When reading an article, writing a school assignment, analyzing a passage, or discussing a written source, you may need to explain what the text says. The phrase “the text states” is a useful way to introduce information directly from a written passage.
It helps readers understand that a statement comes from the source rather than from your personal opinion. However, using the same phrase repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive or unnatural.
Fortunately, English offers many alternatives to “the text states.” Expressions such as “the text explains,” “the passage mentions,” “the author points out,” and “according to the text” allow you to communicate the same basic idea while adjusting your tone and meaning. Some expressions work best in academic essays, while others are more suitable for casual conversations, classroom discussions, reports, or professional documents.
Choosing the right alternative depends on what the source actually does. If it provides a fact, you might say “the text indicates.” If it explains a process, “the text describes” may be more appropriate. If it briefly refers to a subject, “the passage mentions” can be a better choice. These small differences help you communicate more clearly and accurately.
In this guide, you will discover more than 20 natural alternatives to “the text states,” along with simple explanations, examples, and practical advice about when to use each expression. Whether you are an English learner, a student, a teacher, or a professional writer, these phrases can help you express ideas more naturally and make your writing more engaging.
What Does “The Text States” Mean?
“The text states” means that a written source explicitly says or presents particular information. The source might be a book, article, essay, report, textbook, research paper, website, or another written document.
For example:
- “The text states that regular exercise improves physical health.”
- “The text states that the meeting will begin at 10 a.m.”
In both examples, the speaker refers to information provided by a written source.
The phrase is especially useful when answering reading-comprehension questions, supporting an argument with evidence, summarizing a passage, or discussing a source in an academic setting.
Why Use Alternatives?
Although “the text states” is correct, repeating it several times in one paragraph can make your writing feel mechanical.
Consider this example:
“The text states that reading improves vocabulary. The text states that reading also strengthens comprehension. The text states that regular reading can improve writing skills.”
A more natural version would be:
“The text explains that reading improves vocabulary. It also points out that reading strengthens comprehension and suggests that regular reading can improve writing skills.”
The revised version sounds smoother because it uses different expressions to describe the source’s ideas.
Alternatives also help you express the source’s purpose more precisely. A text may explain, describe, suggest, emphasize, or mention something. These verbs have related meanings, but they are not always interchangeable.
25 Common Alternatives to “The Text States”
The following expressions are useful in everyday writing, academic work, classroom discussions, and professional communication.
1. The Text Explains
Meaning: This phrase introduces information that makes an idea, process, or situation easier to understand.
When to use it: Use “the text explains” when the source provides reasons, details, instructions, or a clear account of how something works. It is especially useful for educational and informational material.
Tone: Neutral, informative, and appropriate for academic or professional writing.
Examples:
- “The text explains how plants use sunlight to produce food.”
- “The text explains why regular exercise is important for maintaining good health.”
Subtle difference: “States” simply reports what the source says, while “explains” suggests that the source provides clarification or supporting details. Do not use “explains” if the passage merely lists a fact without explaining it.
2. The Passage Mentions
Meaning: This expression indicates that a particular subject or detail appears in a section of writing.
When to use it: Use it when referring to a brief reference, supporting detail, or secondary point in a passage.
Tone: Neutral, natural, and suitable for classroom discussions and informal academic writing.
Examples:
- “The passage mentions several benefits of learning a second language.”
- “The passage mentions that the school will introduce a new science program.”
Subtle difference: “Mentions” often suggests that the source refers to something without discussing it in depth. If the source develops the idea extensively, “discusses” or “explains” may be more accurate.
3. The Author Points Out
Meaning: This phrase introduces a detail or observation that the writer wants readers to notice.
When to use it: Use it when the author draws attention to an important fact, problem, contrast, or observation.
Tone: Neutral to moderately formal; common in essays, literary analysis, and discussions.
Examples:
- “The author points out that many students struggle with time management.”
- “The author points out the importance of protecting natural resources.”
Subtle difference: This expression focuses on the author’s act of drawing attention to something. It is especially useful when explaining how a writer develops an argument.
4. The Text Indicates
Meaning: This phrase suggests that the written source provides information pointing toward a particular conclusion or understanding.
When to use it: Use it when the source provides evidence, signs, or details that support an interpretation.
Tone: Formal, analytical, and professional.
Examples:
- “The text indicates that customer satisfaction has improved.”
- “The report indicates that the new policy may reduce operating costs.”
Subtle difference: “Indicates” can be more cautious than “states.” It is useful when evidence supports a conclusion, but the source does not express that conclusion directly. If the source explicitly states a fact, make sure you do not make the wording unnecessarily vague.
5. According to the Text
Meaning: This phrase identifies the written source as the basis for the information that follows.
When to use it: Use it when answering reading questions, summarizing a source, or presenting information that should be attributed to a document.
Tone: Neutral, clear, and suitable for both academic and everyday contexts.
Examples:
- “According to the text, the museum opened to the public in 1925.”
- “According to the text, students learn more effectively when they receive regular feedback.”
Subtle difference: This phrase emphasizes where the information comes from rather than how the author presents it. It is particularly useful when you want to distinguish the source’s information from your own opinion.
6. The Text Notes
Meaning: This expression introduces a fact, detail, or observation recorded in a written source.
When to use it: Use it when referring to a relevant detail in an article, report, textbook, or document.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Examples:
- “The text notes that the building was renovated last year.”
- “The report notes that employee training will begin next month.”
Subtle difference: “Notes” often introduces a concise observation rather than a lengthy explanation. It is useful when the information matters but is not necessarily the main argument.
7. The Author Explains
Meaning: This phrase identifies the writer as the person providing an explanation.
When to use it: Use it when discussing an author’s reasoning, interpretation, or explanation of a subject.
Tone: Academic, professional, and neutral.
Examples:
- “The author explains why the character leaves her hometown.”
- “The author explains how the new system improves communication.”
Subtle difference: “The author explains” focuses more directly on the writer’s role than “the text explains.” It is especially useful in literary analysis, persuasive writing, and source evaluation.
8. The Passage Describes
Meaning: This expression introduces details about a person, place, event, object, or process.
When to use it: Use it when the source gives characteristics, features, appearances, or an account of what happened.
Tone: Neutral and suitable for academic and general writing.
Examples:
- “The passage describes the challenges faced by early explorers.”
- “The text describes the process of preparing the soil for planting.”
Subtle difference: “Describes” focuses on what something is like or what happened. “Explains” focuses more on why something happens or how it works.
9. The Text Mentions
Meaning: This phrase indicates that the source refers to a particular fact, person, subject, or event.
When to use it: Use it when introducing a detail that appears in the text without suggesting that the source explores it deeply.
Tone: Neutral and conversational.
Examples:
- “The text mentions three reasons people move to large cities.”
- “The article mentions that the company plans to expand next year.”
Subtle difference: This expression is similar to “the passage mentions.” Use “the text” when referring to a document more generally and “the passage” when focusing on a particular section.
10. The Author Emphasizes
Meaning: This phrase indicates that the writer gives special importance or attention to an idea.
When to use it: Use it when the source repeatedly highlights an idea or clearly presents it as a central message.
Tone: Formal, analytical, and academic.
Examples:
- “The author emphasizes the need for better public transportation.”
- “The author emphasizes that teamwork requires trust and communication.”
Subtle difference: “Emphasizes” is stronger than “mentions.” Do not use it for a minor detail unless the writer clearly gives that detail special importance.
11. The Text Suggests
Meaning: This phrase introduces an idea or conclusion that the text implies rather than directly states.
When to use it: Use it when interpreting a passage, analyzing a character’s behavior, or discussing evidence that points toward a possible conclusion.
Tone: Analytical, cautious, and appropriate for academic writing.
Examples:
- “The text suggests that the character regrets her decision.”
- “The report suggests that flexible schedules may improve employee satisfaction.”
Subtle difference: “Suggests” does not necessarily mean the source makes a direct statement. It often signals interpretation. If the author explicitly states something, “states” or “explains” may be more accurate.
12. The Text Reveals
Meaning: This phrase introduces information that becomes apparent through the text.
When to use it: Use it when a passage uncovers a fact, exposes a hidden detail, or helps readers discover something important.
Tone: Analytical and sometimes dramatic.
Examples:
- “The final chapter reveals the reason for the character’s disappearance.”
- “The report reveals significant differences between the two groups.”
Subtle difference: “Reveals” suggests discovery or previously unknown information. It is often effective in literary analysis and investigative reporting, but may sound exaggerated for an ordinary fact.
13. The Author Argues
Meaning: This expression introduces a claim or position that the writer supports with reasoning or evidence.
When to use it: Use it when analyzing opinion articles, persuasive essays, research discussions, or debates.
Tone: Formal, academic, and analytical.
Examples:
- “The author argues that public libraries remain essential to local communities.”
- “The author argues that schools should provide more opportunities for creative learning.”
Subtle difference: “Argues” signals a position the author is trying to support. It is not a general replacement for “states” when the source simply provides a neutral fact.
14. The Text Reports
Meaning: This phrase introduces information presented as a report of events, findings, or developments.
When to use it: Use it when referring to news articles, research reports, official documents, or factual accounts.
Tone: Formal, factual, and professional.
Examples:
- “The article reports that the town received record rainfall last month.”
- “The study reports an increase in participation among younger adults.”
Subtle difference: “Reports” is especially appropriate when the source presents findings or information gathered from events, research, or observations. It may be less suitable for a fictional story or a personal reflection.
15. The Text Observes
Meaning: This expression introduces an observation or thoughtful comment made by the writer.
When to use it: Use it when a source comments on a pattern, behavior, condition, or relationship.
Tone: Formal and analytical.
Examples:
- “The author observes that technology has changed how people communicate.”
- “The report observes a growing interest in environmentally friendly products.”
Subtle difference: “Observes” often suggests that the writer has noticed or reflected on something. It is not always appropriate for simple instructions or straightforward facts.
16. The Passage Highlights
Meaning: This phrase identifies a point that the passage gives particular attention or importance.
When to use it: Use it when summarizing the most important ideas in an article, report, or academic passage.
Tone: Professional, academic, and informative.
Examples:
- “The passage highlights the importance of early childhood education.”
- “The article highlights several risks associated with poor sleep habits.”
Subtle difference: “Highlights” is similar to “emphasizes,” but it can also refer to a selection of important points. Use it when a source draws attention to particular information.
17. The Text Makes Clear
Meaning: This phrase indicates that an idea is presented clearly enough to be understood.
When to use it: Use it when the source communicates a point directly or removes possible confusion.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Examples:
- “The text makes clear that safety must remain the top priority.”
- “The final paragraph makes clear why the character changes her mind.”
Subtle difference: This expression stresses clarity. It can be useful when a source’s message is direct, but avoid it if the point is ambiguous or open to several interpretations.
18. The Author Explores
Meaning: This phrase introduces a subject the writer examines in detail.
When to use it: Use it when discussing a theme, question, problem, or idea that receives sustained attention.
Tone: Academic, professional, and analytical.
Examples:
- “The author explores the relationship between ambition and happiness.”
- “The article explores how remote work affects family life.”
Subtle difference: “Explores” suggests examination rather than a simple statement. It works particularly well for literary themes, complex issues, and research topics.
19. The Text Refers To
Meaning: This expression indicates that the source mentions or directs attention toward a particular subject.
When to use it: Use it when identifying a person, event, concept, source, or earlier idea that appears in the text.
Tone: Neutral and professional.
Examples:
- “The text refers to a study published in 2024.”
- “The author refers to the main character’s childhood in the opening paragraph.”
Subtle difference: “Refers to” is useful for identifying a connection or reference. It does not necessarily mean the source explains or supports the information.
20. The Document Specifies
Meaning: This phrase introduces precise details or requirements provided in a document.
When to use it: Use it for instructions, policies, contracts, application guidelines, schedules, and official records.
Tone: Formal, precise, and professional.
Examples:
- “The document specifies that applications must be submitted by Friday.”
- “The policy specifies which employees qualify for reimbursement.”
Subtle difference: “Specifies” suggests precision or a clearly defined requirement. It is more suitable for official documents than for general storytelling.
21. The Source Indicates
Meaning: This expression attributes information or evidence to a source without repeating the word “text.”
When to use it: Use it in research papers, reports, essays, or discussions involving books, articles, studies, and other materials.
Tone: Formal, neutral, and academic.
Examples:
- “The source indicates that demand increased during the summer.”
- “The source indicates a possible connection between sleep and concentration.”
Subtle difference: “Source” is broader than “text.” It can refer to a report, interview, dataset, study, or other evidence, depending on the context.
22. The Author States
Meaning: This phrase attributes a direct statement to the writer rather than to the document as a whole.
When to use it: Use it when quoting, paraphrasing, or analyzing a specific claim made by an identifiable author.
Tone: Formal, academic, and neutral.
Examples:
- “The author states that education can create opportunities for social mobility.”
- “In the introduction, the author states that the research focuses on small businesses.”
Subtle difference: This expression is close in meaning to “the text states.” The main difference is the focus: the author is the person communicating the idea, while the text is the written material.
23. The Text Confirms
Meaning: This phrase introduces information that supports or verifies something previously stated, suspected, or established.
When to use it: Use it when the source provides confirmation rather than merely introducing a new idea.
Tone: Formal, factual, and professional.
Examples:
- “The official notice confirms that the event will take place on Saturday.”
- “The report confirms that all required inspections have been completed.”
Subtle difference: “Confirms” is stronger than “states” because it suggests verification. Do not use it unless the information genuinely confirms something.
FAQS
1. What is the best alternative to “the text states”?
“The text explains” is a useful general alternative when the source clarifies an idea. However, “according to the text” is often better when you simply want to attribute a fact to a written source. The best choice depends on what the source communicates.
2. How can I say “the text states” in an academic essay?
You can use “the author argues,” “the passage indicates,” “the text highlights,” “the study concludes,” or “the author emphasizes.” Choose an expression that reflects the source’s actual purpose rather than using formal wording simply for variety.
3. What is a simple alternative to “the text states”?
“It says” is one of the simplest alternatives. For example, instead of writing, “The text states that the store is closed,” you can write, “It says the store is closed.” Make sure the reader can identify the source.
4. What is the difference between “the text states” and “the text suggests”?
“The text states” refers to information the source expresses directly. “The text suggests” refers to an idea the source implies or supports indirectly. For example, a character’s words may state one thing while the character’s actions suggest something else.
5. Can I use “according to the text” in formal writing?
Yes. “According to the text” is appropriate in academic essays, reports, and other formal writing. It clearly attributes information to the source. In research papers, you may also need to include a formal citation that identifies the source.
6. How do I avoid repeating “the text states” in a paragraph?
Use a variety of accurate verbs, such as “explains,” “notes,” “describes,” “highlights,” and “suggests.” You can also use pronouns when the source is already clear. Avoid changing verbs just for variety if doing so would alter the meaning.
7. Is “the author argues” the same as “the text states”?
Not exactly. “The author argues” indicates that the writer presents and supports a position, often through reasons or evidence. “The text states” is more general and can introduce almost any direct statement. Use “argues” when the source genuinely advances a position.
Conclusion
There are many natural ways to say “the text states,” and each alternative can help you communicate a slightly different meaning. Expressions such as “the text explains,” “the passage mentions,” “according to the text,” and “the author points out” are useful in everyday writing and classroom discussions. More formal options, including “the document specifies,” “the study concludes,” and “the findings show,” work well in professional and academic settings.
The most important thing is to choose an expression that accurately reflects the source. Use “states” when information is direct, “explains” when the source clarifies an idea, “suggests” when the meaning is implied, and “argues” when the author supports a position. If you are speaking casually, “it says” may be all you need.
By learning these alternatives and understanding their subtle differences, you can make your essays, reports, summaries, and everyday conversations clearer and more engaging. Rather than searching for a different phrase every time, focus on what the source actually communicates. That approach will help you choose words that sound natural while preserving the original meaning.
