict | object |
| argue | illustrate | allege | deny | oppose |
| assert | maintain | assume | differ | refute |
| conclude | reason | challenge | disagree | reject |
| contend | suggest | claim | dispute | purport |
ExpressesAgreement |
Introduce Factor Statement |
|||
| accept | confirm | add | explain | observe |
| affirm | endorse | comment | explore | offer |
| agree | echo | consider | express | remark |
| assent | parallel | describe | find | report |
| concur | support | discuss | note | state |
