Using Signal Phrases

Whenever you include another person’s idea in your writing, you should credit the source of the information. You can use a signal phrase to "signal" to readers where the information comes from. 

An effective signal phrase identifies the title and author and uses a vivid verb to introduce the source's idea.

Vivid Verbs

When writing signal phrases, replace bland verbs (is, was, were) with vivid verbs (describes, insists, reports). Here are some examples of strong verbs:

Your Turn  Add signal phrases to the following sentences. Make sure to identify the title and author and use a vivid verb. Reword other parts of the sentence as needed. The first one is done for you.

1. It was about how autumn leaves change because they lose their green pigment.
   (Title: "Why Do Leaves Change Color?" / Author: Desmond Lee)

   The article “Why Do Leaves Change Color?” by Desmond Lee reports that autumn leaves change because they lose their green pigment.

2. A boy is stranded in a vast wilderness and must survive.
   (Title: Hatchet / Author: Gary Paulsen)
3. It was about the unique composition of quasicrystals and how their discovery was controversial.  
   (Title: "When a Crystal Becomes Nobel Worthy" / Author: Ishmael Crowder)
4. Students need to be alert, vocal, and willing to act in order to stop bullying online.
   (Title: Standing Up to Cyberbullies / Author: Piper Scott)