Signal Your Quotations

ooFamiliarize yourself with the various verbs commonly used to introduce quotations. Here is a partial list:

n

n

Argues writes points out concludes comments notes maintains suggests insists observes counters implies states claims demonstrates says explains reveals

nEach verb has its own nuance. Make sure that the nuance matches your specific aims in introducing the quotation.

o
There are other ways to begin quotations. Here are three common phrasings:

n

In the words of X, . . .

nAccording to X, . . .

nIn X's view, . . .

oVary the way you introduce quotations to avoid sounding monotonous.

Vary the way you indicate the speaker and the source.

He said, “This is a very special day for me, not least because Friday is my favorite day of the week.”

Pasternack said, according to Reuters’ Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer, “This is a very special day for me, not least because Friday is my favorite day of the week.” (Blackburn-Dwyer)

Or

“This is a very special day for me,” he told Reuters, “not least because Friday is my favorite day of the week.” (Blackburn-Dwyer)