Overview
Academic reported speech uses precise reporting verbs, often with full backshift. Sources are attributed with author + year (Smith (2020) argues that…). Present simple is used for universally applicable ideas (Einstein shows that…). Past simple is used for completed or dated findings.
Academic Reported Speech
- Academic writing uses reported speech to integrate sources — paraphrase, summarise, and attribute ideas.
- Direct quoteSmith (2020) states: 'The results are significant.'
- IndirectSmith (2020) argues that the results are significant.
- ParaphraseAccording to Smith (2020), the results support the hypothesis.
Reporting Verb Tense in Academic Prose
- PresentSmith argues that — for current/living authors.
- PastJones (1995) found that — for historical research.
- Present perf.Researchers have shown that — general ongoing finding.
Precision in Attribution
- Choose verbs that reflect the strength of the claim:
- Cautioussuggests / indicates / implies
- Assertiveargues / contends / maintains / asserts
- Factualshows / demonstrates / proves / confirms
When to use
Literature review
Jones (2018) argues that the policy has failed.
Data analysis
The findings suggest that further research is needed.
Dissertations
As Smith notes, the evidence is inconclusive.
Essays
According to Brown (2021), inequality is increasing.