Reporting language, which is generally a subject (noun) + present tense verb, can help you introduce and discuss ideas from other sources that you want to integrate into your own writing. It also helps to give your sources proper credit.

Here are some ways to use reporting language in writing.

1. INTRODUCE A QUOTATION, OR PARAPHRASE INFORMATION

[Name] “reports on” + noun phrase
Example: In her article “English is Great,” Jane Smith reports on the popularity of online English classes.

Other reporting language phrases that fit here:
…”examines” + noun phrase
…”proposes” + noun phrase
…”discusses” + noun phrase
…”points out” + noun phrase or noun clause
…”states” + noun clause
…”says” + noun clause
…”explains that” / how/ why + noun clause
…”discusses” + noun phrase or +how/why +noun clause
…”adds that” + noun clause
…”concludes that” + noun phrase

You can also use this with third person plural pronouns – and of course, change the respective verb tense:

Smith and Jones state that online English classes are very popular.

2. SHOW THAT YOUR SOURCE IS PRESENTING AN OPINION FOLLOWED BY REASONING

…”argues that” + noun clause
Example: Jones argues that the popularity of online language classes is due to busy schedules.

…”believes that” + noun clause
…”maintains that” + noun clause

3. SHOW THAT YOUR SOURCE IS GIVING AN OPINION OR PRESENTING A FACT THAT COULD BE DISPUTED

…”asserts that” + noun clause
Example: Smith asserts that English is a simple language to learn.

…”claims that” + noun clause

4. EXPRESS AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT AMONG SOURCES

…”disputes” + noun phrase
Example: Smith disputes the assertion that English is simpler than other languages..

…”disagrees that” + noun clause
…”disagrees, pointing out that” + noun clause
…”acknowledges that” + noun clause
…”agrees that” + noun clause
…”agrees, adding” + noun clause

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