When youâre writing essays, reports, or analyses, you often need to refer to what a passage or author says. The phrase âthe text statesâ is a common way to do this. But using it too often can make your writing sound stiff or repetitive.
Learning other ways to say âthe text statesâ helps you sound more fluent, polished, and confidentâwhether youâre writing academically, professionally, or casually.
Letâs explore what this phrase really means, when to use it, and 28+ smarter alternatives to make your English shine.
đ What Does âThe Text Statesâ Mean?
The phrase âthe text statesâ means that the written passage says or expresses something clearly.
Grammatically, âthe textâ is the subject, and âstatesâ is the verb meaning to say, declare, or express. Itâs usually used in formal or academic writing to show evidence or support from a source.
â Example:
The text states that climate change affects every continent.
Here, it introduces information directly taken from the text, often in a factual or neutral tone.
đ When to Use âThe Text Statesâ
Youâll often see this phrase in:
- Academic writing: essays, research papers, and analyses.
- Book reports or literary discussions.
- Professional reports: summarizing written material or documents.
â Best Situations
- When youâre quoting or paraphrasing directly from a source.
- When your tone needs to be objective and formal.
đ« Avoid Using It
- In casual or conversational writing, because it can sound too formal or robotic.
- When you want a more interpretive or emotional tone.
đŹ Is It Professional or Polite to Say âThe Text Statesâ?
Yesâbut only in the right context. Itâs perfectly professional in academic, formal, and business settings, especially when analyzing written work or citing research.
However, in conversation or informal writing, it can sound overly stiff. In such cases, using alternatives like âthe book saysâ or âthe passage mentionsâ sounds more natural.
đ Use it when:
- Writing essays or reports
- Presenting findings
- Citing studies
đ Avoid it when:
- Writing emails or social media posts
- Having casual discussions
âïž Pros and Cons of Using âThe Text Statesâ
Pros:
- â Clear and formal
- â Easy to understand
- â Works well in essays and reports
Cons:
- â Sounds repetitive if overused
- â Can feel robotic or emotionless
- â Doesnât fit casual conversations
đ§ 28+ Other Ways to Say âThe Text Statesâ (With Examples)
Below are 28 natural alternatives you can use depending on tone, formality, and context.
1. The text mentions
Meaning: It refers to something briefly.
Explanation: Use when the information is included but not in detail.
Example: The text mentions that the hero lost his family in the war.
Best Use: Academic / Formal
Worst Use: Emotional writing
Tone: Neutral
2. The passage says
Meaning: Expresses whatâs written directly.
Explanation: Simple and easy alternative to âthe text states.â
Example: The passage says that water scarcity is a growing problem.
Best Use: Informal or academic
Worst Use: Business reports
Tone: Neutral
3. The author writes
Meaning: Indicates what the writer expressed in their own words.
Explanation: Adds a personal connection between the author and text.
Example: The author writes that courage is born from fear.
Best Use: Academic or literary writing
Worst Use: Technical reports
Tone: Formal
4. The article explains
Meaning: The text gives reasons or clarifies a point.
Explanation: Use when the passage describes something in detail.
Example: The article explains how pollution impacts marine life.
Best Use: Academic / Professional
Worst Use: Story summaries
Tone: Formal
5. The report notes
Meaning: Points out specific details or observations.
Explanation: Common in research, journalism, or business writing.
Example: The report notes a 15% increase in productivity.
Best Use: Business / Formal
Worst Use: Fiction writing
Tone: Professional
6. The document highlights
Meaning: Emphasizes a key idea.
Explanation: Great for drawing attention to main points.
Example: The document highlights the need for better safety measures.
Best Use: Business / Academic
Worst Use: Everyday speech
Tone: Formal
7. The source indicates
Meaning: Suggests or shows evidence for something.
Explanation: Slightly indirect; implies interpretation.
Example: The source indicates a link between diet and mood.
Best Use: Academic / Research
Worst Use: Informal writing
Tone: Formal
8. The evidence shows
Meaning: Proof or data supports an idea.
Explanation: Adds analytical tone.
Example: The evidence shows that teamwork boosts productivity.
Best Use: Academic / Scientific
Worst Use: Literary essays
Tone: Objective
9. The study reveals
Meaning: Presents findings or discoveries.
Explanation: Often used in research or academic papers.
Example: The study reveals that children learn faster through play.
Best Use: Research / Formal
Worst Use: Literary reviews
Tone: Formal
10. The data suggests
Meaning: Information points toward a conclusion.
Explanation: Used when drawing logical conclusions.
Example: The data suggests an increase in global temperatures.
Best Use: Technical / Academic
Worst Use: Story analysis
Tone: Formal
11. The book describes
Meaning: Gives a detailed account.
Explanation: Suitable for summaries or storytelling.
Example: The book describes a world full of magic and mystery.
Best Use: Literary / Academic
Worst Use: Scientific texts
Tone: Descriptive
12. The passage illustrates
Meaning: Shows or demonstrates with examples.
Explanation: Highlights how an idea is portrayed.
Example: The passage illustrates the importance of kindness.
Best Use: Essays / Academic
Worst Use: Technical reports
Tone: Formal
13. The article points out
Meaning: Calls attention to specific facts.
Explanation: Good for journalistic or persuasive writing.
Example: The article points out that energy costs are rising.
Best Use: Journalism / Business
Worst Use: Storytelling
Tone: Neutral
14. The author argues
Meaning: Expresses a point of view or opinion.
Explanation: Ideal for argumentative essays or debates.
Example: The author argues that technology isolates people.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Technical manuals
Tone: Formal / Critical
15. The narrator tells
Meaning: The storyteller shares events or ideas.
Explanation: Common in fiction or literature.
Example: The narrator tells of the boyâs journey through hardship.
Best Use: Literary
Worst Use: Academic
Tone: Storytelling
16. The paper suggests
Meaning: Offers an idea or possible conclusion.
Explanation: Softens statements in academic tone.
Example: The paper suggests that better policies can reduce crime.
Best Use: Academic / Research
Worst Use: Casual writing
Tone: Formal
17. The text implies
Meaning: Suggests something indirectly.
Explanation: Perfect when meaning isnât stated directly.
Example: The text implies that honesty comes at a cost.
Best Use: Literary analysis
Worst Use: Business emails
Tone: Analytical
18. The article emphasizes
Meaning: Gives special importance to a point.
Explanation: Adds strength or focus.
Example: The article emphasizes the value of lifelong learning.
Best Use: Academic / Business
Worst Use: Informal speech
Tone: Formal
19. The passage suggests
Meaning: Indicates or hints at an idea.
Explanation: Softer and interpretive than âstates.â
Example: The passage suggests that love conquers fear.
Best Use: Literature / Essays
Worst Use: Technical writing
Tone: Reflective
20. The section outlines
Meaning: Summarizes key points or structure.
Explanation: Often used in documents or reports.
Example: The section outlines the main goals of the project.
Best Use: Business / Formal
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Objective
21. The writer notes
Meaning: Briefly mentions or records.
Explanation: Adds a personal yet professional touch.
Example: The writer notes the shift in public opinion.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Emails
Tone: Neutral
22. The author concludes
Meaning: Ends by making a final point.
Explanation: Ideal when summarizing a final argument.
Example: The author concludes that happiness is a choice.
Best Use: Academic / Literary
Worst Use: Informal writing
Tone: Formal
23. The piece observes
Meaning: Records or comments on something.
Explanation: Used when describing an observation or remark.
Example: The piece observes that city life can be lonely.
Best Use: Journalism / Essays
Worst Use: Data writing
Tone: Thoughtful
24. The paragraph explains
Meaning: Provides detail or reasoning.
Explanation: Useful when discussing specific sections.
Example: The paragraph explains why teamwork is essential.
Best Use: Academic / Formal
Worst Use: Conversational
Tone: Neutral
25. The text refers to
Meaning: Makes mention of something specific.
Explanation: Great for connecting related ideas.
Example: The text refers to ancient myths and legends.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Informal
Tone: Neutral
26. The document reports
Meaning: Gives official or factual information.
Explanation: Common in business and research.
Example: The document reports a drop in company profits.
Best Use: Business / Research
Worst Use: Storytelling
Tone: Objective
27. The essay discusses
Meaning: Talks about or analyzes a topic.
Explanation: Works well in academic contexts.
Example: The essay discusses how social media influences behavior.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Business emails
Tone: Formal
28. The author suggests
Meaning: Offers an opinion or interpretation.
Explanation: Less direct than âstates,â often polite or thoughtful.
Example: The author suggests that hope drives change.
Best Use: Academic / Analytical
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal
29. The story conveys
Meaning: Communicates or expresses a deeper message.
Explanation: Adds literary or emotional tone.
Example: The story conveys the power of forgiveness.
Best Use: Literature / Creative writing
Worst Use: Business
Tone: Emotional / Reflective
đ Comparison Table: Top Alternatives by Tone and Usage
| Phrase | Best Context | Tone | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| The text mentions | Academic | Neutral | Medium |
| The article explains | Research / Journalism | Formal | High |
| The author suggests | Literary / Academic | Thoughtful | High |
| The book describes | Storytelling | Descriptive | Medium |
| The report notes | Business | Professional | High |
| The passage implies | Literature | Analytical | High |
| The data suggests | Research | Objective | High |
â FAQs
1. Can I say âthe text saysâ?
Yes. Itâs correct and slightly more natural than âthe text states,â especially in informal essays.
2. Whatâs the difference between âthe author statesâ and âthe author suggestsâ?
âStatesâ is factual and direct, while âsuggestsâ is softer and interpretive.
3. Which phrase sounds most academic?
Phrases like âthe study revealsâ, âthe data suggestsâ, and âthe paper arguesâ sound very academic.
4. Which phrase is best for storytelling?
Use âthe narrator tellsâ or âthe story conveys.â
5. Is it okay to use multiple alternatives in one essay?
Absolutely. It keeps your writing varied and engaging.
đ Conclusion
Using different ways to say âthe text statesâ helps you sound more natural, professional, and expressive.
Whether youâre writing an essay, report, or analysis, the right phrase adds variety and precision.
Experiment with new expressions, and soon, your writing will flow more smoothly and sound more confident.
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.