Popular academic reporting verbs

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