The Writing Center

Verbs that Help You Attribute Quotations


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Attributive phrases use verbs in the present tense. Continually using writes or says to attribute quotes throughout a paper can give it a monotonous tone. To vary attributive phrases, you might consider verbs such as these:

adds denies relates
agrees derides reports
argues disagrees responds
asks disputes reveals
asserts emphasizes says
believes explains sees
claims finds shows
comments holds speculates
compares illustrates states
concedes implies suggests
concludes insists thinks
condemns maintains warns
considers notes writes
contends observes
declares points out
defends rejects

Compiled from The Allyn & Bacon Handbook, 3rd edition, p. 587.


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