When you’re writing an essay, report, or analysis, you’ve probably found yourself using the phrase “in the text it states” more times than you can count. It’s an easy go-to, but here’s the thing—if you use it too often, your writing can start to feel repetitive and flat. And when you’re trying to engage your reader or impress a teacher, professor, or even a client, variety matters.
You want your writing to sound confident, fresh, and clear. But how do you do that without wandering away from the point you’re making? That’s where knowing other ways to say “in the text it states” comes in handy. These alternatives not only make your work sound more polished, but they also help you match the tone and flow of what you’re writing.
Think of it like building a wardrobe. You wouldn’t wear the exact same outfit every day, even if it’s your favorite—so why wear the same sentence structure over and over in your writing? A few swaps here and there can transform your work from predictable to dynamic.
In this guide, you’ll find ten clear, easy-to-use alternatives to “in the text it states.” We’ll break them down with examples, tips, and ways to make sure they fit naturally into your sentences. You’ll also see how each phrase changes the tone of your writing—whether you want something more formal, casual, or persuasive.
Must Read:
- Other Ways to Say “The Text States”
- Other Ways to Say “The Author States”
- Other Ways to Say “As You Can See”
By the end, you’ll have a ready-to-use list of expressions that you can keep in your back pocket for any writing situation. And the best part? You’ll start noticing that your essays, assignments, and even your casual summaries sound more fluid, professional, and engaging.
1. According to the Text
This phrase is a simple, professional alternative that works in both formal and informal writing. It directly connects your point to the source without sounding repetitive.
You can use “according to the text” when you want to make it clear that the information you’re presenting comes directly from the material you’ve read. It works well for school essays, reports, or even blog posts.
For example:
According to the text, the main character’s journey symbolizes the struggle between personal ambition and family responsibility.
Using this phrase adds credibility to your writing because it shows you’re referencing something specific rather than stating your personal opinion without evidence. It’s also short and easy for the reader to process.
To make it more impactful, follow it up with a strong paraphrase or quotation. That way, you’re not just repeating the author’s words—you’re showing that you understand them.
2. As Stated in the Passage
If you’re working on a literature analysis, book review, or comprehension exercise, “as stated in the passage” is a smooth option. It signals that what you’re about to mention comes directly from a specific part of the text.
For example:
As stated in the passage, the river serves as a dividing line between the two communities, both physically and symbolically.
The benefit of this phrase is that it subtly points the reader toward a specific location in the text without being too rigid. It feels more natural in narrative or discussion-based writing.
When using this phrase, you can also add a brief mention of where the passage appears—such as “in the final chapter” or “in the opening paragraph”—to help your reader picture exactly where you’re pulling the information from.
3. The Author Explains
Sometimes you don’t just want to reference the text—you want to emphasize the person behind it. “The author explains” works well when you’re analyzing an author’s intent or style.
Example:
The author explains that the sudden storm represents the chaos of the political climate at the time.
This approach makes your writing more personal and analytical because it shifts the focus from the text itself to the mind that created it. It’s especially useful in literary analysis, persuasive essays, or historical context discussions.
When using “the author explains,” try to follow it with an active verb that matches the tone of the explanation—like “illustrates,” “emphasizes,” or “demonstrates.” This keeps your sentences engaging and avoids monotony.
4. As Mentioned in the Excerpt
When you want to highlight a smaller section of the text, “as mentioned in the excerpt” works beautifully. It suggests you’re pulling information from a particular segment rather than the whole work.
Example:
As mentioned in the excerpt, the scientist’s early research laid the groundwork for modern climate modeling.
This is especially handy in research summaries, exam responses, or when quoting from articles, journals, or speeches. It shows your reader you’re aware of the context and are focusing on a precise part of the source.
If you want to sound even more polished, pair this phrase with a brief introduction of the excerpt’s theme or purpose before presenting your evidence.
5. The Passage Suggests
“The passage suggests” is a great alternative when you want to communicate an interpretation rather than a direct statement. It shows you’re thinking critically about the text instead of just repeating what it says.
Example:
The passage suggests that the protagonist’s decision was driven more by fear than by loyalty.
This phrase works well for analytical writing because it leaves room for nuance. You’re not claiming the text directly says something—you’re highlighting an implication or inference.
Use this when you want to guide your reader toward a conclusion without being overly definitive. It’s particularly useful in academic essays, literature reviews, and opinion pieces.
6. As Noted in the Reading
If you’re working in an educational context, “as noted in the reading” is a friendly, accessible choice. It’s perfect for student discussions, reading responses, and even casual academic writing.
Example:
As noted in the reading, the economic reforms had both immediate and long-term effects on rural communities.
This phrase feels collaborative, as though you and the reader are reviewing the material together. It’s also short, which makes it ideal for keeping your writing concise.
When using this phrase, follow it up with either a clear paraphrase or a short quote to anchor your statement in evidence.
7. The Text Illustrates
When you want to highlight how the text conveys its message—through imagery, structure, or storytelling—“the text illustrates” is a solid choice.
Example:
The text illustrates the struggle of adapting to a new culture through vivid descriptions of the character’s first year abroad.
This phrase works particularly well when you’re talking about literary devices, narrative style, or specific examples in a work. It tells the reader you’re about to discuss how the text shows something, not just what it says.
You can make this even stronger by combining it with descriptive analysis: explain exactly what the text illustrates and how it achieves that effect.
8. Based on the Passage
“Based on the passage” is straightforward and versatile. It’s useful when you’re drawing a conclusion or making a statement that’s directly supported by the text.
Example:
Based on the passage, it’s clear that the reforms faced significant opposition from local leaders.
This phrase works for test answers, analytical essays, and reports because it transitions smoothly from evidence to interpretation. It gives your writing a logical, evidence-based tone without sounding too formal.
To keep it engaging, avoid overusing it—save it for moments when your conclusion directly depends on the passage.
9. The Article States
If you’re working with nonfiction, research, or journalism, “the article states” is a clean, professional choice.
Example:
The article states that early intervention programs can significantly improve literacy rates among children.
This phrase works well when you’re summarizing facts, statistics, or expert opinions. It’s also a good option when you need to distinguish between what’s in the article and your own commentary.
For variety, you can swap “states” with words like “reports,” “notes,” or “emphasizes” depending on the tone you’re aiming for.
10. As Presented in the Text
This final alternative feels formal and works well in academic, legal, or professional contexts. It communicates that you’re referencing exactly how something appears in the text.
Example:
As presented in the text, the policy changes were a direct response to public demand for better healthcare access.
It’s precise, authoritative, and clear. Use it when you want to convey professionalism without being overly wordy.
Pairing it with a well-chosen quotation or paraphrase ensures your writing feels well-supported and credible.
Conclusion
You now have ten strong alternatives to “in the text it states,” each with its own tone, use case, and stylistic impact. The key is knowing when to use each one so that your writing feels fresh, engaging, and tailored to your audience.
Varying your phrasing doesn’t just make your work more pleasant to read—it also shows you’ve put thought into your word choice. That attention to detail can make a big difference in how your writing is received, whether by a teacher grading your essay, a colleague reading your report, or a reader following your analysis.
Next time you catch yourself about to write “in the text it states,” pause for a second. Think about the tone you want, the point you’re making, and the kind of impression you want to leave. Then, choose one of these alternatives to make your writing stand out. Over time, these options will become second nature, and your work will naturally sound more confident and compelling.
FAQs
1. Why should I avoid overusing “in the text it states”?
Because repetition can make your writing feel dull and mechanical. Using a variety of phrases keeps your work fresh and engaging.
2. Which alternative works best for formal writing?
“As presented in the text” and “according to the text” are ideal for formal essays, research papers, and professional reports.
3. Can I use these phrases in spoken presentations?
Yes. Many of these options, like “the author explains” or “based on the passage,” work well when speaking to an audience.
4. How do I choose which phrase to use?
Consider your audience, the tone of your piece, and whether you’re directly quoting or interpreting the text.
5. Do these phrases work for non-literary sources?
Absolutely. They can be used for articles, research studies, speeches, reports, and more.
