In academic writing, any time a writer brings in quotes and ideas from a source, they need to cite the source. MLA and APA styles both require in-text citations for all quoted, paraphrased, or summarized material from a source. A signal phrase can be used as part of the in-text citation, introducing source information usually with the author’s name and signaling to the reader that material is from that source. Parenthetical citations include author’s last name, if not already included in a signal phrase, and page numbers when available (many online don’t have page numbers to include in citations). 

Sample citation with signal phrase:
In the introductory chapter to Let’s Talk: A Pocket Rhetoric, Andrea Lundsford emphasizes that “writing is actually a way of participating in a larger conversation” (10).

Sample citation with source information in parenthetical citation:
Many composition scholars emphasize that “writing is actually a way of participating in a larger conversation” (Lundsford 10).
 

Works Cited entry for the above citations:
Lundsford, Andrea. Let’s Talk: A Pocket Rhetoric. Norton, 2021.

Using Signal Phrases

The verbs you use reveal your own attitude toward the article, its author’s tone or its importance. Choosing a verb that describes the position of the author is best. For example, if an author is predicting a future event, say, “Jones predicts,” not “Jones says.” However, saying that an author “insists” suggests that you do not agree with that author’s position. Below is a comprehensive list of verbs presented in a table.