Signal phrases and their functions Function Your choice of signal phrases can tell the reader something about the stance of the author you’re citing, and sometimes about your own stance. Signal phrases have many different functions, implying various different perspectives on the information they frame. This can be done using a transition word such as “although” or “however.” Example: Signal phrases showing contrasting arguments Signal phrases can also be used to contrast different arguments. In his groundbreaking work The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell argues that all myths are variations of a single, earlier myth.In his groundbreaking work The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell concedes that all myths are variations of a single, earlier myth.Your word choice will determine how accurately you characterize the author’s position. When using signal phrases, it is important not to misrepresent the author’s argument. You might also include the title of the source or the credentials of the author to establish their authority on the topic. An attributive tag such as “according to” or “has argued”.
The name of the scholar(s) or study that you want to reference.Using signal phrases effectively means including: Vary how you use them to create a sense of flow in your writing. Signal phrases can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Once you have found a relevant quote or argument that you want to include in your essay, a signal phrase can help you to introduce it. For example, phrases such as “has shown” and “have proven” suggest that you agree, while phrases like “has claimed” or “proposes” are less definitive and may introduce a counterargument. Signal phrases also allow you to position the source in relation to your own argument.