Imagine you are writing a research paper, preparing a presentation, or explaining a report to a colleague. You want to refer to information that appears directly in a written source, but repeating “the text states” several times can quickly make your writing sound mechanical. Choosing a suitable alternative can make the sentence clearer, more natural, and better suited to its audience.
“The text states” means that a written source explicitly says, explains, reports, or presents particular information. It is commonly used when referring to books, articles, reports, studies, instructions, websites, contracts, and other written materials. The expression is especially useful when you want to distinguish information found in the source from your own interpretation.
However, the best wording depends on context. “The text states” is neutral and relatively formal, while alternatives such as “the text says,” “the passage explains,” “the article notes,” or “the document indicates” can create slightly different impressions. Understanding these differences helps students, professionals, ESL learners, and content writers communicate with greater precision.
What Does “The Text States” Mean?
“The text states” means that a written source directly provides or expresses specific information. It is used to introduce a fact, claim, instruction, explanation, or statement contained within a text. Common contexts include academic writing, reports, presentations, document analysis, workplace communication, and discussions where the writer needs to identify information from a source.
Origin & History of “The Text States”
The expression “the text states” is not an idiom with a single documented origin. It developed naturally from two ordinary English words: text, referring to written material, and state, meaning to express or declare something clearly.
The verb state has a long history in English and ultimately traces back through French to Latin roots associated with standing or establishing something. Over time, English developed the meaning of stating something as expressing information clearly and directly.
The word text also has an established linguistic history. It comes from Latin textus, meaning something woven or constructed, and eventually became associated with written words and passages.
As academic, professional, and analytical writing became more standardized, constructions such as “the text states,” “the document states,” and “the report states” became useful ways to attribute information to a source. Today, the phrase remains common because it clearly separates what a source says from what the writer personally believes or concludes.
Synonyms & Alternatives by Tone
Professional & Neutral Alternatives
- The text says
- The passage states
- The document states
- The text explains
- The article notes
- The passage indicates
- The document specifies
- The source reports
Polite & Supportive Alternatives
- The text points out
- The passage highlights
- The article explains
- The source suggests
Encouraging & Reassuring Alternatives
- The text makes clear
- The passage provides
- The source confirms
Casual, Playful & Idiomatic Alternatives
- The text says
- The passage says
- The article says
- The source mentions
The most suitable alternative depends on whether you are reporting information, interpreting an idea, emphasizing a detail, or simply referring to something written.
When Should You Use “The Text States”?
“The text states” works best when you need a neutral, direct way to attribute information to written material. It is particularly useful when the exact wording or position comes from the source rather than from your personal opinion.
Professional settings
In reports, workplace documents, and formal discussions, the phrase can clearly identify information contained in a document.
“The policy document states that employees must complete the training before accessing the system.”
This construction makes it clear that the requirement comes from the policy rather than the writer.
Casual conversations
It can be used in conversation, although it may sound somewhat formal.
“The article states that the store opens at 9 a.m.”
In ordinary conversation, “the article says” would usually sound more natural.
Writing and presentations
The expression is especially useful in essays, research assignments, presentations, reviews, and document analysis.
“The report states that customer satisfaction increased during the final quarter.”
Digital communication
In emails, Slack messages, and workplace chats, it can be useful when referring to written instructions.
“The project brief states that the first draft is due Friday.”
When it is especially effective
Use “the text states” when:
- You are attributing information to a written source.
- You want a neutral and professional tone.
- You are discussing exact or explicit information.
- You need to separate source material from your own interpretation.
- You are analyzing a passage, article, report, or document.
When Should You Avoid “The Text States”?
Although grammatically correct, “the text states” is not always the most natural choice.
Overly formal situations
If you are chatting casually with a colleague, friend, or customer, “the text states” can sound unnecessarily stiff.
Instead:
“The email says the meeting has been moved.”
Legal, academic, or sensitive contexts
In highly precise writing, you may need a verb that describes exactly what the source does.
For example, “the contract specifies” is often more precise than “the contract states” when referring to a requirement.
Likewise, if a research paper only implies an idea, “the study suggests” may be more accurate than “the study states.”
Situations where nuance may be lost
Do not use “states” if the source is merely suggesting, implying, questioning, or speculating.
For example:
“The study suggests that sleep affects concentration.”
is more accurate than:
“The study states that sleep affects concentration.”
if the study does not make that claim directly.
The key rule is simple: choose a verb that accurately represents the source’s level of certainty.
Is “The Text States” Professional, Polite, or Casual?
“The text states” is primarily professional and neutral. It is more formal than “the text says” but less specialized than expressions such as “the document stipulates.”
Its tone is generally:
- Professional: Yes
- Neutral: Yes
- Polite: Yes, although politeness is not its main function
- Casual: Not usually
- Academic: Very suitable
- Conversational: Somewhat formal
There is little emotional subtext in the phrase. It focuses attention on the source and its information, rather than on the writer’s feelings.
In professional communication, this can be helpful because it avoids sounding argumentative:
“The guidelines state that all applications must be submitted online.”
This sounds more objective than:
“You need to submit everything online.”
Pros and Cons of Using “The Text States”
Advantages
Clarity: It clearly identifies the source of the information.
Efficiency: It introduces source-based information without unnecessary explanation.
Accessibility: Most English speakers understand it immediately.
Objectivity: It can help distinguish documented information from personal opinion.
Professional tone: It works naturally in reports, essays, presentations, and workplace documents.
Potential Drawbacks
Oversimplification: “States” may imply that a source makes a direct claim when it actually suggests or implies something.
Tone mismatch: It can sound too formal in casual conversation.
Repetition: Using “the text states” repeatedly can make an essay feel monotonous.
Limited precision: A more specific verb may better describe what the source actually does.
For example, “the report confirms,” “the study suggests,” “the article explains,” and “the policy specifies” communicate different relationships between the source and its information.
Real-Life Examples of “The Text States” by Context
Emails
“I checked the updated policy, and the document states that requests submitted after Friday will be reviewed the following week.”
Meetings
“The project brief states that the client wants the first version by the end of the month.”
Presentations
“As you can see on this slide, the report states that online orders increased by 18 percent.”
Conversations
“I looked at the instructions, and the text states that we need to restart the device first.”
Social media
“The article states that the event will be streamed online, so you don’t actually have to attend in person.”
These examples show that the phrase is flexible, but “states” is most natural when the speaker wants to sound precise or source-focused.
“The Text States” vs Similar Expressions (Key Differences)
| Phrase | Meaning Difference | Tone Difference | Best Use Scenario |
| The text says | Directly reports what the text says | Neutral and natural | General writing and conversation |
| The passage explains | Emphasizes an explanation or clarification | Professional and informative | Essays, articles, and analysis |
| The article notes | Draws attention to a particular point | Professional and concise | Reports, research, journalism |
| The document specifies | Identifies an exact requirement or detail | Formal and precise | Policies, contracts, instructions |
| The source suggests | Indicates an idea without claiming certainty | Cautious and analytical | Research and interpretation |
| The report indicates | Presents information as evidence or an indication | Formal and analytical | Business and research reports |
The important distinction is how strongly the source communicates the information. “States” and “says” suggest direct expression, while “suggests” leaves room for interpretation.
Common Mistakes & Misuse of “The Text States”
Overuse
Repeating “the text states” in every paragraph can make writing predictable.
Instead of:
vary your attribution:
“The passage explains X. The article also notes Y. The report indicates Z.”
Incorrect context
Do not use “states” when the source merely hints at an idea.
If the evidence is indirect, “suggests,” “implies,” or “indicates” may be better.
Contradictory usage
Be careful when the source presents competing viewpoints. Saying “the text states” may make a complex discussion sound like a single definite claim.
Cultural misunderstandings
ESL writers sometimes use highly formal attribution phrases in situations where native speakers would choose simpler wording. “The text says” is often perfectly professional and can sound more natural than “the text states.”
Psychological Reason People Prefer “The Text States”
People often choose “the text states” because it reduces the mental effort required to explain where information came from.
Cognitive load reduction
The phrase quickly signals:
“This information comes from the written source.”
The reader does not need to wonder whether the claim belongs to the writer or the source.
Trust and authority signals
Source attribution can make communication appear more evidence-based. It tells readers that the writer is connecting a claim to documented material.
However, attribution alone does not make a claim trustworthy. The quality of the source still matters.
Attention economy
Modern readers often scan rather than read every word. Short attribution phrases such as “the report states” quickly establish context.
Modern communication habits
Digital communication has increased the need to distinguish between:
- what a person said,
- what a document says,
- what a study found,
- and what the writer personally believes.
That makes source-focused language particularly useful.
US vs UK Usage of “The Text States”
“The text states” is understood and grammatically acceptable in both American and British English. There is no major regional difference in its core meaning.
Popularity
The phrase appears in academic, professional, and analytical writing on both sides of the Atlantic.
Tone perception
American and British readers generally perceive it as formal or neutral rather than casual.
Regional preferences
The bigger difference is not whether the phrase is correct but which alternative sounds natural in a specific context. British and American speakers alike commonly use simpler alternatives such as:
“The text says…”
or more specific forms such as:
“The report notes…”
The context matters more than the country.
“The Text States” in Digital & Modern Communication
Emails
Use it when referring to a policy, report, instructions, or another written source.
“The employee handbook states that vacation requests should be submitted two weeks in advance.”
Slack / WhatsApp
It can work in professional chats, but a shorter alternative often feels more natural:
“The project notes say the deadline is Friday.”
Social media
“The text states” may sound formal in casual social posts. “The article says” or “the report found” usually feels more natural.
AI-generated summaries
The phrase is particularly useful when summarizing source material because it distinguishes source claims from generated interpretation.
For example:
“The report states that customer complaints decreased after the policy change.”
This is clearer than presenting the same information without indicating its source.
Linguistic & Communication Insight
Emotional weight & subtext
“The text states” carries very little emotional weight. It creates distance between the writer and the information, which can be useful when objectivity matters.
Compare:
“The text states that the policy changed.”
with:
“I think the policy changed.”
The first attributes the information to a source; the second takes personal responsibility for the claim.
Direct vs indirect phrasing
“The text states” is relatively direct. It presents the source as explicitly communicating information.
More cautious alternatives can soften the claim:
- The source suggests — less certain
- The article appears to indicate — more cautious
- The passage implies — interpretation is required
- The report notes — draws attention to a point
Choosing between these expressions is partly about accurately representing evidence.
Professional communication perspective
In workplace communication, “the text states” can help avoid unnecessary confrontation.
Instead of:
“You’re wrong. The policy says…”
a more neutral version is:
“The policy states that…”
The second version shifts attention from the person to the document.
Pragmatic reasons for alternatives
Experienced communicators vary their wording because different verbs signal different levels of certainty and interpretation.
“States” sounds definitive. “Suggests” sounds cautious. “Highlights” emphasizes importance. “Specifies” signals precision. “Notes” is concise and neutral.
Social signaling
Word choice influences how readers perceive confidence, authority, and collaboration. A writer who consistently uses precise attribution can appear careful and evidence-focused, while excessive formality may create unnecessary distance.
Tone & context guidance
Use “the text states” when the source directly expresses the information. Choose another verb when you need to show uncertainty, interpretation, emphasis, or a specific type of information.
Meaning, Usage & Examples for Each Alternative
The Text Says
Meaning: “The text says” directly identifies information expressed in written material.
Why This Phrase Works: It is simple, familiar, and natural. Unlike “the text states,” it sounds comfortable in both professional and everyday English.
Real-World Usage Insight: Native speakers frequently choose “says” when they want clarity without unnecessary formality.
Best Use: Emails, essays, conversations, articles, presentations, and general source references.
Avoid When: A highly formal or legally precise verb is required.
Tone: Neutral, natural, direct.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both American and British English with virtually no meaningful difference.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“I reviewed the updated guide, and the text says we need to submit the form before Friday.”
The Passage States
Meaning: This expression attributes a direct statement to a specific passage or section of written material.
Why This Phrase Works: It is useful when the writer is discussing a particular part of a longer text.
Real-World Usage Insight: It works especially well in literary analysis, academic assignments, and document reviews.
Best Use: Essays, literary analysis, academic writing, and presentations.
Avoid When: Referring casually to a short email or text message.
Tone: Formal, analytical, precise.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both varieties of English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The passage states that the company must notify customers before changing the subscription terms.”
The Document States
Meaning: This phrase means that a document directly provides specific information.
Why This Phrase Works: It identifies the source clearly and works particularly well with official material.
Real-World Usage Insight: Professionals commonly use it when discussing policies, procedures, agreements, and internal documents.
Best Use: Workplace communication, policies, contracts, procedures, and reports.
Avoid When: The source is an informal conversation or casual social post.
Tone: Professional and formal.
US vs UK Usage: Widely understood and used in both regions.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The document states that all reimbursement requests must include receipts.”
The Text Explains
Meaning: “The text explains” indicates that the source provides information intended to clarify a subject.
Why This Phrase Works: It is more specific than “states” when the source is actually providing an explanation.
Real-World Usage Insight: It works well when summarizing educational content or instructional material.
Best Use: Articles, textbooks, reports, tutorials, and presentations.
Avoid When: The source simply makes a short factual statement.
Tone: Informative, professional, accessible.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The article explains why the company changed its return policy earlier this year.”
The Article Notes
Meaning: This expression means that an article mentions or draws attention to a particular fact or point.
Why This Phrase Works: “Notes” is concise and avoids repeating “says” or “states.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It sounds natural in professional summaries and analytical writing.
Best Use: Articles, reports, research summaries, and presentations.
Avoid When: You need to emphasize that the source makes a strong or legally binding statement.
Tone: Professional, concise, neutral.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The article notes that remote workers reported higher satisfaction after the schedule change.”
The Passage Indicates
Meaning: This phrase suggests that information in a passage points toward a particular conclusion or fact.
Why This Phrase Works: It provides more analytical distance than “states.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It is useful when the meaning is supported by the text but is not expressed as a simple direct statement.
Best Use: Academic writing, analysis, reports, and research discussion.
Avoid When: The source makes an explicit statement that can be quoted or directly summarized.
Tone: Analytical, careful, formal.
US vs UK Usage: Standard in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The passage indicates that customers were frustrated by the lack of communication.”
The Document Specifies
Meaning: “The document specifies” means that a document gives an exact requirement, condition, amount, or detail.
Why This Phrase Works: It is more precise than “states” when exact instructions are involved.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is particularly valuable when discussing policies and formal procedures.
Best Use: Contracts, policies, technical instructions, regulations, and procedures.
Avoid When: The document merely discusses a general idea.
Tone: Formal, exact, authoritative.
US vs UK Usage: Widely used in both regions.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The agreement specifies that payment must be received within 30 days.”
The Source Reports
Meaning: This phrase attributes reported information to a source such as an article, study, news report, or publication.
Why This Phrase Works: It emphasizes that the source is communicating findings or reported information.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is particularly natural when summarizing research or news.
Best Use: Journalism, research summaries, business reports, and evidence-based writing.
Avoid When: The source is simply giving instructions.
Tone: Professional, factual, neutral.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The source reports that online sales increased significantly during the holiday period.”
The Text Points Out
Meaning: This phrase means that the text draws attention to a particular fact or detail.
Why This Phrase Works: It emphasizes importance rather than merely reporting information.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is useful when you want readers to notice a specific detail in a longer source.
Best Use: Explanations, reviews, presentations, and educational writing.
Avoid When: The information is highly formal or legally binding.
Tone: Neutral, conversational, moderately professional.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both forms of English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The report points out that most complaints came from first-time customers.”
The Passage Highlights
Meaning: “The passage highlights” means that a section of text gives particular attention to an important idea or issue.
Why This Phrase Works: It focuses on significance rather than simply repeating the source’s wording.
Real-World Usage Insight: It works particularly well when summarizing the main takeaway from a passage.
Best Use: Essays, presentations, reports, reviews, and educational content.
Avoid When: You are referring to a minor detail that the source does not emphasize.
Tone: Professional, focused, informative.
US vs UK Usage: Common and natural in both regions.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The report highlights the importance of responding to customer complaints within 24 hours.”
The Article Explains
Meaning: This phrase indicates that an article provides information that clarifies a subject, process, or reason.
Why This Phrase Works: It is natural, clear, and more descriptive than “the article states.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It is especially effective when discussing educational or explanatory content.
Best Use: Blog posts, guides, educational articles, presentations, and summaries.
Avoid When: The article only makes a brief claim without explaining it.
Tone: Friendly, informative, professional.
US vs UK Usage: Used naturally in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The article explains how the new system will affect small businesses.”
The Source Suggests
Meaning: “The source suggests” indicates that the available information points toward an idea without necessarily stating it as an absolute fact.
Why This Phrase Works: It communicates caution and avoids overstating evidence.
Real-World Usage Insight: This is an important alternative when the writer is interpreting research or incomplete evidence.
Best Use: Academic writing, research, analysis, journalism, and evidence-based content.
Avoid When: The source explicitly and unambiguously makes the claim.
Tone: Cautious, analytical, measured.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both varieties of English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The study suggests that shorter meetings may improve employee engagement.”
The Text Makes Clear
Meaning: This expression means that the information is presented clearly enough for the reader to understand a particular point.
Why This Phrase Works: It emphasizes clarity and strength of evidence.
Real-World Usage Insight: It can be useful when summarizing a conclusion that is strongly supported by the source.
Best Use: Reports, essays, presentations, and explanatory writing.
Avoid When: The source is ambiguous or open to several interpretations.
Tone: Confident, professional, direct.
US vs UK Usage: Widely understood in both regions.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The policy makes clear that managers must approve overtime before employees work additional hours.”
The Passage Provides
Meaning: “The passage provides” introduces information, evidence, examples, or details contained within a written section.
Why This Phrase Works: It is flexible and does not incorrectly suggest that the passage makes a direct verbal claim.
Real-World Usage Insight: It works particularly well when discussing evidence rather than statements.
Best Use: Academic writing, reports, research, and analysis.
Avoid When: You specifically need to emphasize an exact claim made by the source.
Tone: Neutral, professional, analytical.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The passage provides several examples of how the policy affected smaller departments.”
The Source Confirms
Meaning: This phrase means that the source supports or verifies information that is already known, suspected, or reported.
Why This Phrase Works: It communicates stronger certainty than “suggests.”
Real-World Usage Insight: Use it carefully because “confirms” implies a meaningful level of verification.
Best Use: Reports, official announcements, research findings, and verified information.
Avoid When: The source merely offers an opinion or possibility.
Tone: Confident, factual, authoritative.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The official notice confirms that the office will remain closed on Monday.”
The Article Mentions
Meaning: “The article mentions” means that the article refers to a particular person, fact, idea, or event without necessarily discussing it in depth.
Why This Phrase Works: It is accurate when the information is only briefly included.
Real-World Usage Insight: This wording prevents you from exaggerating the importance of a detail.
Best Use: Summaries, research notes, casual professional communication, and content analysis.
Avoid When: The article develops the idea extensively or makes a strong argument about it.
Tone: Neutral, conversational, understated.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
“The article mentions the previous system but focuses mainly on the new process.”
Comparison Table of 10 Best Alternatives
The following ten alternatives are particularly useful because they cover different levels of formality, certainty, precision, and conversational naturalness. Selecting the right one can make source-based writing sound more credible and less repetitive.
| Phrase | Meaning | Best Use | Worst Use | Tone | US vs UK Usage |
| The text says | Directly reports what written material says | General communication | Highly technical requirements | Natural, neutral | Common in both |
| The passage states | Attributes a direct statement to a passage | Academic analysis | Casual conversation | Formal | Common in both |
| The document states | Attributes information to an official document | Workplace documents | Informal chats | Professional | Common in both |
| The text explains | Indicates that the text clarifies something | Educational content | Simple factual statements | Informative | Common in both |
| The article notes | Draws attention to a point | Reports and articles | Binding requirements | Concise, professional | Common in both |
| The passage indicates | Points toward a conclusion or fact | Analysis and research | Explicit quotations | Analytical | Common in both |
| The document specifies | Gives an exact requirement or detail | Policies and contracts | General discussion | Precise, formal | Common in both |
| The source reports | Attributes reported information to a source | Research and journalism | Instructions | Factual | Common in both |
| The source suggests | Presents an idea with some caution | Research and interpretation | Certain, explicit statements | Cautious | Common in both |
| The passage highlights | Emphasizes an important point | Presentations and analysis | Minor details | Focused, professional | Common in both |
Conclusion
“The text states” is a useful professional expression for referring directly to information contained in written material. It works particularly well in academic writing, reports, presentations, workplace communication, and source analysis because it clearly separates a source’s information from the writer’s own opinion. However, it is not always the most natural choice. Depending on context, alternatives such as “the text says,” “the article notes,” “the document specifies,” “the source suggests,” or “the passage explains” can provide greater precision and variety.
The key is to choose an expression that accurately reflects what the source actually does. Use “states” for direct claims, “suggests” for less certain conclusions, and “specifies” when referring to exact requirements or details. For casual communication, simpler options may sound more natural. By understanding these subtle differences, students, professionals, ESL learners, and content writers can make their writing clearer, more precise, and appropriately toned for different audiences and situations.
FAQs
What does “the text states” mean?
“The text states” means that a written source directly expresses or provides particular information. It is commonly used when referring to books, articles, reports, policies, studies, instructions, or other written materials. The phrase is generally neutral and professional and helps distinguish information provided by a source from the writer’s own interpretation or opinion.
Is “the text states” grammatically correct?
Yes, “the text states” is grammatically correct. The noun “text” acts as the subject, while “states” is the third-person singular form of the verb “state.” The expression is especially common in academic, professional, and analytical writing when a writer needs to attribute a specific statement or claim to written material.
Is “the text states” professional?
Yes. “The text states” has a professional, formal, and neutral tone. It is appropriate for essays, reports, presentations, research writing, workplace documents, and document analysis. In casual conversations, however, “the text says” may sound more natural because it is simpler and less formal while communicating essentially the same basic idea.
What is another way to say “the text states”?
Common alternatives include “the text says,” “the passage states,” “the document states,” “the article notes,” “the passage explains,” “the source reports,” “the document specifies,” and “the source suggests.” The best choice depends on meaning. For example, “specifies” suggests precision, while “suggests” communicates less certainty than “states.”
Is “the text says” better than “the text states”?
Neither expression is universally better. “The text says” is simpler and more conversational, while “the text states” sounds more formal and analytical. For an academic essay or professional report, “states” may fit naturally. For everyday communication, “says” is often more straightforward and easier to read.
Can I use “the text states” in an academic essay?
Yes. “The text states” is appropriate in academic writing, particularly when analyzing a passage or summarizing information from a source. However, avoid repeating it throughout an essay. Vary your wording with accurate alternatives such as “the author explains,” “the article notes,” “the passage suggests,” or “the study indicates” to improve readability and precision.
What is the difference between “the text states” and “the source suggests”?
“The text states” usually presents information as a direct statement, while “the source suggests” indicates that the evidence points toward an idea without necessarily expressing it explicitly. Use “states” when the source clearly makes the claim. Use “suggests” when you are interpreting evidence or when the source expresses a less certain conclusion.
Is “the text states” formal or informal?
“The text states” is formal to neutral rather than informal. It is suitable for academic papers, professional reports, presentations, and analytical writing. In casual messages or conversations, people are more likely to say “the text says,” “the article says,” or simply “it says.” The appropriate choice depends mainly on audience and communication setting.
What should I use instead of “the text states” in an email?
For a professional email, you can use “the document states,” “the policy states,” “the report notes,” or “the guidelines specify,” depending on the source. For a casual email, “the email says” or “the instructions say” may sound more natural. Choose the verb that accurately describes whether the source states, explains, suggests, or requires something.
How can I avoid repeating “the text states”?
Vary your attribution verbs according to the meaning you want to communicate. Try “the text says,” “the passage explains,” “the article notes,” “the report indicates,” “the source suggests,” “the document specifies,” or “the author argues.” Avoid changing words simply for variety; each alternative should accurately represent the source’s level of certainty and purpose.
