Final answer:
A signal phrase introduces quoted or paraphrased material in academic writing, providing attribution and context. It contains a verb indicating the original author's tone or stance and helps integrate the quote into the writer's text. Proper use of signal phrases and punctuation is essential for clarity and to prevent plagiarism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A signal phrase is a group of words used in academic writing to introduce quoted or paraphrased material, indicating to the reader that what follows is not the writer’s original work. These phrases are important because they provide proper attribution to the original author and help integrate the quotation into the flow of the writer’s own work. It also provides context to the reader and can offer insight into the author’s tone or stance regarding the material. Signal phrases often include a verb such as argues, comments, or suggests.
When an author is not well-known or if the context is not clear to the reader, more information is provided within the signal phrase. For example: “Mary Catherine Bateson, daughter of renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead, has become, in her own right, a student of modern civilization.” This not only introduces the quote but also provides necessary context to understand the relevance and authority of the quotation.
To introduce quotations effectively, a variety of signal phrases should be used to avoid monotony. Correct punctuation like quotation marks and parenthetical citations is crucial when attributing sources to maintain academic integrity and prevent plagiarism. Verb tense may vary in signal phrases depending on the academic discipline and its conventions.