When you’re writing an essay, analysis, or report, the phrase “the text states” can feel repetitive and overly simple. Strong writing requires variation—different ways to introduce evidence, cite a passage, or highlight what an author or source expresses.
Whether you’re working on academic writing, professional communication, or literary analysis, using richer alternatives helps your work sound polished, credible, and sophisticated.
Below you’ll find 25+ powerful alternatives to “the text states”, each with a clear meaning, example sentence, ideal use case, and tone guide. Use these variations to strengthen your writing, avoid repetition, and elevate your analysis.
1. “The author explains”
Meaning: The writer clarifies or provides information.
Example: The author explains that early decisions shaped the outcome.
Best Use: When the statement gives clarification or detail.
Tone: Academic, formal.
2. “The passage indicates”
Meaning: The text suggests or shows something.
Example: The passage indicates a shift in the character’s motivation.
Best Use: When evidence points toward a conclusion.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
3. “The text reveals”
Meaning: The text uncovers or makes something known.
Example: The text reveals the underlying conflict in the community.
Best Use: When discussing hidden or deeper meanings.
Tone: Insightful, literary.
4. “The author states”
Meaning: The writer directly expresses something.
Example: The author states that cooperation is essential.
Best Use: When quoting or paraphrasing a direct claim.
Tone: Neutral, academic.
5. “The paragraph highlights”
Meaning: The section draws attention to a point.
Example: The paragraph highlights the importance of resilience.
Best Use: When a part of the text emphasizes a theme.
Tone: Objective, scholarly.
6. “The excerpt suggests”
Meaning: The text implies something indirectly.
Example: The excerpt suggests that trust had already eroded.
Best Use: When inferring meaning from context.
Tone: Subtle, analytical.
7. “The writer argues”
Meaning: The author presents a claim or stance.
Example: The writer argues that innovation drives progress.
Best Use: When presenting persuasive or argumentative content.
Tone: Assertive, academic.
8. “The narrative shows”
Meaning: The storyline demonstrates something.
Example: The narrative shows how fear shapes decisions.
Best Use: Literary analysis or storytelling contexts.
Tone: Literary, descriptive.
9. “The evidence shows”
Meaning: The information demonstrates or supports a point.
Example: The evidence shows a clear pattern of decline.
Best Use: Data-driven or research-based writing.
Tone: Logical, factual.
10. “The author points out”
Meaning: The writer draws attention to something.
Example: The author points out that previous efforts failed.
Best Use: When an author highlights an important fact.
Tone: Neutral, academic.
11. “The text demonstrates”
Meaning: The text provides a clear example.
Example: The text demonstrates how conflict arises.
Best Use: When showing how something works or develops.
Tone: Formal, explanatory.
12. “The source explains”
Meaning: The referenced material provides clarification.
Example: The source explains the historical context.
Best Use: Academic and research writing.
Tone: Formal.
13. “The article notes”
Meaning: The article mentions or acknowledges something.
Example: The article notes the increase in demand.
Best Use: When referencing published materials.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
14. “The text clarifies”
Meaning: It makes something easier to understand.
Example: The text clarifies the reason behind the policy change.
Best Use: When simplifying or explaining complex ideas.
Tone: Clear, informative.
15. “The passage emphasizes”
Meaning: The text stresses an important idea.
Example: The passage emphasizes the need for unity.
Best Use: When highlighting priority or importance.
Tone: Strong, assertive.
16. “The author illustrates”
Meaning: The writer uses example to show a concept.
Example: The author illustrates this idea with real-life scenarios.
Best Use: When explaining abstract concepts.
Tone: Thoughtful, educational.
17. “The text conveys”
Meaning: The text expresses a feeling or message.
Example: The text conveys a sense of urgency.
Best Use: Emotional or thematic analysis.
Tone: Literary, expressive.
18. “The writer implies”
Meaning: The author suggests something indirectly.
Example: The writer implies that change was inevitable.
Best Use: When the message is subtle.
Tone: Analytical, interpretive.
19. “The section outlines”
Meaning: The part of the text gives structure or overview.
Example: The section outlines the main stages of the process.
Best Use: Procedural or instructional writing.
Tone: Clear, methodical.
20. “The chapter discusses”
Meaning: The chapter covers a topic.
Example: The chapter discusses the roots of inequality.
Best Use: Long-form texts like books, reports.
Tone: Informative, academic.
21. “The author conveys”
Meaning: The writer expresses emotion or meaning.
Example: The author conveys frustration through tone.
Best Use: Tone or stylistic analysis.
Tone: Interpretive.
22. “The text asserts”
Meaning: The text makes a confident claim.
Example: The text asserts that honesty is essential.
Best Use: Persuasive writing or strong claims.
Tone: Firm, formal.
23. “The author remarks”
Meaning: The writer comments on something.
Example: The author remarks on the rapid pace of change.
Best Use: Casual observations in analytical writing.
Tone: Mild, academic.
24. “The passage conveys”
Meaning: The section expresses a particular meaning.
Example: The passage conveys fear and uncertainty.
Best Use: Emotional or interpretive analysis.
Tone: Literary.
25. “The writer notes”
Meaning: The author mentions something important.
Example: The writer notes that previous research was limited.
Best Use: Academic commentary.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
26. “The text highlights”
Meaning: The text draws attention to something.
Example: The text highlights the dangers of misinformation.
Best Use: Emphasis in analysis.
Tone: Direct, formal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “the text states” too informal for academic writing?
No, it’s acceptable, but repeating it too frequently weakens your writing. Variations add depth and clarity.
2. Which alternative is best for essays?
Phrases like “the author explains,” “the passage indicates,” or “the text demonstrates” work best for academic essays.
3. Can I use these alternatives in research papers?
Yes—especially options that sound formal and analytical, such as “the evidence shows” or “the source explains.”
4. Which option fits literary analysis?
Use literary-toned phrases like “the narrative shows,” “the excerpt suggests,” or “the text conveys.”
5. Do these alternatives change meaning?
Some imply subtle differences. Choose the phrase that matches whether the author is explaining, arguing, implying, or describing.
Conclusion (Final Thought)
Mastering alternatives to “the text states” is one of the simplest ways to elevate your writing and make your analysis stand out.
When you choose precise, expressive, and context-appropriate alternatives, your arguments become clearer, your evidence appears stronger, and your overall work reads with confidence and sophistication.
Whether you’re crafting essays, reports, research papers, or interpretations, these phrases give you the flexibility to match tone, highlight meaning, and maintain variety throughout your writing.
