[Helpful list for writing created at Shoreline CC]
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VERBS of ATTRIBUTION
(You can use these instead of “says.”)
Academic Skills Center Room 1501 Shoreline Community College
When you write about what other people say, you might use the verb “says,” as in this statement: The author says that only six reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh. “Says” is a verb of attribution; it means that you are quoting, paraphrasing, or referring to another source. “Says” is often overused, though, which makes the writing sound repetitive or boring.
When you want to show that you are citing someone else’s opinion or information, try using an attributive verb other that “says.” Different verbs of attribution are included in the list below. The verb you choose could be a relatively objective verb, or it could show that you agree or disagree with the cited material. Therefore, your verb choice is important!
General verbs of attribution:
accepts believes expresses hypothesizes offers states
acknowledges categorizes deals with illustrates points out suggests
addresses challenges decides implies proposes supposes
adds charges declares indicates questions thinks
advises cites defines insists realizes uses
allows claims describes interprets reasons utilizes
analyzes comments discusses introduces remarks warns
answers compares echoes lists replies wonders
asks concedes emphasizes maintains reports writes
asserts concludes exclaims mentions responds
assumes considers finds notes reveals
assures contends grants observes shows
argues explains holds offers speculates
Verbs of attribution that show agreement:
affirms concurs with
supports
agrees confirms verifies
concedes echoes
Verbs of attribution that show disagreement:
counters disagrees opposes
criticizes disputes refutes
denies objects rejects
REMEMBER: Be careful with your choice.
Each verb has implied meanings, and many are not interchangeable.
Use only verbs that you understand!
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