Reporting verbs

Popular academic reporting verbs

advances
argues
asserts
assumes
casts doubt on
claims
comments
contends
declares
demonstrates
describes
emphasises
explains
highlights
hypothesises
implies
maintains
mentions
notes
observes
questions
pinpoints
points out
proposes
provides evidence
puts forward
shows
states
stresses
suggests
Sentence examples of academic verbs
In a latest article Morton (2012) explains how information technology is changing society.
Schmidt (2010) describes the process of language acquisition.
Kon (2000) suggests that all poets are strongly influenced by their childhood (says indirectly or
tentatively)
Lee(2006) states that problems arose earlier than previously thought. (says directly)
Uvarov (2001) claims / asserts / contends / maintains / declares that the causes of the
revolution can be traced back to the 18th century ( says something is true directly, and firmly,
often used when others disagree)
Van et al (2002) implies that other historians have been misinterpreted the period. (suggests
indirectly)
Patel (1987) argues that governments should continue to fund space projects (he gives reasons
for his view)
Greenberg (2001) emphasises / highlights / stresses the importance of taking a liberal
approach (gives particular importance to)
Levack (2010) observes / notes / comments / points out that there are contadictions in Day’s
interpretation of the poem (states but does not develop at length)
Kim (2005)demonstrates / shows how Bach’s music draws considerably on earlier composer’s
work.
Gray (2012) proves there is a link between obesity and genes (shows that something must be
true)
In the book Dean (2010) mentions some new research in the field (refers to briefly)
McIntosh (2012) pinpoints the key features of the period in question (focuses in on it)
Vaz (1998) advances / puts forward / proposes a new theory (used with idea, theory,
hypothesis)
Davidson (2006) casts doubt on previous research in the field (suggests it is inaccurate)
Gerrand (2001) questions previous interpretations of the play (suggests it is inaccurate)

Source: Mccarthy, M & O'dell, F (2007) Academic English in Use, Cambridge