In academic, professional, and casual writing, referencing the text is essential for supporting your ideas and adding credibility to your arguments. However, using the same phrase repeatedly—like “the text states”—can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. To elevate your writing, it’s beneficial to vary how you introduce evidence from the source material. This not only makes your writing more engaging but also demonstrates a higher command of language.
Here, we’ll explore 15 alternative ways to say “the text states”. For each alternative, I’ll provide real-life examples that show how you can use these expressions in different contexts, from emails to academic papers, reports, and literary analyses. By diversifying your language, you’ll improve your writing style, keep your readers engaged, and create a smoother flow in your writing.
Why Vary Your Writing Phrases?
Using the same phrase repeatedly in your writing can lead to what’s known as writing fatigue. Readers may grow tired of hearing the same expression and may even stop paying attention to the meaning itself. The trick is to use varied expressions that convey the same message, giving your writing a fresh and dynamic feel. By diversifying how you introduce evidence from the text, you can showcase your language proficiency and writing skills.
1. According to the Text
One of the most straightforward alternatives to “the text states,” “according to the text” is both clear and direct. This is a go-to phrase for referencing source material and provides authority to your statements.
Scenario Example (Email to a colleague):
Dear Jane,
According to the text, the company’s growth over the past year is largely attributed to the strategic changes made in marketing and customer relations. This data will be useful for our upcoming presentation.
Why use it? This phrase is universal and versatile, making it ideal for both formal and informal writing.
2. As Stated in the Text
Similar to the previous phrase, “as stated in the text” directly references the content while adding a slight formality to the expression.
Scenario Example (Academic Paper):
As stated in the text, the concept of self-reliance plays a crucial role in understanding the protagonist’s journey in the novel.
Why use it? This alternative emphasizes clarity and precision, making it useful in academic and formal writing.
3. Per the Text
“Per the text” is a more business-like expression that is often used in reports or official documents. It conveys that something follows the guidelines or directives mentioned in the text.
Scenario Example (Business Memo):
Per the text, the new procedure requires all departments to submit their quarterly reports by the 15th of the month.
Why use it? It adds a professional tone and is appropriate in corporate communication and technical writing.
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4. As Mentioned in the Text
This phrase is great for referring to specific details or sections of a text that have already been discussed. It helps you connect ideas that have been introduced without overloading the reader with too much new information.
Scenario Example (Literary Analysis):
As mentioned in the text, the theme of isolation is woven throughout the narrative, impacting the characters’ decisions and actions.
Why use it? It works well when you’re referencing previously introduced concepts, especially in analysis and literature reviews.
5. In Accordance with the Text
This expression implies that something aligns or complies with the instructions or points made in the text. It adds a slightly more formal touch.
Scenario Example (Instructional Guide):
In accordance with the text, all employees are required to complete the online compliance training module before accessing the internal system.
Why use it? Ideal for official reports, guidelines, and any writing that involves following rules or procedures.
6. The Words of the Text
This phrase is used when you want to directly quote or highlight specific words or statements from the text. It’s a strong, authoritative way to introduce a citation.
Scenario Example (Email to Professor):
Dear Professor Smith,
In the words of the text, “the protagonist’s journey is marked by moments of profound transformation.” This supports the argument that self-discovery is central to the novel.
Why use it? This is an excellent choice for academic writing when introducing direct quotes from a source.
7. The Text Reveals
If the text uncovers something new or exposes a deeper meaning, “the text reveals” is a great alternative. This expression implies that the information might not have been immediately obvious and adds an element of discovery.
Scenario Example (Book Review):
The text reveals a hidden layer of tension between the main characters, a theme that wasn’t fully explored until later chapters.
Why use it? Perfect for literary works or any text that exposes new insights or secrets.
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8. The Text Asserts
When the text makes a strong, confident statement, “the text asserts” can convey the forcefulness of the claim.
Scenario Example (Research Paper):
The text asserts that climate change poses an existential threat to global biodiversity, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Why use it? Best for academic writing when you want to emphasize that the text is making a bold claim or argument.
9. The Text Notes
“The text notes” is a less formal but still professional way to reference something in the text. It implies that the point is mentioned but perhaps not emphasized.
Scenario Example (Research Report):
The text notes that while the new technology has potential, its implementation remains a challenge due to cost constraints.
Why use it? It’s ideal for reports or technical writing when referencing observations or important details without being too heavy-handed.
10. The Text Specifies
When the text provides exact details or clarifies something precisely, “the text specifies” is a perfect fit.
Scenario Example (User Manual):
The text specifies that the device should be recalibrated every six months for optimal performance.
Why use it? Excellent for technical documents, instructional writing, or when you want to emphasize precision.
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11. The Text Declares
“The text declares” is a strong expression that conveys that the information presented is definitive or unambiguous.
Scenario Example (Essay):
The text declares that personal sacrifice is a key theme of the narrative, reflecting the larger social context in which the story is set.
Why use it? This phrase is ideal for making a bold statement or emphasizing an important theme in literary or academic writing.
12. The Text Points Out
When the text draws attention to something important, “the text points out” is a useful alternative. It suggests that the text is highlighting a specific point.
Scenario Example (Email to Colleague):
Hi Mark,
The text points out several areas where our project could benefit from further development, particularly in the marketing section.
Why use it? This phrase is informal yet effective for everyday communication, especially when you want to highlight important details.
13. The Text Emphasizes
If the text puts special focus on a particular point, “the text emphasizes” is the way to go.
Scenario Example (Essay):
The text emphasizes the need for unity in the face of adversity, which is a central message throughout the novel.
Why use it? This phrase works well when you want to underline a core idea or important argument in a literary or academic context.
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14. The Text Conveys
When the text communicates a particular message or emotion, “the text conveys” is an excellent option. It works especially well when discussing themes, emotions, or general ideas.
Scenario Example (Literary Review):
The text conveys a sense of urgency, reflected in the frantic pace of the narrative as the characters race against time.
Why use it? Perfect for discussions around the tone, theme, or overall message of a work.
15. The Text Illustrates
If the text provides a clear example or explanation, “the text illustrates” is ideal. This phrase suggests that the text is demonstrating or showing something.
Scenario Example (Classroom Discussion):
The text illustrates the tension between the two main characters through their conflicting motivations and decisions.
Why use it? It’s a great alternative when discussing examples, illustrations, or explanations in literary or academic writing.
Table of Synonyms for “The Text States”
| Alternative Phrase | Usage Context |
|---|---|
| According to the text | General academic and professional use |
| As stated in the text | Formal references in reports, essays, and academic writing |
| Per the text | Professional, business, and instructional contexts |
| As mentioned in the text | Casual references, emails, discussions |
| In accordance with the text | Official documents, guidelines, or instructions |
| The words of the text | Direct quotes or citations in academic and formal writing |
| The text reveals | Uncovering new insights, findings, or meanings |
| The text asserts | Strong or definitive claims in academic, research, or persuasive writing |
| The text notes | Observations or important points in reports and analyses |
| The text specifies | Precise or detailed instructions in technical writing or manuals |
| The text declares | Bold or definitive statements, often in persuasive writing |
| The text points out | Highlights specific points or details in more casual or analytical contexts |
| The text emphasizes | Focus on key points, arguments, or themes in literary and academic contexts |
| The text conveys | Communicates a particular message, tone, or emotion in narrative and literary analysis |
| The text illustrates | Demonstrates or shows examples, explanations, or arguments in writing |
Conclusion
The way you refer to quoted material or evidence in your writing can greatly influence its tone and clarity. By using varied expressions like those listed above, you can avoid repetitive phrases and keep your writing fresh and engaging. Whether you’re writing academic papers, business emails, or literary reviews, these alternatives to “the text states” will enhance your writing style, improve readability, and help you connect with your audience more effectively.
By implementing these synonyms into your writing, you can demonstrate your flexibility in expression and showcase a more sophisticated understanding of how to reference source material. Happy writing!
Kyren Paul is an experienced blogger and the creative mind behind “Grammar Vibe.” With a passion for the nuances of English grammar, he brings clarity and insight to everyday language topics, making grammar accessible and engaging for readers of all levels.
