When you’re writing essays, reports, or even just explaining a passage, you might find yourself using the phrase “the text states” over and over. While it’s a clear way to show where your information comes from, it can start to feel repetitive. That’s why it helps to have a variety of alternatives at hand. Changing your wording keeps your writing fresh, more engaging, and sometimes even more precise. Whether you’re quoting, summarizing, or explaining, there are plenty of other ways to say the same thing without losing meaning. Let’s look at some simple, effective options you can use instead.
What Does “The Text States” Mean?
“The text states” is a phrase used to point to exact words or facts from a passage, book, or article. It means you are using the author’s own words or a direct idea from the writing. This phrase is common in reading comprehension, essays, and reports.
When to Use “The Text States”
You use “the text states” when you need to give proof. This is common in school essays, reading tests, and research papers. For example, you might write, The text states that whales are mammals, to support your answer.
It’s clear and formal, so it works well in academic writing. In everyday talk, people might say, “It says in the book” instead. Both mean the same thing, but “the text states” sounds more official.
40 Other Ways to Say “The Text States”
1. The passage explains
Meaning: The passage provides clarification or details.
Explanation: Used when the text clarifies a concept or idea.
Example: The passage explains that the reform aimed to simplify tax codes.
Best Use: Academic essays, analytical writing.
Worst Use: Casual conversation or social media captions.
Tone: Formal, explanatory.
2. According to the text
Meaning: The text is the source of the statement.
Explanation: Neutral phrasing for citing textual evidence.
Example: According to the text, the character struggled with isolation.
Best Use: Essays, research papers, formal analysis.
Worst Use: Creative writing where immersion is key.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
3. As mentioned in the passage
Meaning: Refers back to information earlier in the text.
Explanation: A smooth way to connect analysis with source.
Example: As mentioned in the passage, the treaty failed to prevent further conflict.
Best Use: Academic essays, summaries.
Worst Use: Headlines or bullet-point summaries.
Tone: Formal, linking.
4. The article notes
Meaning: The article makes an observation.
Explanation: Often used in journalism or academic writing.
Example: The article notes that renewable energy investment has doubled.
Best Use: News analysis, literature reviews.
Worst Use: Fiction writing.
Tone: Professional, concise.
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5. The text highlights
Meaning: The text draws attention to a point.
Explanation: Works when emphasis is intended.
Example: The text highlights the importance of biodiversity in ecosystem stability.
Best Use: Analytical essays, policy papers.
Worst Use: Quick casual messages.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
6. As outlined in the reading
Meaning: Summarizing structured content from the text.
Explanation: Suggests the text has a clear plan or list.
Example: As outlined in the reading, there are three main causes of inflation.
Best Use: Academic discussions, presentations.
Worst Use: Informal blog posts.
Tone: Organized, formal.
7. The author points out
Meaning: The author makes a specific remark.
Explanation: Adds a sense of author’s intent.
Example: The author points out that migration patterns have shifted dramatically.
Best Use: Literary analysis, opinion essays.
Worst Use: Strictly factual reports.
Tone: Slightly analytical.
8. The narrative reveals
Meaning: The story uncovers details.
Explanation: Suitable for storytelling or literature.
Example: The narrative reveals the protagonist’s hidden fear.
Best Use: Literary essays, creative analysis.
Worst Use: Scientific papers.
Tone: Creative, descriptive.
9. The book asserts
Meaning: The book confidently claims something.
Explanation: Good for persuasive or argumentative texts.
Example: The book asserts that climate change is the defining challenge of our era.
Best Use: Critical reviews, debates.
Worst Use: Neutral summaries.
Tone: Strong, formal.
10. The document indicates
Meaning: The document suggests or shows evidence.
Explanation: Slightly technical phrasing.
Example: The document indicates a rise in manufacturing output.
Best Use: Reports, historical analysis.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, factual.
11. As the source explains
Meaning: The original source provides clarification.
Explanation: Direct reference to primary source.
Example: As the source explains, the policy was intended to encourage trade.
Best Use: Research writing, academic references.
Worst Use: Everyday conversation.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
12. The report states
Meaning: The report explicitly says something.
Explanation: Used for formal reports or factual data.
Example: The report states that GDP growth slowed in the last quarter.
Best Use: Business writing, formal communication.
Worst Use: Fictional narrative.
Tone: Formal, direct.
13. The passage conveys
Meaning: The passage communicates an idea or emotion.
Explanation: Works for both meaning and tone.
Example: The passage conveys a sense of urgency about environmental reform.
Best Use: Literary analysis, persuasive essays.
Worst Use: Technical manuals.
Tone: Neutral, slightly artistic.
14. The text makes clear
Meaning: The text explicitly clarifies something.
Explanation: Emphasizes straightforward explanation.
Example: The text makes clear that the policy applies to all citizens equally.
Best Use: Legal summaries, academic work.
Worst Use: Creative storytelling.
Tone: Clear, authoritative.
15. The reading describes
Meaning: The reading gives a depiction or account.
Explanation: Suitable for detailed content.
Example: The reading describes the customs of the ancient civilization in depth.
Best Use: History papers, cultural studies.
Worst Use: Quick news updates.
Tone: Neutral, descriptive.
16. The excerpt illustrates
Meaning: The excerpt gives a vivid example.
Explanation: Points to a smaller section of text.
Example: The excerpt illustrates how language can reflect social hierarchy.
Best Use: Literary essays, close readings.
Worst Use: Technical or data-heavy reports.
Tone: Analytical, formal.
17. The paragraph suggests
Meaning: The paragraph implies something.
Explanation: Used for inference rather than direct statement.
Example: The paragraph suggests that the decision was politically motivated.
Best Use: Literary analysis, subtle readings.
Worst Use: Legal documentation.
Tone: Interpretive, cautious.
18. The section clarifies
Meaning: That part of the text resolves confusion.
Explanation: Good for structured documents.
Example: The section clarifies the terms of the agreement.
Best Use: Academic, technical, or policy analysis.
Worst Use: Creative writing.
Tone: Neutral, precise.
19. The author emphasizes
Meaning: The author stresses a point.
Explanation: Useful when analyzing persuasive techniques.
Example: The author emphasizes the importance of early education.
Best Use: Rhetorical analysis, opinion pieces.
Worst Use: Strictly factual writing.
Tone: Strong, persuasive.
20. As the article details
Meaning: The article goes into specifics.
Explanation: Often used in journalistic or academic summaries.
Example: As the article details, infrastructure upgrades will take five years.
Best Use: News writing, academic summaries.
Worst Use: Creative prose.
Tone: Professional, factual.
21. The essay argues
Meaning: The essay presents a position or claim.
Explanation: Often used for argumentative writing.
Example: The essay argues that technological progress is inevitable.
Best Use: Opinion pieces, critical essays.
Worst Use: Neutral summaries.
Tone: Strong, persuasive
22. The text remarks
Meaning: The text makes a comment or observation.
Explanation: Good for lighter or more reflective statements.
Example: The text remarks on the irony of the situation.
Best Use: Literary analysis, rhetorical writing.
Worst Use: Scientific reports.
Tone: Observational, thoughtful.
23. The book describes
Meaning: The book provides details or a depiction.
Explanation: Works for factual, narrative, or descriptive passages.
Example: The book describes the events leading to the war in vivid detail.
Best Use: Summaries, reviews.
Worst Use: Short news blurbs.
Tone: Neutral, descriptive.
24. As the passage shows
Meaning: The passage demonstrates an idea.
Explanation: Used to connect analysis to textual evidence.
Example: As the passage shows, the reforms had little immediate effect.
Best Use: Academic essays, textual analysis.
Worst Use: Informal writing.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
25. The reading asserts
Meaning: The reading confidently claims something.
Explanation: Adds emphasis to the author’s conviction.
Example: The reading asserts that democracy depends on active participation.
Best Use: Argumentative essays, debates.
Worst Use: Neutral reporting.
Tone: Firm, formal.
26. The article explains
Meaning: The article clarifies a point.
Explanation: Good for summarizing informational pieces.
Example: The article explains the steps involved in the legal process.
Best Use: Academic summaries, research.
Worst Use: Poetry or fiction analysis.
Tone: Clear, factual.
27. The author argues
Meaning: The author takes a stance.
Explanation: Used when describing persuasive intent.
Example: The author argues that economic growth must be sustainable.
Best Use: Opinion pieces, academic essays.
Worst Use: Creative narratives.
Tone: Strong, persuasive.
28. The narrative suggests
Meaning: The story hints at something.
Explanation: Useful for subtle inferences.
Example: The narrative suggests that the conflict is far from over.
Best Use: Literary essays, thematic analysis.
Worst Use: Legal or scientific texts.
Tone: Interpretive, thoughtful.
29. The author observes
Meaning: The author notices or comments on something.
Explanation: More reflective than assertive.
Example: The author observes that society’s values are shifting.
Best Use: Opinion pieces, reflective essays.
Worst Use: Hard news reporting.
Tone: Observational, calm.
30. The section addresses
Meaning: That part of the text focuses on an issue.
Explanation: Indicates targeted discussion.
Example: The section addresses the challenges of renewable energy adoption.
Best Use: Academic, policy, or technical writing.
Worst Use: Creative fiction.
Tone: Neutral, precise.
31. The report highlights
Meaning: The report draws attention to key points.
Explanation: Emphasizes important findings.
Example: The report highlights a surge in cybercrime cases.
Best Use: Business, research, journalism.
Worst Use: Creative essays.
Tone: Formal, factual.
32. The study shows
Meaning: The study provides evidence.
Explanation: Common in research and data-heavy writing.
Example: The study shows a correlation between exercise and improved mood.
Best Use: Academic papers, scientific analysis.
Worst Use: Narrative storytelling.
Tone: Formal, factual.
33. The author declares
Meaning: The author makes a strong statement.
Explanation: Suggests confidence or boldness.
Example: The author declares that the system is fundamentally flawed.
Best Use: Opinion writing, persuasive essays.
Worst Use: Neutral or descriptive writing.
Tone: Strong, assertive.
34. The text reveals
Meaning: The text uncovers new information.
Explanation: Works for key findings or plot twists.
Example: The text reveals that the character’s past is a fabrication.
Best Use: Literary analysis, research findings.
Worst Use: Technical manuals.
Tone: Engaging, revealing.
35. The source details
Meaning: The source goes into specifics.
Explanation: Often used for factual content.
Example: The source details the methods used during the study.
Best Use: Academic or professional reports.
Worst Use: Creative writing.
Tone: Formal, precise.
36. The excerpt points out
Meaning: The excerpt draws attention to something.
Explanation: Focuses on a specific portion of the text.
Example: The excerpt points out the contradictions in the argument.
Best Use: Literary or academic analysis.
Worst Use: Everyday conversation.
Tone: Analytical, formal.
37. The chapter discusses
Meaning: The chapter talks about a topic.
Explanation: Best for structured books or reports.
Example: The chapter discusses the causes of the financial crisis.
Best Use: Summaries, outlines.
Worst Use: Brief news reports.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
38. The author explains
Meaning: The author clarifies a point.
Explanation: Neutral phrasing for explanatory content.
Example: The author explains how small changes can impact the environment.
Best Use: Academic or professional summaries.
Worst Use: Dramatic literary interpretation.
Tone: Clear, neutral.
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39. The article remarks
Meaning: The article makes an observation.
Explanation: Slightly softer than “states.”
Example: The article remarks on the rapid spread of misinformation.
Best Use: Analytical writing, reviews.
Worst Use: Legal writing.
Tone: Observational, calm.
40. The passage indicates
Meaning: The passage shows or suggests something.
Explanation: Works for both direct and implied points.
Example: The passage indicates a shift in the narrator’s perspective.
Best Use: Academic essays, close reading.
Worst Use: Social media captions.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
Conclusion
“The text states” is perfectly fine, but variety makes writing stronger. By using different phrases, you can keep your sentences smooth and natural while showing the same meaning. Whether you’re writing for school, work, or personal projects, these alternatives give you more ways to express ideas clearly. Next time you write, try mixing in a few of these phrases—you’ll notice your writing feels more lively and professional.
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