advances argues asserts assumes casts doubt on claims comments contends declares demonstrates describes emphasises explains highlights hypothesises implies maintains mentions notes observes questions pinpoints points out proposes provides evidence puts forward shows states stresses suggests Sentence examples of academic verbs In a latest article Morton (2012) explains how information technology is changing society. Schmidt (2010) describes the process of language acquisition. Kon (2000) suggests that all poets are strongly influenced by their childhood (says indirectly or tentatively) Lee(2006) states that problems arose earlier than previously thought. (says directly) Uvarov (2001) claims / asserts / contends / maintains / declares that the causes of the revolution can be traced back to the 18th century ( says something is true directly, and firmly, often used when others disagree) Van et al (2002) implies that other historians have been misinterpreted the period. (suggests indirectly) Patel (1987) argues that governments should continue to fund space projects (he gives reasons for his view) Greenberg (2001) emphasises / highlights / stresses the importance of taking a liberal approach (gives particular importance to) Levack (2010) observes / notes / comments / points out that there are contadictions in Day’s interpretation of the poem (states but does not develop at length) Kim (2005)demonstrates / shows how Bach’s music draws considerably on earlier composer’s work. Gray (2012) proves there is a link between obesity and genes (shows that something must be true) In the book Dean (2010) mentions some new research in the field (refers to briefly) McIntosh (2012) pinpoints the key features of the period in question (focuses in on it) Vaz (1998) advances / puts forward / proposes a new theory (used with idea, theory, hypothesis) Davidson (2006) casts doubt on previous research in the field (suggests it is inaccurate) Gerrand (2001) questions previous interpretations of the play (suggests it is inaccurate)
Source: Mccarthy, M & O'dell, F (2007) Academic English in Use, Cambridge