other words for states in an essay

10 Other Ways to Say “in the Text It States” (with Examples)

Academic writing requires students to analyze and interpret texts , often needing to summarize or paraphrase an author’s words and ideas. When doing so, it’s important to avoid repetitively saying “in the text it states” over and over.

Varying how you introduce quotations and paraphrases improves the flow of your writing and shows a more sophisticated writing style. In this post, I’ll provide 10 other ways to say “in the text it states” along with examples to help enhance your academic writing skills.

Using alternatives to “in the text it states” such as “the author asserts” or “the passage indicates” demonstrates your close reading and understanding of source material. It also reduces repetition and keeps your reader engaged. With the right introduction to quotes and paraphrases, you can analyze texts more smoothly and make a great impression with your academic writing style.

What to Say Instead of “In the Text It States”

When constructing an essay or research paper, meticulously citing information sources is paramount. However, repeatedly using the phrase “in the text it states” can dilute the impact of your well-structured arguments.

Fortunately, various alternative methods exist to express textual references with professional aplomb. Here are 10 other synonyms “in the text it states” in academic writing:

• The author asserts that…
• According to the passage…
• The text indicates that…
• As explained in the reading…
• The article points out that…
• The writer notes that…
• The source mentions that…
• The material suggests that…
• The evidence shows that…
• The quotation reveals that…

Key Takeaways:

• Variety is Key: Avoiding repetitive phrases like “in the text it states” adds depth and nuance to your writing. Explore alternatives that emphasize different aspects of the source material, like the author’s claim, specific points, or interpretations.
• Specificity Matters: Choose the synonym that best fits the context. “Asserts” suggests strong claims, while “indicates” hints at subtle suggestions. Consider what you want to highlight in the source material.
• Personalization Pays Off: Don’t just list synonyms! Use examples that relate to your topic and resonate with your readers. This engages them and demonstrates your understanding of the text.

1. The author asserts that…:

This emphasizes the author’s claim or position.

• Example 1:  The author asserts that climate change is the most pressing issue facing humanity today.
• Example 2:  In her novel, Atwood asserts that totalitarian regimes can easily manipulate emotions through targeted propaganda.

2. According to the passage…:

This highlights a specific point made within the text itself.

• Example 1:  According to the passage, the Great Barrier Reef has lost over 50% of its coral cover since 1950.
• Example 2:  As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, “To be or not to be: that is the question.”

3. The text indicates that…:

This implies a suggestion or hint rather than a direct statement.

• Example 1:  The text indicates that social media may have negative impacts on mental health, particularly among young people.
• Example 2:  The research study’s data indicates a potential link between increased caffeine intake and improved cognitive performance.

4. As explained in the reading…:

This focuses on the explanation or reasoning provided in the text.

• Example 1:  As explained in the reading, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
• Example 2:  As the article explains, the economic recession significantly impacted unemployment rates across the globe.

5. The article points out that…:

This emphasizes a noteworthy observation or fact.

• Example 1:  The article points out that despite advancements in technology, the gender pay gap persists in many industries.
• Example 2:  The historical document points out that the treaty was signed by representatives from several nations.

6. The writer notes that…:

This draws attention to a specific comment or remark made by the author.

• Example 1:  The writer notes that effective leadership requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Example 2:  In his autobiography, Nelson Mandela notes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in overcoming adversity.

7. The source mentions that…:

This refers to any text used as evidence or reference.

• Example 1:  This scientific study mentions that further research is needed to confirm the findings.
• Example 2:  The historical source mentions that the emperor was known for his love of art and literature.

8. The material suggests that…:

This implies a possible interpretation or conclusion based on the text.

• Example 1:  The material suggests that economic factors played a significant role in the outbreak of the war.
• Example 2:  The analysis of the poem suggests that the author was grappling with themes of loss and identity.

9. The evidence shows that…:

This emphasizes the validity of a claim based on provided data or facts.

• Example 1:  The evidence shows that vaccination is an effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Example 2:  The archaeological findings show evidence of human settlements dating back thousands of years.

10. The quotation reveals that…:

This focuses on the meaning or significance of a specific quote.

• Example 1:  “The pen is mightier than the sword,” as Voltaire wrote, reveals the power of words to inspire change.
• Example 2:  The speaker’s closing quotation, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” reveals a message of hope and optimism.

By using these alternatives, you can add variety and sophistication to your academic writing while accurately conveying the meaning of the source material. Remember to select the most appropriate option based on the specific context and your intended emphasis.

Varying how you introduce source material is an important skill for academic writing. Avoiding overuse of the phrase “in the text it states” and instead utilizing alternatives like “the author argues ” or “the evidence shows” demonstrates strong analysis and reading comprehension.

It also reduces repetition and improves the flow of your writing. The 10 different ways to introduce quotes and paraphrases provided in this post, along with the examples, give you a variety of options to incorporate into your next academic paper . Using these alternatives to “in the text, it states” will showcase your ability to critically engage with and summarize sources.

With some practice, you can master introducing source material in a more dynamic yet academic way. Just remember that citing your sources is still essential, even when you adopt more creative phrasing. Work on integrating some of these introduction techniques into your next essay to take your academic writing to the next level.

12 Other Ways to Say “In the Text It States”

The phrase “in the text it states” is commonly used in academic and analytical writing to refer to a specific point or argument presented in a text. It’s a functional way to attribute information or ideas to their source, ensuring clarity and accuracy in discussions and analyses.

This article explores various alternative expressions that offer fresh perspectives on referencing and discussing content from texts.

Table of Contents

Other Ways to Say “In the Text It States”

1. the author notes.

Example: “ The author notes that the study’s findings are inconclusive.”

Meaning: This expression indicates that the author of the text makes a specific observation or point. It suggests a direct attribution of ideas or findings to the author.

Usage: Ideal for academic writing, especially when emphasizing the author’s perspective or argument.

2. According to the Text

Example: “ According to the text , this theory has been widely debated.”

Meaning: Implies that the information or viewpoint is derived directly from the text itself. This phrase is often used to introduce a fact or opinion presented in the source material.

Usage: Useful in both scholarly discussions and more formal writing.

3. As Mentioned in the Document

Example: “ As mentioned in the document , the policy was implemented last year.”

Meaning: This phrase refers to a specific point or detail that has been previously stated in the text. It is used to recall or emphasize information that has already been introduced.

Usage: Suitable for professional and academic contexts where referencing specific details is necessary.

4. The Text Elucidates

Example: “ The text elucidates the complexities of the issue.”

Meaning: Indicates that the text provides clarity or explanation on a particular topic or argument. It suggests an in-depth exploration or detailed exposition in the text.

Usage: Appropriate for in-depth analyses or discussions where the text offers significant insight or clarification.

5. As Stated in the Source

Example: “ As stated in the source , these figures have increased over the years.”

Meaning: Directly attributes the information or data to the source material, emphasizing accuracy and direct referencing.

Usage: Common in academic and research writing, where precise source attribution is important.

6. The Article Points Out

Example: “ The article points out the lack of empirical evidence in this area.”

Meaning: Highlights a specific argument or observation made in the article, suggesting a focused or significant statement.

Usage: Suitable for discussing specific points or arguments made in an article or paper.

7. The Writer Argues

Example: “ The writer argues that this approach is no longer effective.”

Meaning: Indicates that the author of the text has a specific stance or argument regarding the subject. It is used to present the author’s perspective or opinion.

Usage: Ideal for critical analyses or discussions involving arguments or viewpoints.

8. In the Given Text

Example: “ In the given text , the historical context is thoroughly explored.”

Meaning: Refers to content within the specified text, emphasizing that the information or analysis is drawn from that particular source.

Usage: Useful in academic discussions where referencing a specific text is necessary.

9. The Research Indicates

Example: “ The research indicates a positive trend in this area.”

Meaning: Used when referring to findings or data presented in research texts. It suggests an evidence-based statement or conclusion.

Usage: Common in scientific or academic writing where research findings are discussed.

10. As Highlighted in the Literature

Example: “ As highlighted in the literature , this concept has evolved significantly.”

Meaning: Implies that a certain point or theme has been emphasized or extensively discussed in the relevant literature.

Usage: Often used in literature reviews or when discussing broadly acknowledged themes or conclusions in a field of study.

11. The Study Reveals

Example: “ The study reveals a correlation between the two variables.”

Meaning: Indicates that the study or research paper unveils or uncovers specific findings or insights.

Usage: Appropriate for discussing the results or conclusions of a study or research.

12. As Cited in the Work

Example: “ As cited in the work , this theory has historical significance.”

Meaning: Indicates a direct reference to a specific point, theory, or argument mentioned in the work. It emphasizes the act of citing or referring to a source.

Usage: Useful in academic writing where citing sources is crucial for validation and credibility.

When to Use Different “In the Text It States” Alternatives

Here are expressions for the most appropriate scenarios:

For Direct Author Attribution:

Use “The Author Notes” or “The Writer Argues” to directly attribute specific viewpoints, observations, or arguments to the author. These phrases are particularly effective in analytical or critical writing where the author’s specific stance or perspective is under discussion.

For Academic or Scholarly Contexts:

Opt for expressions like “According to the Text,” “As Stated in the Source,” or “As Cited in the Work” when precision and accuracy in source referencing are paramount. These phrases are ideal for academic essays, research papers, and scholarly articles where the integrity of the source material is crucial.

For Discussing Research Findings:

Phrases like “The Research Indicates” or “The Study Reveals” are best used when referring to empirical data, research findings, or specific conclusions drawn in academic research. They lend an air of evidence-based authority to your statements and are particularly suitable for scientific writing or data-driven analysis.

For Highlighting Specific Points or Arguments:

Choose “The Text Elucidates” or “The Article Points Out” to draw attention to particular arguments, explanations, or insights provided in the text. These expressions are useful when you aim to underscore a significant point or to guide the reader’s focus to specific parts of the text that are crucial to your argument or analysis.

For Emphasizing Source Material or Documentation:

Use “As Mentioned in the Document” or “In the Given Text” when you need to emphasize the particular document or text from which the information is derived. These phrases are especially useful in legal, historical, or technical writing where the specific document holds particular importance.

When Referring to a Collective Body of Work:

Phrases such as “As Highlighted in the Literature” or “As Cited in the Work” are suitable when referencing a collective body of work or a series of studies. They help to situate your argument within a broader scholarly conversation, showing how your point relates to or builds upon existing research.

Whether you’re writing a research paper, an analytical essay, or any scholarly article, these alternative expressions of “in the text it states” provide different ways to reference and discuss source material.

For more detailed exploration and examples of academic phrases, you can visit the REF-N-WRITE academic phrasebank at REF-N-WRITE . This resource is specifically designed to assist in the writing process, providing on-the-fly searches for academic writing phrases within Microsoft Word​ ​.

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Synonyms of state

• as in nation
• as in dignity
• as in to say
• as in to utter
• as in to voice
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Thesaurus Definition of state

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• commonwealth
• sovereignty
• nation - state
• principality
• dictatorship
• city - state
• trust territory
• world power
• great power
• welfare state
• condominium
• client state
• superiority
• distinction
• preeminence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• degradation
• subordination
• inferiority
• subordinateness

Thesaurus Definition of state  (Entry 2 of 2)

• communicate
• put into words
• pipe up (with)
• give air to
• disseminate

Examples of state in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'state.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“State.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/state. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on state

Nglish: Translation of state for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of state for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about state

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noun as in condition or mode of being

Strongest match

Strong matches

• accompaniment
• circumstance
• circumstances
• contingency
• environment
• eventuality
• predicament
• prerequisite
• requirement
• stipulation

Weak matches

• frame of mind
• state of affairs

noun as in dignity, grandeur

• consequence

noun as in government, country

Strongest matches

• commonwealth
• sovereignty
• body politic

verb as in declare, assert

• come out with
• give blow-by-blow
• give rundown

Example Sentences

Spotify falls into this group, with the States generating over a third of its revenues.

Businesses that get 15% to 30% of their revenues from the States should stay anchored to Europe, but build an autonomous sales operation stateside.

It certainly is not the same here in the States, or at least it’s not my experience that it’s the same here.

I have to admit, I thought this was more of a British thing, but people in the States are loving a good pub quiz.

Over the years, he’s spent a fair amount of time in the States.

The most notorious states are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where death is an acceptable legal remedy.

It would became one of the first great mysteries in the United States of America, as it was only then 23 years old.

The same Pediatrics journal notes that 17 states have some form of exception to the standard parental consent requirement.

There is a particular focus in the magazine on attacking the United States, which al Qaeda calls a top target.

The United States government might not release that information for years, if ever.

He also states that the Audiencia is virtually non-existent, and so there is no high court in which justice may be sought.

There are very few foreign journals taken or read in the Roman States.

The king's statue was again set up in Guild hall, London, and the states arms taken down.

You might do for the United States what your English great-grandfather helped to do for this country in 1832.

Throughout the German States the custom of smoking is universal and tobacco enters largely into their list of expenditures.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Thesaurus for States

Related terms for states - synonyms, antonyms and sentences with states, similar meaning.

• establishes
• governments
• territories

Opposite meaning

• keeps quiet
• quietens down
• quiets down
• separations
• falls silent
• dissolutions

Common usage

• non-metropolitan counties
• superdense matter
• thousand dollars
• western ladies' tresses

Sentence Examples

Proper usage in context.

• Fears are nothing more than states of mind Napoleon Hill
• Nothing matters except states of mind, chiefly our own John Maynard Keynes
• The United States is the leader of the free world Elizabeth Dole
• The United States has a system of taxation by confession Hugo Black
• States are great engines moving slowly Francis Bacon