Embedding Quotations: Signal Phrases

San José State University Writing Center
www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter
Written by Cassia Homann
Embedding Quotations
Using quotations is important in the writing process because they add strong evidence when used
appropriately. However, embedding quotations effectively into sentences is just as important as
finding the correct quotations to use. Correctly embedded quotations move the reader from the
quoted text back into the paragraph smoothly.
Signal Phrases
Signal phrases introduce the article a quotation is from, the person who said the quotation, or
both. They are key for embedding quotations. The signal phrases used in the examples of this
handout are written in bold print.
Some Signal Phrases to Use
according to claims points out

discusses proposes notes
states writes demonstrates
argues explains says
Strategies for Embedding Quotations

There are three strategies you can use to embed quotations: set off quotations, build in
quotations, or introduce quotations with a colon.
Set off Quotations

Set-off quotations are set off from the sentence with a comma. Capitalize the first word of the
quote. Notice the signal phrases (in bold print) used in the following examples.
Examples of Setting off Quotations
As Jane Smith explains, “A duck’s quack doesn’t echo.”

“Cheese is the most stolen food in the world,” according to Jane Smith.
In the article, Jane Smith writes, “Snails can sleep for three years without eating.”
“Dolphins,” as Jane Smith notes, “have highly developed emotion centers in their brains.”
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Build in Quotations
Unlike set-off quotations, built-in quotations are built seamlessly in to a sentence. They are not
set off with commas and usually use the word “that” along with a signal phrase. Do not capitalize
the first word of these quotes.
Embedding Quotations, Fall 2013. Rev. Summer 2014.

Examples of Building In Quotations
In the interest of animal sleeping habits, Jane Smith proposes that “dolphins sleep with
one eye open.”
Jane Smith points out, in her article about the sun, that “only 55% of all Americans know
that the sun is a star.”
Introduce Quotations with a Colon

For this strategy, the signal is a complete sentence that goes before the colon. This sentence
provides some information about the quotation to introduce it. The quotation follows the colon,
and the first word in the quotation is capitalized.
Examples of Introducing Quotes with a Colon
In her book about pets, Jane Smith discusses the benefits of owning a dog: “Dog owners
are less likely to suffer from depression and have lower levels of stress than people who
do not own dogs.”
Jane Smith argues that there are many good reasons for consuming dark chocolate:
“Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, lowers blood pressure, and is high in vitamins and
minerals.”
Common Errors in Embedding Quotations

When embedding quotations, be sure to avoid the following common errors.
Ambiguous Pronouns
Make sure the name of the person who said the quote is not in an introductory phrase, but part of
the subject. The subject of the sentence should use the name of the person who said the quote.
Incorrect: In Jane Smith’s book about pets, she claims that “people who own dogs have lower
levels of stress.”
Correct: In her book about pets, Jane Smith claims that “people who own dogs have lower
levels of stress.”
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Floating Quotations
Embedding quotations is important because the reader can follow the paragraph more easily.
This means that there should be no sentences composed entirely of a quotation, or the reader may
find it difficult to connect the quotation to the point one wishes to make in the paragraph.
Incorrect: Jane Smith states that there are many good reasons to eat dark chocolate. “Dark
chocolate contains many antioxidants.”
Correct: Jane Smith states that there are many good reasons to eat dark chocolate, including that
“dark chocolate contains many antioxidants.”
Correct: Jane Smith states that eating dark chocolate is good for one’s health. For instance,
“Dark chocolate contains many antioxidants.”
Activity
Embed the following quotations using the name Jane Smith and any of the three techniques for
embedding quotations mentioned in this handout. Try using different signal phrases for each one.
1. “The Grammy Awards were created to fight the new wave of rock music.”
2. “The Mars rover landed in August 2012 and is there to discover whether Mars is suitable
for life.”
3. People should try to exercise for at least thirty minutes every day.”
4. “Many large cities around the world experience problems with waste management.”
5. “Cars are much safer now than they were fifty years ago.”
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Embedding Quotations: Signal Phrases

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San José State University Writing Center

Some Signal Phrases to Use

according to claims points out

Strategies for Embedding Quotations

Set off Quotations

Examples of Setting off Quotations

As Jane Smith explains, “A duck’s quack doesn’t echo.”

Embedding Quotations, Fall 2013. Rev. Summer 2014.

Introduce Quotations with a Colon

Examples of Introducing Quotes with a Colon

Common Errors in Embedding Quotations

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