When writing essays, research papers, or literary analysis, students often use the phrase “The text states” to introduce a piece of evidence or a direct quotation. While this wording is simple and clear, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive or basic. Strong academic writing requires variety and more precise ways of showing how the text provides support for your ideas.
By using thoughtful alternatives, you can make your writing feel more professional, improve the flow of your sentences, and guide your reader toward a deeper interpretation of the material. Whether you want to highlight the explanation given in the passage, the argument being made, or the insight it provides, choosing the right phrase can add both clarity and sophistication to your work.
What Does “The Text States” Mean?
The phrase “the text states” is often used in academic or professional writing. It means that the author of the text is directly saying or declaring something. It’s a way to show that your idea or sentence is coming directly from the source.
When to Use “The Text States”
You can use “the text states” when:
- Writing essays, reports, or research papers
- Quoting from a book, article, or document
- Referring to specific evidence in written material
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “The Text States”?
Yes, the phrase is professional and polite, especially in formal writing. However, using it too often can make your writing sound repetitive, stiff, or less natural. That’s why having alternative expressions is helpful.
Pros and Cons of Saying “The Text States”
Pros:
- Clear and direct
- Professional and academic tone
- Shows reliance on the original text
Cons:
- Can feel repetitive if overused
- Sounds too formal for casual writing
- May reduce creativity and warmth in tone
Synonyms For “The Text States”
1. The Author Explains
2. The Passage Mentions
3. The Article Notes
4. The Book Points Out
5. The Writer Suggests
6. The Text Highlights
7. The Research Shows
8. The Study Reveals
9. The Evidence Indicates
10. The Document States
11. The Author Writes
12. The Passage Emphasizes
13. The Report Confirms
14. The Text Clarifies
15. The Book Describes
16. The Author Argues
17. The Article Explores
18. The Chapter Outlines
19. The Source Indicates
20. The Paper Demonstrates
21. The Writer Observes
22. The Passage Refers To
23. The Text Demonstrates
24. The Author Suggests
25. The Report States
1. The Author Explains
Meaning: The writer is giving clarity or describing something.
Definition: Used when the author provides explanation instead of just stating facts.
Detailed Explanation: This works best when the text breaks down ideas step by step.
Scenario Example:
- The author explains how climate change impacts weather patterns.
Best Use: Essays, research, teaching contexts.
When Not Use: Avoid if the text is only giving facts without explanation.
Tone: Clear, educational, supportive.
2. The Passage Mentions
Meaning: The text briefly refers to something.
Definition: Highlights a point without deep explanation.
Detailed Explanation: Best for smaller points or side details in the text.
Scenario Example:
- The passage mentions that students often feel anxious before exams.
Best Use: Academic writing, notes, summaries.
When Not Use: Avoid if the text provides strong or direct evidence.
Tone: Neutral, simple, light.
3. The Article Notes
Meaning: The article points out something important.
Definition: A polite way to highlight a key detail.
Detailed Explanation: Useful in professional reports and research discussions.
Scenario Example:
- The article notes that regular exercise improves mental health.
Best Use: Articles, reports, and summaries.
When Not Use: Avoid in creative writing; it feels too formal.
Tone: Professional, respectful, thoughtful.
4. The Book Points Out
Meaning: The author emphasizes something worth noticing.
Definition: Stronger than “mentions,” showing the author wants attention on a detail.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in analytical discussions.
Scenario Example:
- The book points out the struggles of working-class families in the 19th century.
Best Use: Literature essays, book reviews, analysis.
When Not Use: Avoid in highly casual communication.
Tone: Observant, academic, sharp.
5. The Writer Suggests
Meaning: The author is implying or recommending an idea.
Definition: Useful when the meaning isn’t directly stated but hinted at.
Detailed Explanation: Works well for analyzing arguments and perspectives.
Scenario Example:
- The writer suggests that society must rethink its approach to education.
Best Use: Critical essays, discussions.
When Not Use: Don’t use if the text is making a hard fact, not a suggestion.
Tone: Thoughtful, interpretive, conversational.
6. The Text Highlights
Meaning: The text brings attention to a key idea.
Definition: Stronger than “mentions,” shows focus.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect when the author emphasizes something central.
Scenario Example:
- The text highlights the importance of self-care in daily life.
Best Use: Summaries, presentations, reports.
When Not Use: Avoid if the detail isn’t a central focus.
Tone: Emphasizing, engaging, informative.
7. The Research Shows
Meaning: Evidence from the text demonstrates something.
Definition: A reliable way to present facts supported by data.
Detailed Explanation: Best when the text is based on scientific or factual findings.
Scenario Example:
- The research shows that sleep improves memory retention.
Best Use: Research papers, academic essays, professional reports.
When Not Use: Avoid if the text is opinion-based rather than evidence-based.
Tone: Strong, factual, trustworthy.
8. The Study Reveals
Meaning: The text uncovers or brings new information to light.
Definition: Suggests that findings are insightful or surprising.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for academic or professional analysis.
Scenario Example:
- The study reveals that teamwork increases productivity by 25%.
Best Use: Academic, business, and health-related discussions.
When Not Use: Avoid in casual storytelling.
Tone: Informative, credible, research-focused.
9. The Evidence Indicates
Meaning: The text provides proof or support for an idea.
Definition: Strong phrasing for analytical or persuasive writing.
Detailed Explanation: Best for pointing out logical connections.
Scenario Example:
- The evidence indicates that early education improves future success.
Best Use: Reports, academic papers, debates.
When Not Use: Avoid when citing opinions or suggestions.
Tone: Objective, academic, serious.
10. The Document States
Meaning: The text directly declares something.
Definition: A formal synonym close to “the text states.”
Detailed Explanation: Works well with legal, business, and historical documents.
Scenario Example:
- The document states that all employees must complete training.
Best Use: Business communication, legal writing.
When Not Use: Avoid in casual speech or creative writing.
Tone: Formal, direct, professional.
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11. The Author Writes
Meaning: The author has expressed an idea in writing.
Definition: Neutral phrasing for showing a direct statement.
Detailed Explanation: Softer and less formal than “the text states.”
Scenario Example:
- The author writes that love is a universal theme.
Best Use: Book reviews, essays, analysis.
When Not Use: Avoid in highly technical research.
Tone: Neutral, simple, approachable.
12. The Passage Emphasizes
Meaning: The section gives special importance to an idea.
Definition: Stronger than “mentions,” highlighting focus.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when the author repeats or stresses something.
Scenario Example:
- The passage emphasizes the role of honesty in leadership.
Best Use: Summaries, essays, public speaking.
When Not Use: Avoid if the detail is only minor.
Tone: Emphatic, strong, persuasive.
13. The Report Confirms
Meaning: The text supports or verifies something.
Definition: Shows proof has been given.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when facts are validated by the text.
Scenario Example:
- The report confirms that the new method reduced costs.
Best Use: Research, business, government reports.
When Not Use: Don’t use when the text only suggests, not proves.
Tone: Confident, formal, fact-based.
14. The Text Clarifies
Meaning: The text makes something easier to understand.
Definition: Great when the passage explains confusing points.
Detailed Explanation: Use when simplifying or interpreting ideas.
Scenario Example:
- The text clarifies how photosynthesis works in plants.
Best Use: Educational writing, guides, summaries.
When Not Use: Avoid if the text only mentions facts, not explanations.
Tone: Clear, helpful, guiding.
15. The Book Describes
Meaning: The author is painting a picture or giving detail.
Definition: Perfect for storytelling or literature analysis.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a creative, narrative tone to writing.
Scenario Example:
- The book describes a village surrounded by mountains.
Best Use: Literature, storytelling, creative writing.
When Not Use: Avoid in technical or scientific contexts.
Tone: Descriptive, vivid, narrative.
16. The Author Argues
Meaning: The author is making a case for something.
Definition: Works when the text is persuasive or opinion-based.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests the author is defending an idea.
Scenario Example:
- The author argues that education should be free for all.
Best Use: Debates, argumentative essays, critiques.
When Not Use: Avoid if the author is neutral or factual.
Tone: Strong, persuasive, critical.
17. The Article Explores
Meaning: The piece investigates or discusses a topic deeply.
Definition: Shows curiosity and analysis.
Detailed Explanation: Best when the text digs into details or multiple perspectives.
Scenario Example:
- The article explores how technology impacts mental health.
Best Use: Academic, journalism, reports.
When Not Use: Avoid for short or simple references.
Tone: Analytical, thoughtful, curious.
18. The Chapter Outlines
Meaning: The section gives a structured overview.
Definition: Perfect when the text is laying out steps or key points.
Detailed Explanation: Great for textbooks or instructional writing.
Scenario Example:
- The chapter outlines the main stages of human development.
Best Use: Educational writing, guides, research.
When Not Use: Avoid in creative or narrative writing.
Tone: Organized, structured, systematic.
19. The Source Indicates
Meaning: The text provides evidence or reference.
Definition: Similar to “states,” but more neutral.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in academic or professional writing.
Scenario Example:
- The source indicates that global warming is accelerating.
Best Use: Research papers, citations, notes.
When Not Use: Avoid in casual writing.
Tone: Academic, credible, precise.
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20. The Paper Demonstrates
Meaning: The text shows proof or illustrates an idea.
Definition: Strong phrase for academic writing.
Detailed Explanation: Used when the text provides clear evidence.
Scenario Example:
- The paper demonstrates how language shapes thought.
Best Use: Academic essays, professional journals.
When Not Use: Avoid if the text is only suggesting ideas, not proving them.
Tone: Confident, academic, formal.
21. The Writer Observes
Meaning: The author notices and comments on something.
Definition: Softer than “argues,” showing observation rather than strong persuasion.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when the text is reflective.
Scenario Example:
- The writer observes that people often underestimate their own abilities.
Best Use: Essays, critiques, reflective pieces.
When Not Use: Avoid in highly technical or factual writing.
Tone: Gentle, thoughtful, reflective.
22. The Passage Refers To
Meaning: The section mentions or connects to something.
Definition: Neutral phrasing for referencing a detail.
Detailed Explanation: Works when the text points to another event, idea, or source.
Scenario Example:
- The passage refers to earlier theories on leadership.
Best Use: Academic writing, notes, references.
When Not Use: Avoid if the detail is central and emphasized heavily.
Tone: Neutral, clear, straightforward.
23. The Text Demonstrates
Meaning: The writing shows evidence through examples.
Definition: Suggests clear proof or illustration.
Detailed Explanation: Best when the text includes examples or case studies.
Scenario Example:
- The text demonstrates how empathy strengthens relationships.
Best Use: Teaching, research, analysis.
When Not Use: Avoid if the text only suggests without proof.
Tone: Strong, explanatory, confident.
24. The Author Suggests
Meaning: The writer hints or proposes an idea.
Definition: Different from stating; it implies rather than declares.
Detailed Explanation: Works best for opinion-driven writing.
Scenario Example:
- The author suggests that creativity thrives in freedom.
Best Use: Literary essays, critiques, discussions.
When Not Use: Don’t use for hard facts.
Tone: Subtle, interpretive, thoughtful.
25. The Report States
Meaning: The document directly says something.
Definition: Similar to “the text states” but tied to formal reports.
Detailed Explanation: Strong choice for official sources.
Scenario Example:
- The report states that sales increased by 12% this year.
Best Use: Business, government, organizational contexts.
When Not Use: Avoid in creative or casual contexts.
Tone: Formal, authoritative, official.
FAQs
1. Is “the text states” too formal for casual writing?
Yes, it can sound stiff. Use friendlier alternatives like “the text explains” or “the passage mentions” for casual contexts.
2. What is the best synonym for “the text states” in academic writing?
Phrases like “the research shows”, “the evidence indicates”, or “the study finds” are strong academic choices.
3. Can I use these alternatives in speeches and presentations?
Absolutely! Options like “the author highlights” or “the book describes” sound more engaging when speaking.
4. Do these synonyms change the meaning?
Some do. For example, “the author suggests” is softer than “the author argues.” Always match the phrase to the tone of the original text.
5. How can I avoid repeating “the text states” in essays?
Rotate between synonyms—use “the passage emphasizes”, then “the author explains”, then “the report confirms.” Variety keeps writing smooth and professional.
Conclusion
The phrase “the text states” is useful but can sound repetitive and stiff when overused. By choosing from these 25 thoughtful alternatives, you can adjust your tone to be formal, casual, persuasive, or descriptive—depending on what fits your message. Whether you’re writing an essay, report, article, or speech, these expressions help you communicate with warmth, clarity, and authority.
