Dictionary

signal phrase en · NOUN

Etymology

From signal + phrase.

Meanings

1. An indication that something is a paraphrase or direct quote.
   • Introduce the material being cited with a signal phrase, usually the authors name, and use a parenthetical citation stating the page number of the sentence. 1993, Sheila Cooper, Rosemary Patton, Ergo: Thinking Critically and Writing Logically, page 220:
   • "Smith suggests that..." and "In Smith's words..." are both signal phrases.
2. A phrase that signals a particular meaning or stance.
   • To identify an opinion, look for signal phrases such as “I think,” “I consider,” “I'm convinced,” “I guess,” “I believe,” or “I feel.” 1996, Mary Ann Christensen, Interpreting Literature & the Arts, page 76:

Forms