Reporting Verbs in Academic Writing

Summary

This video explains the importance and use of reporting verbs in academic writing. Reporting verbs are used to cite, paraphrase, or quote others' work, connecting citations with the text. The video explores different categories of reporting verbs, such as those that express agreement, disagreement, belief, or explanation. It also covers their strength—weak, neutral, or strong—and grammatical considerations, like tense and usage. Additionally, it introduces the phrase 'according to' and its role in citations, alongside common mistakes and examples of reporting verb usage in authentic texts. The video provides valuable insights for improving academic writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reporting verbs are used to report what someone has said or written, and they play a key role in academic writing by connecting citations and paraphrasing.
• 😀 There are different categories of reporting verbs, including those that indicate agreement (e.g., 'endorse', 'agree') and disagreement (e.g., 'oppose', 'reject').
• 😀 Some reporting verbs convey the general meaning of 'believe' (e.g., 'maintain', 'argue', 'assume'), while others indicate actions like 'examine' (e.g., 'investigate', 'analyze').
• 😀 Reporting verbs can vary in strength. For instance, 'assume' is weak, 'feel' is neutral, and 'insist' is strong, indicating how confident the writer is in their assertion.
• 😀 Weak reporting verbs are used when the original writer is unsure, neutral verbs describe without strong opinion, and strong verbs assert the information with conviction.
• 😀 Tense usage is important with reporting verbs. Present tense tends to make information seem current, while past tense is used for older research.
• 😀 Many reporting verbs are followed by a 'that' clause, but some are followed by noun phrases (e.g., 'echo', 'endorse', 'support'). It’s important to understand the specific usage of each verb.
• 😀 'According to' is commonly used in academic writing to introduce citations and functions similarly to reporting verbs but is not one itself.
• 😀 When using 'according to', you cannot use a reporting verb in the same sentence (e.g., 'according to Smith 2020 states that' is incorrect).
• 😀 The script also explains how in-text citations can be presented with or without reporting verbs, providing examples of how citations are handled in academic texts.

Q & A

What are reporting verbs and why are they important in academic writing?

Reporting verbs, also known as referring verbs, are used to report what someone has said or written. They are important in academic writing because they help to connect citations with paraphrases, summaries, or quotations, allowing the writer to acknowledge the source and convey the writer's perspective effectively.

Can you provide an example of how reporting verbs are used in everyday English?

In everyday English, reporting verbs are used in reported speech. For example: 'She said she was going on holiday' or 'You promised you'd love me forever.' These verbs report what someone else has stated or committed to.

What are the common reporting verbs used in academic writing?

Common reporting verbs in academic writing include 'agree,' 'suggest,' 'claim,' 'argue,' 'state,' 'describe,' 'acknowledge,' 'conclude,' and 'emphasize,' among many others. Each verb has a specific nuance that helps to convey the writer's perspective.

How can reporting verbs be categorized based on their meaning?

Reporting verbs can be categorized into different groups based on their meaning, such as: verbs for agreeing (e.g., 'endorse,' 'support'), disagreeing (e.g., 'oppose,' 'reject'), accusing (e.g., 'blame,' 'criticize'), believing (e.g., 'argue,' 'assume'), emphasizing (e.g., 'highlight,' 'stress'), and explaining (e.g., 'clarify,' 'define').

What is the difference between weak, neutral, and strong reporting verbs?

Reporting verbs vary in strength. Weak reporting verbs (e.g., 'assume,' 'speculate') suggest uncertainty or a lack of strong evidence. Neutral verbs (e.g., 'feel,' 'discover') do not express a strong or weak stance. Strong verbs (e.g., 'insist,' 'argue') are used when the writer is confident or presenting compelling evidence.

How does the strength of a reporting verb affect the tone of a sentence?

The strength of a reporting verb affects the tone by conveying the writer's confidence or lack thereof. Strong verbs like 'insist' suggest a firm belief, while weaker verbs like 'assume' indicate a more tentative stance. Neutral verbs are typically used when the information is presented objectively.

How do you determine whether to use the present or past tense with reporting verbs?

The choice between present and past tense with reporting verbs depends on the relevance and timeliness of the information. Present tense is typically used for current or still relevant ideas, while past tense is used for older research or ideas that are no longer current.

Can reporting verbs be followed by a 'that' clause, or do they always need a noun phrase?

Many reporting verbs are followed by a 'that' clause (e.g., 'Smith 2020 insists that...'). However, some verbs require a noun phrase (e.g., 'Green 2020 blames the government for...'). It's important to know the specific usage of each verb to avoid errors in sentence structure.

What is the purpose of the phrase 'according to' in academic writing?

The phrase 'according to' is used to introduce citations in academic writing, similar to reporting verbs. It is neutral in meaning and is often used when referring to someone's statement or research, but it cannot be used with a reporting verb in the same sentence.

How does the use of citations without reporting verbs impact the sentence structure?

When a citation is placed at the end of a sentence without a reporting verb (e.g., 'Government in action is to blame for the current COVID crisis, Green 2020'), the citation still provides the necessary source information, but the sentence remains concise and focused on the idea rather than the reporting verb.