Reporting Verbs in Academic English
Master the art of integrating sources like a pro.
Why Go Beyond "Says"?
In academic writing, the reporting verbs you choose are powerful. They do more than just report information—they show your reader how you interpret that information. A well-chosen verb can show agreement, disagreement, neutrality, or caution. Mastering them elevates your writing from a simple summary to a critical analysis.
Choosing the Right Verb
| Function / Stance | Example Verbs |
|---|---|
| Neutral / Descriptive | state, report, note, observe, describe, explain |
| Tentative / Cautious (Hedging) | suggest, propose, indicate, imply, speculate |
| Strong / Argumentative (Boosting) | argue, maintain, contend, assert, claim, insist |
| Showing Agreement | agree, support, confirm, acknowledge, corroborate |
| Showing Disagreement | challenge, question, dispute, refute, contradict |
| Investigative / Examining | analyze, investigate, examine, explore, assess |
Practice 1: Choose the Right Verb
1. The author strongly disagrees with previous theories and provides significant counter-evidence. She _______ that the old model is flawed.
2. The study doesn't offer definitive proof, but the data points towards a potential link. The findings _______ a possible correlation.
3. A government report provides factual data on recent economic trends without offering an opinion. The report _______ that inflation rose by 2%.
Practice 2: Drag the Verb
Drag the verbs from the bank into the correct sentences.
1. Johnson (2023) directly contradicts Smith's theory, presenting evidence that it entirely.
2. In her paper, Chen (2021) a new framework for understanding the issue, though it has yet to be tested.
3. The research team carefully the data from over 500 participants to identify key patterns.
Practice 3: Rewrite the Sentence
Original: "In my view, the new policy will have negative consequences." (Dr. Lee, 2024)
Rewrite using the verb in brackets: [maintains]
Original: The report said: "We recommend investing in renewable energy."
Rewrite using the verb in brackets and the correct grammar pattern: [recommends]