Introducing Sources: Adding Dropped Quotes

July 22, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Writing Resources 

This resource will explain how to integrate direct quotes into your writing using introductory phrases and active verbs.

Signal Phrases

A signal phrase is a short introductory phrase that indicates that a quote or paraphrase is coming. By introducing a quotation or paraphrase with a signal phrase, you provide an effective transition between your own ideas and the evidence used to explore your ideas. One of the best ways to let readers know more about your source is to use a signal phrase. Signal phrases help readers “move from your own words to the words of a source without feeling a jolt” (Hacker 406). A writer uses signal phrases to avoid dropped quotations, smoothly leading the reader into the source’s ideas.   

Avoid

Here is an example of a dropped quotation:


People new to baking may not know that some bread batters should be hand mixed. “This light mixing technique produces quick breads with a lovely open crumb” (Greenspan 2).

Instead

Here is the same example with a signal phrase:


People new to baking may not know that some bread batters should be hand mixed. According to Dornie Greenspan, author of Baking: From My Home to Yours, “This light mixing technique produces quick breads with a lovely open crumb” (2). 

Signal Phrase Examples

In the words of noted psychologist Carl Jung, “…”

As cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead noted, “…”

Tyler, the Creator, Grammy award-winning songwriter and rapper, says, “…”

“…,” claims reality-TV star Alison Hammond.

Authors Amy Tan and Tobias Wolfe offer two unique perspectives on growing up: “…” (Hacker 408)

Verbs in Signal Phrases

Choose an appropriate verb to create your own signal phrase that will make your source’s position clear (Hacker 408).

Work Cited [MLA]

Hacker, Diana. Instructor’s Edition: Rules for Writers. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2004.

Learn more about using quotes effectively.

Learn more about the "Quote Sandwich".