Academic Writing at University Using Reporting Verbs

P a g e 1 | 4 Scientific English Course Academic Year: 2019-2020, 2^nd Sem Master 1st Level Collected by: Dr F.ABI-AYAD

Academic Writing at University Using Reporting Verbs

Academic writing requires you to use citations to refer to the original source when you have used someone else’s ideas or concepts in your writing. One of the most common ways to incorporate these citations into your writing is to use reporting verbs to present the information.

Some of the most Common Reporting Verbs:

Complete the table below by typing the reporting verbs in the corresponding function box in the table. There are some examples to guide you,

After that retain the verbs with their corresponding function,

comment confirm assume verify estimate study describe

challenge maintain reject demonstrate believe investigate reason

P a g e 2 | 4

Function Reporting Verbs

Neutral meaning note discuss An author’s position on an issue

(agreement/disagreement)

argue assert doubt refute support emphasise recommend suggest

An author’s thoughts consider think recognise Show author is presenting

something show illustrate explain indicate Show author is proving something establish validate

An author’s action examine observe analyse find

Correction:

Function Reporting Verbs

Neutral meaning note discuss study describe An author’s position on an issue

(agreement/disagreement)

argue assert doubt refute support emphasise recommend suggest challenge maintain reject An author’s thoughts consider think recognise comment assume believe Show author is presenting

something

show illustrate explain indicate demonstrate

Show author is proving something establish validate confirm verify reason estimate An author’s action examine observe analyse find investigate

P a g e 3 | 4 Grammar of reporting verbs:

Here are some grammatical patterns to follow in using these verbs:

Pattern 1: reporting verb + that + subject + verb

acknowledge admit agree allege argue

assert assume believe claim conclude

consider decide demonstrate deny determine

discover doubt emphasize explain find

hypothesize imply indicate infer note

object observe point out prove reveal

say show state suggest think

Examples:

a. Dr Adam argues that previous researchers have misinterpreted the data.

b. Researchers have demonstrated that the procedure is harmful.

Pattern 2: reporting verb + somebody/something + for + noun/gerund

applaud blame censure criticize disparage

fault praise ridicule single out thank

a. Smith criticized Jones for his use of incomplete data (OR for using incomplete data).

b. Both Smith and Jones condemn previous researchers for distorting the data.

P a g e 4 | 4 c. Banting thanked Best for his contribution to the discovery of insulin.

Pattern 3: reporting verb + somebody/something + as + noun/gerund/adjective

appraise assess characterize class classify

define depict describe evaluate identify

interpret portray present refer view

a. Jones describes the findings as resting on irrefutable evidence.

b. Smith identifies the open window as a source of contamination.

c. Smith and Jones both present their data as conclusive.

References:

1-Writing Advice, “Toronto University”

2-Reporting Verbs, “Technology University of Sydney”

3-using reference verbs, “Hong Kong University”

4-useful words and phrases, “Lund University”