When writing essays, research papers, academic analyses, or formal reports, the phrase “the text states” appears frequently. It’s clear and correct—but repeating the same wording can make your writing sound mechanical, repetitive, or less sophisticated.
This guide gives you 27+ advanced, natural, and context-appropriate alternatives to “the text states,” each with a meaning, usage note, tip, and four example sentences.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use these alternatives when:
- You need to introduce evidence from a book, article, study, or research paper.
- You are writing an academic essay, analysis, or literary discussion.
- You want to avoid repetition and vary sentence structure.
- You need a more formal, precise, or scholarly tone.
- You want to show higher writing skill and critical thinking.
Avoid these alternatives when:
- The situation requires interpretation, not direct reporting.
- You’re referencing visual data (charts, graphs) instead of written text.
27+ Other Ways to Say “The Text States”
1. “The author explains…”
Meaning: The writer provides information or clarification.
Usage: Analytical essays, explanatory writing.
Tip: Use when the text is offering clarification, not just stating facts.
Examples:
- The author explains that social change requires collective effort.
- The author explains how the policy impacts local communities.
- In the opening chapter, the author explains his motivation.
- The author explains why the results were unexpected.
2. “The passage suggests…”
Meaning: The text implies something indirectly.
Usage: Literature analysis, inference-based writing.
Tip: Use when the meaning is implied, not stated directly.
Examples:
- The passage suggests that the character feels isolated.
- The passage suggests a deeper conflict beneath the surface.
- The passage suggests the economy is entering a transition.
- The passage suggests a symbolic connection to nature.
3. “The text indicates…”
Meaning: The text shows or signals something.
Usage: Academic and formal essays.
Tip: Stronger and more scholarly than “states.”
Examples:
- The text indicates a rise in public awareness.
- The text indicates that the theory has limitations.
- The text indicates shifting attitudes over time.
- The text indicates a connection between culture and identity.
4. “The author points out…”
Meaning: The writer highlights an important detail.
Usage: Argumentative, persuasive, or expository writing.
Tip: Great when emphasizing a key idea.
Examples:
- The author points out that climate patterns are changing rapidly.
- The author points out a major flaw in the argument.
- The author points out several examples of bias.
- The author points out the importance of early action.
5. “The article mentions…”
Meaning: The text briefly references something.
Usage: When summarizing a small detail.
Tip: Use for minor points, not major arguments.
Examples:
- The article mentions a previous study on the topic.
- The article mentions community involvement as a factor.
- The article mentions concerns raised by experts.
- The article mentions a similar finding from 2020.
6. “The study reveals…”
Meaning: Research results uncover information.
Usage: Academic, scientific, or data-based writing.
Tip: Only use when referring to research, not fiction.
Examples:
- The study reveals a clear pattern in consumer behavior.
- The study reveals long-term environmental impacts.
- The study reveals improvements in student performance.
- The study reveals a surprising relationship between variables.
7. “The evidence shows…”
Meaning: The facts support a certain conclusion.
Usage: Research papers, argumentative essays.
Tip: Strong phrase for proving a point.
Examples:
- The evidence shows a steady increase in demand.
- The evidence shows that early intervention works best.
- The evidence shows links between diet and mood.
- The evidence shows how technology shapes learning.
8. “The report highlights…”
Meaning: The document emphasizes an important idea.
Usage: Business, scientific, or government reports.
Tip: Use for formal summaries.
Examples:
- The report highlights safety concerns in rural areas.
- The report highlights the need for updated policies.
- The report highlights several key opportunities.
- The report highlights the impact on local businesses.
9. “The narrative shows…”
Meaning: The story illustrates something through events.
Usage: Literature essays, storytelling analysis.
Tip: Use only for narratives.
Examples:
- The narrative shows the character’s emotional growth.
- The narrative shows the consequences of secrecy.
- The narrative shows a shift in perspective.
- The narrative shows the tension between duty and desire.
10. “The author argues…”
Meaning: The writer presents a claim or position.
Usage: Argumentative essays, nonfiction.
Tip: Use for strong, opinion-based writing.
Examples:
- The author argues that innovation requires risk.
- The author argues against strict regulations.
- The author argues for a new educational model.
- The author argues that history should guide modern policy.
11. “The text illustrates…”
Meaning: The text provides an example or explanation.
Usage: Academic and descriptive writing.
Tip: Good when referring to concrete examples.
Examples:
- The text illustrates how cultural norms shape behavior.
- The text illustrates the problem with outdated systems.
- The text illustrates the complexity of migration patterns.
- The text illustrates the emotional weight of the decision.
12. “The excerpt shows…”
Meaning: A specific part of the text demonstrates something.
Usage: Literature, close-reading, textual analysis.
Tip: Use when quoting small sections.
Examples:
- The excerpt shows the tension between characters.
- The excerpt shows the protagonist’s fear.
- The excerpt shows an important thematic shift.
- The excerpt shows how language builds suspense.
13. “The writer emphasizes…”
Meaning: The author gives special importance to something.
Usage: Analytical essays, rhetorical analysis.
Tip: Use when the idea is repeated or stressed.
Examples:
- The writer emphasizes the importance of community.
- The writer emphasizes urgency through repetition.
- The writer emphasizes the need for reform.
- The writer emphasizes shared responsibility.
14. “The author notes…”
Meaning: The writer acknowledges or mentions something.
Usage: Academic, professional, and journalistic writing.
Tip: A neutral, polite alternative.
Examples:
- The author notes that progress has been slow.
- The author notes the limitations of the study.
- The author notes cultural differences in perception.
- The author notes a potential shift in policy.
15. “The text clarifies…”
Meaning: The text makes something clearer.
Usage: Explanatory writing.
Tip: Use when the explanation improves understanding.
Examples:
- The text clarifies the purpose of the experiment.
- The text clarifies how the system operates.
- The text clarifies the meaning of the term.
- The text clarifies the relationship between events.
16. “The document asserts…”
Meaning: The text confidently claims something.
Usage: Formal writing, legal or policy analysis.
Tip: Use for strong, explicit claims.
Examples:
- The document asserts that the policy is effective.
- The document asserts a need for immediate action.
- The document asserts that transparency is essential.
- The document asserts several key principles.
17. “The text reports…”
Meaning: The text delivers factual information.
Usage: Journalism, summaries, factual writing.
Tip: Use for objective statements.
Examples:
- The text reports a rise in enrollment.
- The text reports multiple incidents across the region.
- The text reports significant changes in pricing.
- The text reports delays caused by weather.
18. “The chapter discusses…”
Meaning: A specific section explores a topic.
Usage: Book summaries, academic writing.
Tip: Use only when referring to a chapter.
Examples:
- The chapter discusses modern leadership styles.
- The chapter discusses the causes of the conflict.
- The chapter discusses ethical considerations.
- The chapter discusses long-term solutions.
19. “The text conveys…”
Meaning: The text communicates a feeling or idea.
Usage: Literature and rhetorical analysis.
Tip: Ideal for emotional or thematic content.
Examples:
- The text conveys a sense of urgency.
- The text conveys deep emotional tension.
- The text conveys admiration for tradition.
- The text conveys uncertainty about the future.
20. “The article shows that…”
Meaning: The article demonstrates or explains something.
Usage: Academic and journalistic writing.
Tip: Works for factual or analytical content.
Examples:
- The article shows that remote work boosts productivity.
- The article shows that stress affects performance.
- The article shows that attitudes are changing.
- The article shows that cooperation benefits everyone.
21. “The evidence presented suggests…”
Meaning: The presented details support a conclusion.
Usage: Research, academic writing, analytical essays.
Tip: Use for inference based on data.
Examples:
- The evidence presented suggests a link between diet and sleep.
- The evidence presented suggests increased engagement.
- The evidence presented suggests long-term growth.
- The evidence presented suggests that reforms are necessary.
22. “The source explains…”
Meaning: The referenced material clarifies information.
Usage: Research writing using multiple sources.
Tip: Good for citing secondary material.
Examples:
- The source explains how the algorithm works.
- The source explains the impact on mental health.
- The source explains the historical context.
- The source explains why the trend continues.
23. “According to the text…”
Meaning: The text is the origin of the information.
Usage: Academic writing, quoting.
Tip: A safe, neutral, widely accepted phrase.
Examples:
- According to the text, demand has decreased.
- According to the text, reforms began in 2018.
- According to the text, collaboration benefits students.
- According to the text, challenges are expected.
24. “The author illustrates…”
Meaning: The author uses examples or imagery.
Usage: Literature or rhetorical analysis.
Tip: Use when examples are present.
Examples:
- The author illustrates the struggle through vivid imagery.
- The author illustrates the concept with data.
- The author illustrates cultural differences through dialogue.
- The author illustrates the consequences of inaction.
25. “The text outlines…”
Meaning: The text provides a structured summary.
Usage: Policies, guides, academic writing.
Tip: Use for organized, step-by-step content.
Examples:
- The text outlines the main stages of development.
- The text outlines responsibilities for each team.
- The text outlines several important definitions.
- The text outlines challenges facing communities.
26. “The author demonstrates…”
Meaning: The writer provides evidence to show something is true.
Usage: Analytical and persuasive writing.
Tip: Use when the argument is supported by proof.
Examples:
- The author demonstrates how habits influence results.
- The author demonstrates the flaws in the theory.
- The author demonstrates the benefits of early training.
- The author demonstrates that the approach is effective.
27. “The text presents…”
Meaning: The text introduces information or ideas.
Usage: General academic and professional writing.
Tip: Neutral and widely applicable.
Examples:
- The text presents several possible solutions.
- The text presents evidence from multiple sources.
- The text presents a balanced perspective.
- The text presents detailed historical data.
Bonus Section: Formal Academic Alternatives
Here are five high-level scholarly alternatives you can use in advanced essays or research papers:
- “The text provides substantial evidence that…”
- “The author offers a detailed examination of…”
- “The chapter presents a compelling argument that…”
- “The study furnishes data supporting the claim that…”
- “The analysis advances the idea that…”
Final Writing Tips for Choosing the Right Phrase
- Match the phrase to the tone (formal, academic, analytical).
- Use “suggests” or “implies” for indirect meaning.
- Use “argues,” “claims,” or “asserts” for strong opinions.
- Choose “illustrates,” “demonstrates,” or “shows” when examples are provided.
- Vary your phrasing to avoid repetition and improve readability.
- Select terms like “indicates,” “reveals,” or “highlights” for evidence-based writing.
- Always ensure the alternative accurately reflects what the text is doing.
Discover More Articles
Other Ways to Say “It Was a Pleasure Working With You”: 27 Professional Alternatives
