When discussing written material, in the text it states can sound repetitive or stiff. Using other ways to say in the text it states helps writers present information from a source with greater clarity and variety.
For example, according to the text, the author explains, or the passage indicates can introduce written information naturally. These phrase alternatives work across an article, essay, report, or academic passage.
They also help students, teachers, writers, and professionals create clearer academic writing and professional writing. Choosing context-appropriate alternatives can improve tone, readability, and source attribution.
Synonyms For “In the Text It States”
- The text says
- The passage states
- According to the text
- As stated in the text
- The text indicates
- The text notes
- The text mentions
- The passage explains
- The author states
- The text points out
- The text suggests
- The text describes
- The text reveals
- The source states
- The document says
What Does “In the Text It States” Mean?
The phrase “in the text it states” is generally intended to introduce information that appears in a written source. In other words, the speaker wants to tell the reader that a particular fact, opinion, claim, or detail can be found within the text.
For example, someone might write, “In the text it states that the company expanded overseas.” The intended meaning is clear: the writer is referring to something the source explicitly says.
However, the wording is not especially natural in standard English. The pronoun “it” is unnecessary because “the text” already identifies the source. A cleaner version would be “The text states that the company expanded overseas.”
The phrase can also be confused with expressions that describe an inference rather than an explicit statement. If the source directly gives the information, “the text states” works well. If the source merely hints at an idea, “the text suggests” may be more accurate.
This distinction matters in essays, reading responses, research writing, workplace reports, and source-based answers. Choosing the right expression helps readers understand whether the information was directly stated, mentioned, explained, described, or inferred.
When to Use “In the Text It States”
The intended meaning of “in the text it states” is understandable in many situations, but the construction itself usually needs improvement. In most cases, a more natural phrase such as “the text states” or “according to the text” will read better.
For school assignments, reading questions, and essays, “the text states” is a straightforward choice when the source directly provides a fact or claim.
For casual conversation, you might simply say “the text says”. That wording sounds more natural and less formal.
For academic or professional writing, “the passage states,” “the source states,” or “according to the text” can provide a more polished tone.
The original wording is rarely necessary in emails, reports, or ordinary conversations. It can make a sentence feel repetitive because “in the text” already tells the reader where the information comes from while “it states” adds an unnecessary pronoun.
A useful rule is simple: if the source directly gives the information, identify the source and use a clear reporting verb.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “In the Text It States”?
The phrase is understandable but awkward rather than rude or impolite. The main issue is grammar and natural phrasing, not politeness.
In professional or academic writing, “the text states” is usually cleaner:
The text states that the policy applies to all employees.
In a casual conversation, “the text says” sounds more relaxed:
The text says we need to arrive by nine.
When you want to sound neutral and source-focused, “according to the text” works especially well:
According to the text, the procedure requires written approval.
More formal alternatives such as “the source states” may suit reports and research writing. Meanwhile, “the text suggests” should only be used when the source does not directly state the idea.
So the best choice depends on what the source actually communicates and how formal your writing needs to be.
1. The Text Says
“The text says” is the simplest and most natural alternative for everyday writing. It directly tells the reader that the information appears in the source. Unlike the original phrase, it avoids the unnecessary combination of “in the text” and “it states.”
This expression works especially well when you are discussing a reading passage, article, message, story, or short piece of writing. It has a plain and conversational tone, so it does not feel overly academic. It can also introduce either a short quotation or a paraphrased idea. While it is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, writers may prefer “the text states” or “the passage states” when producing a formal academic paper.
Scenario
Scenario: You are discussing a reading passage with a classmate and want to point out a specific fact without making your explanation sound overly formal.
Examples
- The text says that the village was founded more than a century ago.
- The text says the company plans to open another location next year.
- The text says that regular exercise can improve overall fitness.
- The text says the main character left home before sunrise.
- The text says the museum will remain closed during renovations.
Tone
Clear, conversational, direct, and neutral. It sounds natural without adding unnecessary formality.
Explanation
This phrase works because “says” is a simple reporting verb that clearly identifies what the source communicates. It is particularly useful when you are summarizing information rather than analyzing the author’s precise wording.
It is less formal than “states” but that does not make it incorrect. In many ordinary situations, it actually sounds more natural. The important limitation is that “says” can feel somewhat conversational in highly formal academic or legal writing.
Best Use
Best Use: Reading discussions, casual explanations, classroom conversations, simple essays, and general source references.
2. The Passage States
“The passage states” is a stronger choice when you are discussing a specific section of writing. It sounds more polished than “the text says” while remaining easy to understand.
The word “passage” works particularly well when referring to an excerpt from a book, article, essay, examination question, or reading exercise. The verb “states” also suggests that the information is presented clearly and directly. This makes the phrase useful when you want to distinguish an explicit statement from an interpretation.
It may sound more formal than necessary in a casual conversation, but it fits comfortably into academic and analytical writing.
Scenario
Scenario: You are answering a reading-comprehension question and need to identify information explicitly provided in a particular paragraph.
Examples
- The passage states that the workers received additional training.
- The passage states that the river changed course after the storm.
- The passage states that the experiment produced unexpected results.
- The passage states that several factors contributed to the decline.
- The passage states that the author grew up in a rural community.
Tone
Academic, precise, neutral, and professional.
Explanation
“The passage states” is especially useful when accuracy matters. States indicates that the source presents the information directly rather than merely implying it.
The phrase also avoids the awkward structure of “in the text it states.” Instead of placing the source location before an unnecessary pronoun, it makes the source itself the subject of the sentence.
Best Use
Best Use: Academic writing, reading responses, literary analysis, examinations, and formal discussions of specific passages.
Read More: 15 Other Ways to Say ‘You Look Hot’ (With Examples)
3. According to the Text
“According to the text” shifts the emphasis slightly. Instead of focusing on the text as an active speaker, it emphasizes that the information comes from the source.
This makes it a versatile alternative for essays, reports, summaries, and classroom answers. It can introduce a fact, argument, explanation, or claim without suggesting that every word following it is a direct quotation.
The phrase also works well when you want to make your own statement while clearly separating your interpretation from information supplied by the source. That distinction can make writing more transparent and easier to follow.
Scenario
Scenario: You are writing an essay and want to show that a particular fact comes from the assigned reading rather than from your own knowledge.
Examples
- According to the text, the region experienced several years of drought.
- According to the text, the project began as a small community effort.
- According to the text, the two groups had different priorities.
- According to the text, early versions of the device were unreliable.
- According to the text, the policy was introduced to reduce unnecessary costs.
Tone
Neutral, professional, academic, and source-focused.
Explanation
This is one of the most flexible alternatives because it does not require a specific reporting verb such as “says” or “states.” It simply identifies where the information comes from.
That makes it useful when summarizing a source. However, it should not automatically imply that the source is objectively correct. It means the information is presented according to that particular text.
Best Use
Best Use: Essays, reports, reading responses, research summaries, and professional documents that need clear source attribution.
4. As Stated in the Text
“As stated in the text” is a more formal expression that directly connects a claim to information contained in the source. It works especially well when the writer wants to emphasize that a detail has already been provided.
Unlike “the text says,” this expression has a more formal and deliberate tone. It can be useful in academic writing, reports, instructions, and analytical responses.
It is not always the most natural option for everyday conversation. Saying “as stated in the text” to a friend may sound unnecessarily official. In formal writing, however, it can be effective when used sparingly.
Scenario
Scenario: You are preparing a formal report and need to refer back to information that the source has already presented.
Examples
- As stated in the text, the program serves more than one community.
- As stated in the text, applicants must submit their forms before the deadline.
- As stated in the text, the two methods produce different outcomes.
- As stated in the text, the building underwent major repairs last year.
- As stated in the text, the proposal requires additional funding.
Tone
Formal, precise, professional, and objective.
Explanation
The phrase works because it explicitly links the information to the source. The “as stated” construction can make the wording feel authoritative, although it should not be used simply to make an unsupported claim sound stronger.
It is particularly useful when referring back to a statement that readers can locate in the source. If you are writing a highly polished essay, though, varying your reporting language can prevent repetitive phrasing.
Best Use
Best Use: Formal reports, academic writing, professional documentation, and analytical responses.
5. The Text Indicates
“The text indicates” is useful when the source provides evidence that points toward a conclusion. It is slightly different from “the text states.”
States normally suggests that the information is explicit. Indicates can suggest that the information is shown through details, evidence, wording, or context. That makes this phrase especially valuable when you do not want to claim that the source directly says something it only supports.
It is therefore a good choice for analytical writing. It can help you discuss patterns or evidence without overstating what the author actually wrote.
Scenario
Scenario: You are analyzing a short story and want to explain what the character’s actions reveal without claiming that the author directly says it.
Examples
- The text indicates that the character feels uncomfortable in unfamiliar settings.
- The text indicates that demand for the product has increased.
- The text indicates a gradual shift in the author’s attitude.
- The text indicates that several residents opposed the proposal.
- The text indicates that environmental conditions affected the results.
Tone
Analytical, professional, careful, and evidence-based.
Explanation
This is not always a direct synonym for “states.” Its strength comes from its subtle distinction. When the evidence points toward an idea but does not explicitly state it, “indicates” is often more accurate.
That makes it especially useful for literary analysis, research writing, and evidence-based discussion.
Best Use
Best Use: Analysis, essays, research writing, reports, and situations where the source provides evidence rather than an explicit statement.
6. The Text Notes
“The text notes” is a concise way to introduce a specific detail or observation found in a source. It often sounds slightly less forceful than “the text states.”
This expression is useful when the information is one detail among several rather than the central argument of the entire passage. It can also make writing feel less repetitive when you have already used “states” several times.
The word “notes” often suggests that the author draws attention to something without necessarily making it the main focus. That nuance makes it valuable in reports and analytical writing.
Scenario
Scenario: You are summarizing a report and want to mention a smaller detail that supports the main discussion.
Examples
- The text notes that transportation costs increased during the period.
- The text notes several differences between the two approaches.
- The text notes that the building was originally constructed in 1925.
- The text notes a decline in participation among younger residents.
- The text notes that weather conditions affected the schedule.
Tone
Neutral, professional, concise, and measured.
Explanation
“Notes” works particularly well when you want to draw attention to information without overstating its importance.
It is different from “states” because it can make the information feel more like an observation or recorded detail. That makes it a useful alternative when the source briefly mentions something.
Best Use
Best Use: Reports, summaries, analytical writing, professional communication, and source-based explanations.
7. The Text Mentions
“The text mentions” is a natural choice when the source refers to a person, idea, event, place, fact, or subject without necessarily explaining it in depth.
This distinction matters. If a passage spends several paragraphs explaining a theory, “the text explains” may be better. If it simply refers to the theory once, “the text mentions” is more accurate.
The phrase sounds fairly neutral and conversational. It can work in school assignments and everyday discussions, although more formal writing may favor “the passage notes” or “the source discusses.”
Scenario
Scenario: You are reviewing an article and want to point out that it refers briefly to an issue without suggesting that the article provides a detailed discussion of it.
Examples
- The text mentions several challenges faced by small businesses.
- The text mentions the author’s first visit to the city.
- The text mentions a possible connection between the two events.
- The text mentions that some residents opposed the change.
- The text mentions renewable energy near the end of the article.
Tone
Neutral, straightforward, conversational, and informative.
Explanation
“Mentions” is a particularly useful alternative because it accurately describes brief references. It does not imply that the author strongly argues for the information or provides a detailed explanation.
That makes it safer than “states” when the source only touches on a subject.
Best Use
Best Use: Summaries, classroom discussions, casual explanations, article reviews, and situations involving brief references.
8. The Passage Explains
“The passage explains” is appropriate when the source does more than simply state information. It tells the reader that the passage helps clarify how or why something happens.
This phrase works especially well with processes, causes, reasons, concepts, and relationships. It is not a direct replacement for “the text states” when the source merely provides a fact.
Using “explains” accurately can make your writing more descriptive and precise. It also helps readers understand that the source provides some context rather than simply making an isolated statement.
Scenario
Scenario: You are summarizing a science passage that describes why a particular process occurs.
Examples
- The passage explains why the temperature changes throughout the day.
- The passage explains how the new system works.
- The passage explains why the community rejected the proposal.
- The passage explains the causes of the financial decline.
- The passage explains how early farmers adapted to changing conditions.
Tone
Clear, educational, informative, and professional.
Explanation
“Explains” works when the source provides reasoning, clarification, or process information. It adds a different meaning from “states,” so it should not be used merely for variety.
If the source says, “The bridge opened in 1985,” “the passage states” is accurate. If the passage describes why the bridge was built and how its design solved a problem, “the passage explains” becomes more appropriate.
Best Use
Best Use: Educational writing, explanatory passages, essays, reports, science writing, and process-based discussions.
9. The Author States
“The author states” shifts attention from the document itself to the person who wrote it. This can be useful when analyzing an argument, position, opinion, or claim.
The phrase is especially appropriate when discussing essays, opinion pieces, books, research papers, and other works where the author’s perspective matters.
It should not be used when the source has no identifiable author or when the identity of the writer is irrelevant. In those cases, “the text states” or “the source states” may be better.
Scenario
Scenario: You are analyzing an opinion article and want to distinguish the writer’s argument from your own interpretation.
Examples
- The author states that public transportation needs additional investment.
- The author states that the policy has created unexpected challenges.
- The author states that education should remain accessible to everyone.
- The author states that the original plan was too expensive.
- The author states that community involvement improved the project.
Tone
Academic, analytical, professional, and author-focused.
Explanation
This alternative is useful because it identifies who is responsible for the statement. That can be important when an article contains opinions or arguments.
However, “the author states” should not be used simply because it sounds formal. If the writer’s identity does not matter to the sentence, “the text states” may be cleaner.
Best Use
Best Use: Literary analysis, opinion articles, academic essays, book discussions, and argumentative writing.
10. The Text Points Out
“The text points out” is more expressive than “the text states.” It suggests that the source draws attention to an important fact, problem, contrast, or observation.
This phrase can make analytical writing feel more natural because it emphasizes what the writer wants the reader to notice. It works particularly well when a passage highlights a problem or corrects an assumption.
It has a moderately conversational quality, so it may feel less formal than “the source indicates.” Still, it can fit comfortably into many essays and professional explanations.
Scenario
Scenario: You are discussing an article that highlights a problem readers might otherwise overlook.
Examples
- The text points out that rural communities face different transportation challenges.
- The text points out a major difference between the two approaches.
- The text points out that the original estimate was inaccurate.
- The text points out several weaknesses in the current system.
- The text points out how small changes can affect the final result.
Tone
Direct, explanatory, conversational, and analytical.
Explanation
The expression works because “points out” emphasizes attention. It is especially effective when the author deliberately highlights something important.
It should not replace every instance of “states.” If the source simply reports a neutral fact, “the text states” may be more precise.
Best Use
Best Use: Analytical writing, explanations, essays, discussions, reports, and situations where the source emphasizes a particular detail.
11. The Text Suggests
“The text suggests” is one of the most important alternatives when you need to describe an implied meaning.
Unlike “states,” “suggests” does not normally mean that the author directly said something. Instead, the source provides clues or evidence that lead the reader toward a particular interpretation.
This makes the phrase especially valuable in literary analysis, opinion analysis, and interpretive writing. It also helps prevent overstatement. If you cannot point to a sentence where the author explicitly makes the claim, “suggests” may be safer than “states.”
Scenario
Scenario: You are analyzing a story in which a character never directly admits being afraid, but the character’s behavior strongly implies fear.
Examples
- The text suggests that the character is hiding something.
- The text suggests that the policy may have unintended consequences.
- The text suggests a growing conflict between the two groups.
- The text suggests that the narrator does not fully trust the other character.
- The text suggests that economic pressure influenced the decision.
Tone
Analytical, cautious, interpretive, and thoughtful.
Explanation
“Suggests” is not a perfect synonym for “states.” Its value comes from the difference between explicit information and implied meaning.
Use it when the evidence supports an interpretation but the source does not directly make the claim. This distinction can make academic writing more accurate because it shows appropriate caution.
Best Use
Best Use: Literary analysis, interpretation, essays, research discussion, and claims based on indirect evidence.
12. The Text Describes
“The text describes” works when the source gives details about a person, place, event, condition, process, or situation.
It focuses on how something is presented, rather than simply stating that a fact exists. This makes it particularly useful when discussing descriptive writing or explaining how an author portrays something.
For example, saying “the text describes the village as isolated” tells readers that the source provides a portrayal of the village. Saying “the text states the village is isolated” makes the claim sound more direct.
Scenario
Scenario: You are discussing a travel article that provides detailed information about a remote mountain town.
Examples
- The text describes the village as quiet and isolated.
- The text describes how the landscape changed after the storm.
- The text describes the building’s original interior.
- The text describes the challenges faced by local farmers.
- The text describes the character as cautious but determined.
Tone
Descriptive, informative, neutral, and analytical.
Explanation
“Describes” is appropriate when the source provides details or characteristics. It is especially useful for literary and descriptive passages.
It does not necessarily mean the information is explicitly stated as a factual claim. Instead, it emphasizes the way the source presents the subject.
Best Use
Best Use: Literary analysis, travel writing, descriptive passages, reports, summaries, and discussions of how something is portrayed.
13. The Text Reveals
“The text reveals” is a more expressive alternative. It suggests that the source makes something clear or visible to the reader, sometimes gradually.
This phrase can be effective when discussing information that becomes apparent through the progression of a story or through evidence presented across a passage. It can sound stronger than “the text states,” so it should be used carefully.
In literary analysis, “reveals” often works well because authors may gradually disclose a character’s motives, relationships, or secrets. In ordinary factual writing, however, “states” or “notes” may be more appropriate.
Scenario
Scenario: You are analyzing a short story in which the reader gradually learns that a character has been hiding an important secret.
Examples
- The text reveals that the character had known about the problem for months.
- The text reveals a growing tension between the two families.
- The text reveals why the original plan failed.
- The text reveals an unexpected connection between the events.
- The text reveals the character’s deeper motivation near the end.
Tone
Expressive, analytical, interpretive, and slightly dramatic.
Explanation
“Reveals” suggests that the information becomes disclosed or apparent. That makes it stronger than a simple statement of fact.
It works particularly well when information unfolds gradually. It may sound excessive if the source simply reports an ordinary fact, so choose it when the idea of discovery genuinely fits.
Best Use
Best Use: Literary analysis, narrative discussion, investigative writing, and situations where information becomes apparent through the source.
14. The Source States
“The source states” is a strong professional and academic alternative when you want to emphasize the origin of information rather than the physical text itself.
The word “source” is especially useful when discussing articles, reports, studies, documents, websites, publications, or other materials. It allows you to refer to information without repeatedly calling everything “the text.”
This wording is particularly helpful in research-based writing because it keeps attention on source attribution. However, it should only be used when the material genuinely functions as a source for the information being discussed.
Scenario
Scenario: You are preparing a research summary and need to distinguish information obtained from a published report from your own analysis.
Examples
- The source states that the program began in 2018.
- The source states that the results were reviewed independently.
- The source states that additional research is needed.
- The source states that the organization serves several rural communities.
- The source states that the original proposal was later revised.
Tone
Professional, formal, academic, and objective.
Explanation
“The source states” is useful because it makes attribution explicit. Readers can immediately understand that the claim comes from an external document or publication.
It is more formal than “the text says” and often fits research writing better. Still, it should not be used to imply that the source is automatically reliable. It simply identifies where the statement comes from.
Best Use
Best Use: Research papers, professional reports, source analysis, academic summaries, and formal documentation.
15. The Document Says
“The document says” is a practical alternative when the material you are discussing is specifically a document rather than a general passage or literary text.
It works naturally for policies, instructions, letters, notices, contracts, reports, forms, manuals, and workplace documents. The phrase is straightforward and accessible.
Although “says” is relatively conversational, pairing it with “document” makes the expression clear. For highly formal settings, “the document states” may be preferable. Still, “the document says” often sounds less stiff and is perfectly suitable when explaining information to another person.
Scenario
Scenario: You are helping a coworker understand a workplace policy and want to refer directly to what the written document contains.
Examples
- The document says employees must complete the form by Friday.
- The document says the warranty covers manufacturing defects.
- The document says visitors must sign in at reception.
- The document says the meeting will begin at 10 a.m.
- The document says applicants should provide two references.
Tone
Clear, practical, neutral, and professional.
Explanation
This phrase works best when the source is a specific written document. It is more precise than calling every written source “the text.”
The main distinction is contextual. “The document says” fits workplace paperwork or official written material. “The passage states” is more natural for an excerpt from an essay or book.
Best Use
Best Use: Workplace documents, policies, notices, instructions, letters, reports, manuals, and practical conversations about written material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to “in the text it states”?
The clearest alternative is the text states, while the text says offers a more casual option. For academic writing, according to the text or the passage states can provide clearer source attribution.
Which alternative sounds most professional?
The source states, the passage states, and according to the text suit professional writing and formal writing. These phrases create a clear professional tone without sounding overly complex.
What is the best alternative for casual conversations?
The text says is usually the most natural choice for casual conversations. It uses simple natural phrasing and works well when referring to written information in everyday communication.
What is the difference between “the text states” and “the text suggests”?
The text states means the source gives information directly, while the text suggests means the idea is implied. Choosing the right phrase improves clarity, precision, and accurate source discussion.
Is “in the text it states” grammatically correct?
The phrase is understandable but awkward because “it” is unnecessary. The text states is a clearer construction that improves sentence structure, readability, and writing style.
Conclusion
Choosing other ways to say in the text it states helps you match your wording to the source and setting. Use the text says for simple references, the passage states for formal analysis, or according to the text for clear source attribution. When information is implied, the text suggests or the text indicates offers greater clarity and precision.
