A signal phrase is the lead-in that introduces a quote and tells the reader who is speaking, like “According to Smith,” or “As the study notes.” It does two jobs: it credits the source and it connects the quote to your own sentence so the quotation never drops in cold. Below are signal phrases sorted by the verb they use, with examples of how to attach them to a quote and punctuate them correctly.
Why a quote needs a signal phrase
A quote dropped straight into your text with no introduction is called a “dropped quote,” and it reads as abrupt and confusing because the reader does not know whose words they are or why they are there. A signal phrase fixes both problems in a few words: it names the source and frames the quote’s purpose. It also lets you shape how the reader takes the quote — “Smith argues” signals a claim you might push back on, while “Smith demonstrates” signals evidence you accept. For the full method, see how to introduce a quote.
Signal phrase examples by verb
The verb you choose changes the meaning, so pick one that matches what the source is actually doing.
Neutral reporting: says, states, notes, observes, writes, explains, describes. Example: The report notes, “Enrollment rose by twelve percent.”
Making an argument: argues, claims, contends, maintains, asserts, insists. Example: Garcia argues, “The policy did more harm than good.”
Agreeing or confirming: demonstrates, shows, confirms, points out, emphasizes. Example: As the data shows, “Costs fell every quarter.”
Suggesting or questioning: suggests, implies, proposes, questions, wonders. Example: Lee suggests, “The results may not hold in larger groups.”
Where to put the signal phrase
You can place it three ways, and varying them keeps your writing from sounding mechanical. At the start: According to Chen, “the effect was small.” In the middle: “The effect,” Chen writes, “was small.” At the end: “The effect was small,” Chen writes. The front position is the most common and the clearest; the middle position is useful for emphasizing the first part of a quote; the end position works when the quote is short. For weaving quotes in tightly, see embedded quotes and how to integrate quotes.
How to punctuate a signal phrase
A short signal phrase with a verb of speaking takes a comma before the quote: Smith says, “…”. When you introduce a quote with a full sentence, use a colon: Smith makes the point clearly: “…”. When the signal phrase blends grammatically into the quote using “that,” use no punctuation and no capital letter: Smith notes that “the trend continued.” Match the version to how the quote fits your sentence rather than defaulting to a comma every time. For citation rules once the quote is placed, see how to cite a quote.
FAQ
What is a signal phrase for a quote?
A short lead-in that introduces a quotation and names its source, such as “According to Smith,” or “The author argues.” It credits the source and connects the quote to your sentence.
What are some examples of signal phrases?
“Smith says,” “the report notes,” “Garcia argues,” “as the data shows,” and “Lee suggests” are common examples. The verb signals whether the source is reporting, arguing, or confirming.
How do you punctuate a signal phrase?
Use a comma after a short speaking verb (“Smith says, …”), a colon after a full introductory sentence, and no punctuation when you connect the quote with “that.”
Where should the signal phrase go?
At the start, middle, or end of the quote. Front placement is clearest; middle placement adds emphasis; end placement suits short quotes. Varying the position improves flow.
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