In professional writing, we often need different ways to introduce evidence or quotes. Using “the text states” repeatedly can make your writing feel dull. Here are 20 fresh alternatives that will help you create more engaging writing while smoothly quoting from sources.
Is It Professional to Say “the Text States”?
No, it’s not professional to keep using “the text states” over and over in academic writing. While this phrase clearly shows where information comes from, using it too much makes your writing sound boring and basic. Instead, good writers use different phrases like “the author explains” or “the research shows” to make their writing flow better and sound more natural. Just like a good conversation uses different words and sentence styles, quality writing should mix up how it presents information. Think of it like cooking – using only one spice makes a dish bland, but mixing different spices makes it more interesting!
Here’s a quick example showing what not to do: “The text states that dolphins are smart. The text states that dolphins live in groups. The text states that dolphins help each other.”
This kind of writing sounds robotic and shows limited writing skills. Instead, mix up your phrases to make your writing more engaging and professional.
What to Say Instead of “the text states”
- According to
- The Text Reveals
- The Author Suggests
- The Document Indicates
- The Research Shows
- The Evidence Demonstrates
- The Report Outlines
- The Study Highlights
- The Data Confirms
- The Source Explains
- Points Out
- Makes Clear
- Brings Up
- Notes That
- Emphasizes
- Observes That
- Mentions
- Goes On To Say
- Describes
- Puts Forward
1. According to
This straightforward phrase works well when you want to credit your source directly. It’s perfect for academic work and lets you transition into quotes naturally. You can use it at the start or middle of your sentence to add variety to your sentence structures.
Example (Email to Professor):
Dear Professor Martinez, According to your feedback on my essay, I need to work on my citation format. I’ve reviewed the guidelines and made the suggested changes…
2. The Text Reveals
When you want to emphasize new discoveries or important findings in your source, “the text reveals” adds a sense of discovery. This phrase helps avoid repetitive language while maintaining formality in academic writing.
Example (Research Paper Comment):
StudentName: The text reveals fascinating patterns in sea turtle species migration. Your analysis of their breeding grounds is particularly insightful.
3. The Author Suggests
“The Author Suggests” works well when discussing interpretations or recommendations. It’s softer than stating and perfect for introducing evidence that isn’t completely definitive.
Example (Book Review on Social Media):
Just finished reading ‘Ocean Crisis’ by Dr. Sarah Chen! The author suggests that warming waters are affecting marine life more than previously thought. 🌊🐠
4. The Document Indicates
Perfect for integrating evidence from formal reports or studies. It’s especially useful when discussing data or statistics in scholarly work.
Example (Business Report Text):
Hi Team, reviewing the Q4 report. The document indicates we’ve exceeded our sustainability goals by 15%. Great work everyone!
5. The Research Shows
The Research Shows is excellent for presenting concrete findings, especially in climate change research or scientific studies. It helps in effectively quoting statistical evidence.
Example (Newsletter):
Dear Subscribers, The research shows that coral reef restoration efforts are working! Our latest survey indicates a 23% increase in marine biodiversity…
6. The Evidence Demonstrates
Use this when you want to emphasize strong proof or clear findings. It’s great for incorporating evidence in persuasive writing.
Example (Blog Comment):
MarineExplorer: The evidence demonstrates that plastic pollution has decreased by 30% in areas with bag bans. Your article really opened my eyes!
7. The Report Outlines
“The Report Outlines” works well when summarizing multiple points or steps from a source. It’s useful for breaking down complex information in quality writing.
Example (Team Slack Message):
Hey ProjectTeam, the report outlines three key strategies for our conservation project. Let’s discuss these in tomorrow’s meeting! 📊
8. The Study Highlights
Perfect for emphasizing key findings or important points. It helps create varied syntax while maintaining professional tone.
Example (Conference Tweet):
At MarineScience2024: The study highlights unprecedented changes in Arctic ice melt. Thanks to Dr. Kim for this eye-opening presentation! 🧊🌡️
9. The Data Confirms
Use this phrase when presenting conclusive evidence or verified information. It’s especially effective in scholarly writing when discussing research results.
Example (Lab Report Feedback):
Dear Jessica, the data confirms your hypothesis about coral bleaching rates. Your methodology was particularly thorough…
10. The Source Explains
This alternative helps when you need to introduce detailed explanations or complex concepts. It’s great for educational work and helps maintain language variety.
Example (Discussion Forum Post):
Hi classmates, the source explains the connection between ocean acidification and shell formation in marine life. Has anyone else found this relationship fascinating? Let’s discuss! 🐚🌊
11. Points Out
A clear and direct way to highlight specific information in your academic work. This phrase feels natural in engaging writing and helps draw attention to key details. It’s especially useful when you want to focus on particular findings or observations.
Perfect for both formal writing and casual communication, this phrase maintains professionalism while staying conversational.
Example (LinkedIn Post):
Exciting news! Our new climate report points out that renewable energy adoption has jumped 40% since last year. Great to see such positive changes! 🌱
12. Makes Clear
When you need to emphasize obvious or well-supported conclusions in your scholarly writing, this phrase works perfectly.
It helps in smoothly quoting definitive statements or strong evidence. The phrase suggests certainty without sounding too forceful, making it great for academic projects.
Example (Student Forum Comment):
Hi ClassGroup! The textbook chapter makes clear that photosynthesis involves both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Did anyone else find this part fascinating? 🌿
13. Brings Up
“Brings Up” helps avoid repetitive language while maintaining clarity. It’s perfect for introducing new topics or additional points in your quality writing. The phrase feels conversational and works well when introducing evidence in a friendly tone.
Example (Text Message):
Hey Sarah, I’m reviewing your proposal draft. It brings up some excellent points about urban wildlife conservation. Can we discuss these tomorrow? 🦊
14. Notes That
A simple but effective way to integrate quotes and maintain sentence structures variety. This phrase works well when incorporating evidence from any source. It’s straightforward and helps create smooth transitions in your writing.
Example (Research Blog Comment):
Great article! The researcher notes that urban gardens support more butterfly species than previously thought. This matches what I’ve observed in my neighborhood! 🦋
15. Emphasizes
Use this when highlighting important points or key arguments in your academic writing. It’s particularly effective when you want to stress significant findings or conclusions. This phrase helps in integrating evidence while drawing attention to crucial information.
Example (Email to Team):
Dear Conservation Team, The latest report emphasizes the success of our sea turtle protection program. Our night patrols have increased nesting rates by 35%! 🐢
16. Observes That
Perfect for presenting objective findings or direct observations in scholarly work. This phrase helps maintain linguistic diversity while describing research results or analyzed data. It works especially well when discussing climate change research or scientific observations.
Example (Instagram Caption):
In today’s fieldwork, our marine biologist observes that coral recovery rates have improved dramatically! Check out these amazing before/after photos 📸
17. Mentions
A casual yet professional way to introduce less central points in your engaging writing. It’s perfect for referring to supplementary information without overemphasizing it. This phrase helps maintain flow while presenting evidence in a natural way.
Example (WhatsApp Group Message):
Hey Book Club! The author briefly mentions the influence of ocean currents on climate patterns. Should we explore this topic next month? 🌊
18. Goes On To Say
“Goes On To Say” helps connect related ideas when integrating evidence from the same source. It’s excellent for showing continuation of thought and avoiding monotony in your writing. Use it to build on previously introduced ideas smoothly.
Example (Peer Review Comment):
Dear Alex, Your paper effectively analyzes pollution trends and goes on to say how they affect marine ecosystems. Consider expanding this connection further.
19. Describes
A straightforward way to introduce detailed explanations in your professional writing. This phrase works well when presenting processes, characteristics, or detailed descriptions. It helps maintain clarity while supporting evidence integration.
Example (Project Update Email):
Hi Development Team, The environmental impact study describes three new approaches to reducing carbon emissions. Let’s discuss implementing these in our next phase.
20. Puts Forward
“Puts Forward” when introducing new ideas or proposals in academic tasks. It’s particularly effective when discussing theories or suggestions in research. This alternative helps avoid repetitive phrasing while maintaining professional tone.
Example (Academic Discussion Board):
Hello classmates, The article puts forward an interesting theory about arctic ice formation. What are your thoughts on this new perspective? ❄️
George Larry is a grammar enthusiast and blogger at Explore Grammar. With years of experience in English grammar, he excels in teaching sentence structure, synonyms,punctuation, and language clarity. His expertise helps readers understand and use grammar rules effectively, enhancing their writing skills and appreciation for the English language.
