When writing a paper using APA style, signal phrase verbs should be written in past tense. When you are asked to write a paper that follows MLA guidelines, signal phrases should always be written in present (not past) tense. In the examples above, notice how the signal phrase verbs are written in present tense. In APA, it is common to see general references to “researchers.” Signal Phrase Verb Tense In essays written according to MLA and APA guidelines, it is acceptable to refer to the author as “the author” as long as it is perfectly clear to whom you are referring. Notice how each signal phrase verb is followed by a comma (or the word “that”), which is then followed by one space before the opening quotation mark. He then specifies, “I would argue that the conversation got under way in earnest in 1971, when Berry published an article in The Last Whole Earth Catalogue” (29).Pollan continues, “But the national conversation unfolding around the subject of food and farming really began in the 1970s” (29).Michael Pollan observes that “Americans today are having a national conversation about food and agriculture that would have been impossible to imagine even a few short years ago” (29).Any future signal phrase should refer to the author by last name only or with a pronoun when it’s perfectly clear to whom that pronoun refers. But in MLA papers, if you are referring to an author for the first time in your essay, you should include that author’s first name (you might also want to include the author’s credentials and the title of the source-see “Types of Signal Phrases” below). For instance, APA style guidelines require no reference to an author’s first name at any point in an essay and few if any gender specific pronouns. In many instances, a signal phrase should contain only the last name of the author or authors of the source text (as opposed to the author’s first and last name).
Referring to the Author within a Signal Phrase A signal phrase may also include information explaining an author’s credentials and/or affiliations as well as the title and/or publisher of the source text. Signal phrases can also be used as meaningful transitions, moving your readers between your ideas and those of your sources.Ī basic signal phrase consists of an author’s name and an active verb indicating how the author is presenting the material. It is important to use signal phrases to clearly attribute supporting evidence to an author and to avoid interrupting the flow of an essay. This chapter offers a more detailed introduction to using signal phrases.Ī signal phrase, also known as an attributive tag, is a device used to smoothly integrate quotations and paraphrases into your essay. You want to avoid plopping in direct quotes without attribution or context, and signal phrases can offer both. Not using signal phrases can result in dropped quotes or dropped quotations. 77 Signal Phrases and Transitions When writing with sources, a common practice is to use “signal phrases” to indicate the source of information.
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