When we write about someone else’s work—an article, a book, a report—one common phrase is “the author states”. It means that the author says or writes something.
But if you keep using the same phrase over and over, your writing can become dull or repetitive.
Using other ways to say “the author states”, such as synonyms or alternatives, helps put nuance into your writing.
It lets you vary tone (formal vs informal), match the context (professional vs casual), and sound more natural.
In this article you’ll learn what “the author states” means, when to use it, its tone and etiquette, its pros and cons—and then you’ll get 20+ powerful alternatives (plus examples) that work in many written and spoken contexts.
What Does “The Author States” Mean?
At its simplest, when we say “the author states”, we are attributing a point, argument or piece of information to the author (the writer) of a text. For example, “The author states that global warming is accelerating.”
— Grammatically, “the author” is the subject; “states” is the verb; and the following clause (that …) is the content of what the author says.
— The verb “states” is a reporting verb: it reports what someone else has expressed. According to writing-guides, there are many “verbs for referring to sources” beyond just “says” or “states”. Writing Advice+1
When to Use “The Author States”
You’ll find “the author states” useful in:
- Formal writing: academic essays, research papers, reports.
- Professional communication: business documents, summaries, reviews.
- Written references: when you attribute ideas to a specific author or text.
You might avoid it when:
- Informal spoken English: conversations, casual emails, blog posts—“the author states” may sound stiff.
- Variety matters: when you’ve used the phrase many times and want to inject fresh flavour.
- Tone mismatch: if the original author’s remark is tentative (suggesting) rather than a bold statement, “states” may be too strong or formal.
Is It Professional / Polite to Say “The Author States”?
Yes—it is both professional and polite in many contexts. It clearly attributes the statement to the author, which is good academic or professional etiquette (i.e., you’re not claiming the idea as your own). Grammar Waves+1
However, note:
- Over-use can make your writing feel repetitive or mechanical.
- In casual or friendly writing, it may sound unnatural or overly formal.
- If you want to show your own stance or sense of nuance (e.g., the author suggests, observes, argues), then “states” might be too flat or neutral.
Pros and Cons of Using “The Author States”
Pros:
- ✅ Clear attribution of the author’s point.
- ✅ Suitable for formal and academic writing.
- ✅ Neutral and widely acceptable across many disciplines.
Cons:
- ❌ Can become repetitive or boring if used repeatedly.
- ❌ Lacks nuance—doesn’t show how strong or weak the author’s claim is.
- ❌ Might sound too formal for informal or conversational contexts.
List Section – 20+ Alternative Phrases
Here are 20 alternative phrases you can use instead of “the author states”, each with meaning, explanation, example, best use, worst use, and tone.
- Phrase: The author asserts
Meaning: Makes a strong, confident claim.
Explanation: Use when the author presents something with certainty or force.
Example Sentence: The author asserts that automated decision-systems pose significant ethical risks.
Best Use: Formal, academic, business.
Worst Use: Casual conversation, or when the author is just making a suggestion.
Tone: Formal, confident. - Phrase: The author argues
Meaning: Puts forward a reasoned case or viewpoint.
Explanation: Use when the author supports an idea with evidence or reasoning.
Example Sentence: The author argues that flexible working hours improve productivity.
Best Use: Formal, analytical, business reports.
Worst Use: Simple statement of fact.
Tone: Formal, persuasive. - Phrase: The author claims
Meaning: Makes a statement that might be open to challenge.
Explanation: Use when the author’s point is somewhat debatable or needs support.
Example Sentence: The author claims that current market models underestimate consumer behaviour.
Best Use: Academic critique, analytical writing.
Worst Use: When the point is universally accepted or factual.
Tone: Neutral, slightly cautious. - Phrase: The author observes
Meaning: Notes something that they has seen or found.
Explanation: Use when the author is pointing out a pattern or trend rather than making a strong claim.
Example Sentence: The author observes that small teams often outperform larger ones in innovation.
Best Use: Formal writing, reflective tone.
Worst Use: When the author is making a bold or controversial claim.
Tone: Thoughtful, analytical. - Phrase: The author suggests
Meaning: Offers an idea or recommendation, rather than a definitive statement.
Explanation: Use when the author is proposing something or hinting rather than declaring.
Example Sentence: The author suggests that increasing training may reduce turnover rates.
Best Use: Formal or business contexts where you want a softer tone.
Worst Use: When the author is strongly asserting a fact.
Tone: Tentative, polite. - Phrase: The author explains
Meaning: Provides details or clarifies how or why something happens.
Explanation: Use when the author is elaborating a process, reason, or mechanism.
Example Sentence: The author explains how social media algorithms influence user behaviour.
Best Use: Formal, instructive, educational writing.
Worst Use: When the author is just giving a brief mention of something.
Tone: Informative, clear. - Phrase: The author highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to something important.
Explanation: Use when the author emphasises a key point or detail.
Example Sentence: The author highlights the role of cultural context in employee motivation.
Best Use: Academic, business, reports.
Worst Use: When the mention is minor or peripheral.
Tone: Emphatic, formal. - Phrase: The author points out
Meaning: Identifies or brings attention to a particular fact or issue.
Explanation: Slightly more conversational than “states”.
Example Sentence: The author points out that digital literacy is now essential in almost every job.
Best Use: Business, semi-formal writing.
Worst Use: Very formal academic writing where no nuance is needed.
Tone: Neutral-friendly. - Phrase: The author maintains
Meaning: Continues to hold a position or belief over a period.
Explanation: Use when the author holds a view despite possible opposition or evidence to the contrary.
Example Sentence: The author maintains that traditional learning methods still have value in the digital age.
Best Use: Academic, analytical writing.
Worst Use: Casual contexts or when the author’s position is new and not defended.
Tone: Formal, assertive. - Phrase: The author disagrees (with)
Meaning: Expresses opposition or a different opinion than another view.
Explanation: Use when the author is taking a stand against another claim or perspective.
Example Sentence: The author disagrees with the popular assumption that remote work reduces collaboration.
Best Use: Formal, debate‐style writing.
Worst Use: Purely descriptive writing without showing opposition.
Tone: Assertive, formal. - Phrase: The author acknowledges
Meaning: Recognises or admits a point, often one that may be contrary or limiting.
Explanation: Use when the author concedes something or admits a limitation or counter-point.
Example Sentence: The author acknowledges that the study’s sample size is relatively small.
Best Use: Formal, reflective, academic.
Worst Use: Very informal or casual contexts where “acknowledges” sounds heavy.
Tone: Balanced, polite. - Phrase: The author elaborates
Meaning: Gives more detail or expands on the point.
Explanation: Use when the author explains more deeply or adds supporting information.
Example Sentence: The author elaborates on the connection between leadership style and employee engagement.
Best Use: Formal, detailed writing, reports.
Worst Use: Short, simple statements or casual chat.
Tone: Informative, formal. - Phrase: The author concludes
Meaning: Reaches a final point or summary after reasoning or evidence.
Explanation: Use when the author is wrapping up or delivering a closing idea.
Example Sentence: The author concludes that a hybrid working model is the most sustainable in the long term.
Best Use: Formal writing, at the end of sections or arguments.
Worst Use: In the middle of an argument or when the author is just starting.
Tone: Formal, summarising. - Phrase: The author emphasises
Meaning: Stresses or gives special importance to something.
Explanation: Use when the author deliberately places weight on a specific point or idea.
Example Sentence: The author emphasises the need for cross-cultural communication in global teams.
Best Use: Formal or business writing.
Worst Use: In very informal or conversational writing.
Tone: Strong, formal. - Phrase: The author reveals
Meaning: Makes known something that was hidden or not obvious.
Explanation: Use when the author uncovers a surprising fact or insight.
Example Sentence: The author reveals several flaws in the traditional quality-control process.
Best Use: Formal, analytical writing.
Worst Use: When the point is obvious or not “revealing”.
Tone: Formal, somewhat dramatic. - Phrase: The author demonstrates
Meaning: Shows something clearly by example, evidence, or reasoning.
Explanation: Use when the author proves or illustrates a point.
Example Sentence: The author demonstrates that customer satisfaction increases when feedback loops are shortened.
Best Use: Formal academic, business analysis.
Worst Use: Casual writing or when the author is just stating a simple fact.
Tone: Formal, clear. - Phrase: The author conveys
Meaning: Communicates ideas or impressions.
Explanation: Use when the author presents an idea, feeling, or message rather than a direct statement.
Example Sentence: The author conveys a sense of urgency about climate action throughout the report.
Best Use: Formal, reflective, descriptive writing.
Worst Use: Very direct factual claims where “states” would suffice.
Tone: Neutral–formal. - Phrase: The author outlines
Meaning: Gives a general description or summary of something.
Explanation: Use when the author presents a structure, plan, or broad view rather than full detail.
Example Sentence: The author outlines the four stages of the customer journey in a digital environment.
Best Use: Business, professional writing, reports.
Worst Use: When the author goes into heavy detail or uses narrative form.
Tone: Formal, structured. - Phrase: The author articulates
Meaning: Expresses an idea clearly and effectively.
Explanation: Use when the author phrased the idea well or gave a clear expression of a concept.
Example Sentence: The author articulates the benefits of human-centred design in accessible products.
Best Use: Formal writing, reports, essays.
Worst Use: Simple everyday conversation or very informal writing.
Tone: Formal, polished. - Phrase: The author demarcates
Meaning: Defines or marks out boundaries or categories.
Explanation: Use when the author sets apart particular items, stages, or ideas clearly.
Example Sentence: The author demarcates the difference between proactive and reactive leadership styles.
Best Use: Formal, academic writing.
Worst Use: Informal or conversational contexts.
Tone: Formal, precise. - Phrase: The author concedes
Meaning: Admits or grants a point, often reluctantly or as exception.
Explanation: Use when the author acknowledges a counter-point or limitation.
Example Sentence: The author concedes that not all variables could be controlled in the experiment.
Best Use: Academic, formal writing, when discussing limitations or counter-arguments.
Worst Use: In purely casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, balanced. - Phrase: The author postulates
Meaning: Puts forward a theory or hypothesis as basis for reasoning.
Explanation: Use when the author introduces something as a proposed idea rather than proven fact.
Example Sentence: The author postulates that consumer habits will shift towards minimalism in the next decade.
Best Use: Academic, speculative writing.
Worst Use: When the author is presenting firm proven results.
Tone: Formal, theoretical. - Phrase: The author affirms
Meaning: Confirms something to be true.
Explanation: Use when the author reinforces or states something with conviction.
Example Sentence: The author affirms that inclusive design is not just a trend but a business imperative.
Best Use: Formal, business or persuasive writing.
Worst Use: Casual writing.
Tone: Strong, formal. - Phrase: The author reveals (again) … (but we already used) — let’s add:
Phrase: The author underscores
Meaning: Emphasises or stresses an important point.
Explanation: Similar to “highlights” or “emphasises”.
Example Sentence: The author underscores the impact of lead time on project cost.
Best Use: Formal writing.
Worst Use: In lighthearted casual talk.
Tone: Formal, emphasising. - Phrase: The author states explicitly
Meaning: Says something clearly, without ambiguity.
Explanation: Use when you want to emphasize that the author’s wording leaves no doubt.
Example Sentence: The author states explicitly that all variables must be measured within two hours.
Best Use: Formal, scientific, technical writing.
Worst Use: Casual, everyday writing.
Tone: Formal, technical. - Phrase: The author notes
Meaning: Mentions or draws attention to something.
Explanation: Use when the author points out something, perhaps in passing or as part of a larger argument.
Example Sentence: The author notes that many startups fail within the first year.
Best Use: Formal to semi-formal writing.
Worst Use: In very casual talk where it might sound odd.
Tone: Neutral, slightly formal. - Phrase: The author describes
Meaning: Gives an account of something—what it is, how it is, what happens.
Explanation: Use when the author is providing descriptive detail rather than making a claim or argument.
Example Sentence: The author describes the workflow of the manufacturing process in clear steps.
Best Use: Formal, instructional, descriptive writing.
Worst Use: When the author is making bold claims or speculating.
Tone: Informative, neutral. - Phrase: The author reveals—(we used) … and one more:
Phrase: The author reveals / unveils*—(too similar) Let’s use: The author casts light on
Meaning: Sheds clarity or focus on something.
Explanation: Use when the author brings understanding to something less known or confusing.
Example Sentence: The author casts light on how micro-interactions shape user experience.
Best Use: Formal to semi-formal, especially when discussing insight or revelation.
Worst Use: Very casual talk.
Tone: Thoughtful, somewhat formal. - Phrase: The author challenges
Meaning: Opposes a widely held belief or asserts a counter-idea.
Explanation: Use when the author is questioning or pushing back against standard thinking.
Example Sentence: The author challenges the assumption that more hours always lead to higher productivity.
Best Use: Formal, academic, analytical writing.
Worst Use: When the author is simply stating accepted facts.
Tone: Bold, formal. - Phrase: The author prompts (or provokes)
Meaning: Encourages the reader to think or respond.
Explanation: Use when the author is making a statement that invites response or reflection.
Example Sentence: The author prompts the reader to consider ethical implications of data-mining.
Best Use: Formal, reflective, essay-style writing.
Worst Use: In straightforward factual statements.
Tone: Reflective, formal. - (Bonus) Phrase: The author remarks
Meaning: Makes a comment, usually less formal, perhaps in passing.
Explanation: Use when the author’s statement is more of an aside or observation.
Example Sentence: The author remarks that progress often comes in unexpected forms.
Best Use: Semi-formal, friendly academic writing.
Worst Use: Very formal technical reports where “remarks” may sound light.
Tone: Friendly, neutral.
Comparison Table – Top Alternatives
Here’s a small table comparing 7 key alternatives by tone and usage to help you pick quickly.
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| asserts | Strong, formal | When author makes a confident claim |
| argues | Analytical, formal | When author presents evidence & reasoning |
| suggests | Tentative, polite | When author offers an idea rather than claims |
| observes | Reflective, neutral | When author notes a trend or pattern |
| explains | Informative, clear | When author gives detail or mechanism |
| notes | Neutral, semi-formal | When author mentions something relatively briefly |
| remarks | Friendly, casual | When author’s statement is less formal or more conversational |
FAQs
Q1: When should I avoid using “the author states”?
A1: Avoid it when writing informally (blog posts, casual emails) or when you want to show more nuance (e.g., the author suggests rather than states).
Q2: Does using variety in phrases really matter?
A2: Yes. It prevents repetition, keeps your writing engaging, and helps you match the right tone (formal, friendly, persuasive).
Q3: Can I mix formal and informal alternatives in the same piece?
A3: It’s okay if the context allows it, but you should keep a consistent tone. For formal writing, stick to formal verbs (asserts, argues). For friendly or semi-formal writing, softer verbs (notes, remarks) work.
Q4: Are these alternatives only for academic writing?
A4: No. They work in business, professional, blog, report, and even spoken contexts—just choose the right verb for the tone.
Q5: How many of these alternatives should I use in one document?
A5: Use as many as you need—but avoid switching verbs so frequently that your text becomes choppy. Aim for natural variation: “The author observes…”, “The author argues…”, “The author highlights…”—all in one essay is fine as long as each matches the context.
Conclusion
Changing up the phrase “the author states” with these alternatives can really elevate your writing. It shows you’re aware of subtle differences in meaning, tone, and context.
Whether you’re writing a research paper, business report, blog post, or email, experimenting with verbs like argues, notes, explains, or suggests helps you sound more fluent, confident, and natural.
So give some of these alternatives a try—and watch your writing shine.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.