Using Signal Phrases

Author's Lack of Credentials

Type: Author's lack of credentials in a given area is highlighted.
Example: Matthew Spencer, with a background in marriage counseling, comments on foreign policy.
Purpose:
- Illustrates a lack of authority on the subject.
- Persuades the audience against adopting the author's ideas.
- Beneficial for countering arguments.

Author's Social or Political Stance

Type: Author's social or political stance is explained.
Example:
- Roland Hayes, a civil rights activist, employs nonviolent civil disobedience.
- Ralph Spencer, with ties to the White Nationalist movement, denies.
Purpose:
- Helps readers understand why the author holds a particular view.
- Can positively or negatively influence the audience.
- Caution: Avoid logical fallacies like loaded language.

Publisher of the Source

Type: The source's publisher is identified.
Example: According to a recent CNN poll…
Purpose:
- Reinforces the credibility of the information presented.
- Capitalizes on the reputation/credibility of the source's publisher.

Title of the Source

Type: The title of the source is included.
Example: In "Understanding Human Behavior,” Riley argues…
Purpose: Informs the reader of the source of the cited passage.

Establishing Context

Type: Information that establishes context is presented.
Example: In a speech at a Free Speech rally, Elaine Wallace encourages…
Purpose: Helps the audience understand the author's purpose more clearly.

MLA Signal Phrase Verbs