Academic Skills Unit

Reporting Verbs
When discussing an authors work, reporting verbs can be used to great effect. For example, the reporting verb you select to introduce your discussion/comments can either indicate your viewpoint regarding the veracity/accuracy of the literature (i.e., correct, neither correct/incorrect, incorrect), or it can indicate the authors viewpoint regarding the content of the literature (i.e., positive or negative). Here is a list of possible reporting verbs indicating, from your viewpoint: a belief that the literature is correct a neutral attitude towards the veracity of the literature (i.e., neither correct nor incorrect) a belief that the literature is incorrect.
Students attitude towards the literature being cited:
Reporting verbs
These are usually in 3 person singular or plural simple present tense form.
E.g. Brown (2004) explains Smith and Bull (2003) explain
rd

CORRECT
acknowledges 1 defines demonstrates explains identifies observes outlines shows throws light on

NEUTRAL
adds argues claims clarifies2 concludes5 3 describes expresses feels finds indicates informs presents proposes4 remarks reminds reports states uses

INCORRECT

confuses disregards 6 ignores

Care needs to be taken to ensure that these verbs are used appropriately consult your dictionary for the meaning and usage if you are not sure. Examples: 1 Stein-Parbury (2000) defines listening as the ability to hear, understand, and appreciate a patients experience. 2 De Cieri et al. (2003) clarify the role of human resources in terms of a companys improved competitiveness in their Australian Business Excellence Model. In their presentation, Sawyer and Smith (2001) described* their sampling methods and data analysis in great detail. [*Note: Simple past
tense is used as the description of the sampling methods was completed in the past.]

In their study on acculturation, Birman, Sharpe, and Angeles (2004) propose a variety of solutions to the current problem facing Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney, that of ghettoisation (p. 77). Previous studies on the work-study balance of tertiary students (Campbell, 2004; Guthrie, Logan, & Tuomy, 2003; Smith, 1999) concluded* that most students prioritise work over study. [*Note:
Present perfect tense is used here as a number of former studies and their findings are being discussed in terms of their relevance today.]

Lygon (2001) ignores conflicting data in his review of the literature thereby compromising the credibility of his research in the field.
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It is also possible to indicate, by careful selection of the appropriate reporting verb, whether the author is positive or negative in their attitude to the content of the literature being cited. Here is a list of possible reporting verbs indicating, from the authors viewpoint: a positive attitude towards the content of the literature a negative or uncertain attitude towards the content of the literature.
Authors attitude towards the content being discussed: Reporting verbs
These are usually in rd 3 person singular or plural simple present tense form.
E.g. Brown (2004) insists Smith and Bull (2003) insist

POSITIVE

NEGATIVE/UNCERTAIN

accepts advises affirms agrees applauds asserts concurs7

insists maintains notes8 praises points out posits recommends

remarks stresses 9 subscribes to suggests supports thinks urges

attacks challenges10 disagrees 11 dismisses disputes doubts mistrusts

opposes questions12 rejects suspects warns

Care needs to be taken to ensure that these verbs are used appropriately consult your dictionary for the meaning and usage if you are not sure. Examples: 7 Taib (2003) and Partridge (2003) concur that the most effective way of improving second language proficiency is through social and linguistic immersion in a countrys culture and society. Bertrand and Sullivan (2002) note that in order to succeed academically, children require strict discipline at home as well as at school. Along with others in their field, Noonan and Williams (2002) subscribe to the theory that carefully selected domestic animals have a positive role to play in the palliative care of children and adults.

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10 Beaumont (1998) challenges many long-held beliefs amongst the medical fraternity about mind-body-spirit connections. 11 In their thorough review of related literature, Scederis et al. (2000) dismiss previous studies findings relating to the use of Royal Jelly to treat asthmatics. 12 Kennedy (1998) questions the claims made in Beaumonts paper (1998) on the role of meditation amongst sufferers of posttraumatic stress. 2/2

Print the Pamphlet Series Last revision: December 2006