Signal verbs are used to distinguish between the words of different writers or speakers, with dozens of qualifying words available. The most common signal verbs are those that jump to or from an exact quote, while more subtle implications can be made with words like “think” or “propose”. Signal verbs can also be used to add emphasis or indicate the secondary importance of a topic. Using a variety of signal verbs can help writers make more nuanced distinctions in their writing.
A signal verb helps make the distinction clear when someone is writing or speaking about the words of another writer or speaker. Used to display literal quotes or to paraphrase, when judging or simply regurgitating, signal verbs are common and necessary components of every language. Dozens of qualifying words in the English language, from “recognize” to “wonder,” many with their own special shades of meaning.
The most commonly used signaling verbs are those that simply jump to or from an exact quote. These words can be ‘said’, ‘declared’, ‘reported’ or even ‘reaffirmed’. This type of signaling verb lacks judgment and is usually a requirement of traditional journalism and academic writing or presentation.
Criticism leads to a more subtle form of the signaling verb. Subtle implications can be made: “The author claims Bigfoot is real,” implies doubt. In contrast, “Experts Conclude Earth Is Under Attack” leaves little doubt, even though the new writer is emphasizing the expert’s belief and not his own. Other assessments can be made with words such as “think”, “propose”, “believe” and the almost cliché “state”. A person may “think” they know enough about bringing verbs back to this point, but they would be wrong — an important distinction to make.
A signal verb used evaluatively is not always to criticize another’s words or thoughts. Some of these words are used to add emphasis – or even a lack of emphasis – where the original author intended it to be placed. This can be used with emphasis, for example with verbs such as “warn”, “emphasize” or “underline”. Using a signal verb like “mention,” in contrast, can help the writer indicate the secondary importance of a topic. For example, “Mom said could I eat her leftovers?”
Signal verbs are used to express many other feelings in fresh content, from subtle doubt to outright disgust. “Dispute” or “refute” introduce these disagreements in objective terms. Others such as “argue” may be more emphatic when the divisions are more contentious.
Many writers speculate that signaling verbs should be used sparingly. Others try to memorize as many as possible to take advantage of their subtle differences. Readers appreciate the effort to strengthen understanding. They want to know if a doctor “aggrandizes” a certain treatment or if scientists “foresee” a dangerous change in the earth’s climate. The more comprehensive a list of signaling verbs a writer has learned, the more subtle tinkering they can make in writing.
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