Finding the right words can make your communication feel more thoughtful, gentle, and genuinely personal. Sometimes a simple phrase like “in the text it states” can sound a bit stiff or mechanical, especially when you’re trying to express understanding, show care, or explain something clearly. That’s why having warmer, more flexible alternatives is so valuable.
These phrasing options help your message feel more considerate, more natural, and more human—whether you’re writing academically, professionally, or conversationally.
What Does “in the text it states” Mean?
“In the text it states” is a direct reference phrase used to point readers toward a specific portion of a written source. It simply means that the information you’re talking about appears clearly and explicitly within the text itself. This phrase is commonly used in essays, research papers, assignments, email explanations, and analytical writing.
It signals that you are not giving your opinion—you are summarizing or quoting the source.
When to Use “in the text it states”?
Use “in the text it states” when:
- You are summarizing or quoting a written passage
- You want to show that your information comes from the source itself
- You need clear academic or professional attribution
- You’re explaining what an author wrote
- You want to reference evidence directly
This phrase is especially useful in academic contexts, where clarity and citation matter.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “in the text it states”?
Yes — it is professional, polite, and entirely acceptable in academic and workplace writing. However, it can sometimes sound a little rigid or overly formal. That’s why alternatives can help your writing feel warmer, clearer, or smoother depending on the audience.
Pros or Cons of “in the text it states”
Pros
- Clear and straightforward
- Great for academic writing
- Shows direct reference to the source
- Helps avoid ambiguity
- Trusted in formal analysis
Cons
- Can sound stiff, repetitive, or formulaic
- Lacks warmth in personal communication
- Sometimes doesn’t fit conversational tone
- May feel mechanical in emails
1. In the passage, the author explains
Meaning: Highlights that the information comes from a specific part of the text.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the author’s role in communicating the idea and feels more natural in academic writing.
Scenario Example: “In the passage, the author explains that resilience develops through small daily habits.”
Best Use: Essays, analysis, literature responses.
Worst Use: Extremely informal conversations.
Why It Works: It centers the author’s intention and clarifies context.
Tone: Academic, thoughtful.
2. The text clearly mentions
Meaning: Points to explicit information in the source.
Detailed Explanation: This signals that the information is obvious or directly stated.
Scenario Example: “The text clearly mentions that the policy changed last year.”
Best Use: Academic or professional explanations.
Worst Use: When discussing implied information.
Why It Works: It reinforces clarity and confidence.
Tone: Direct, precise.
3. According to the text
Meaning: Shows that your point is supported by the text.
Detailed Explanation: This is a widely accepted academic phrase that indicates sourced information.
Scenario Example: “According to the text, consistent feedback improves performance.”
Best Use: Research writing, reports, student assignments.
Worst Use: Highly conversational messages.
Why It Works: It is concise, neutral, and authoritative.
Tone: Professional, academic.
4. As the text points out
Meaning: Highlights that the text draws attention to something important.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase adds subtle emphasis, suggesting the idea is notable.
Scenario Example: “As the text points out, communication plays a key role in team success.”
Best Use: Analytical writing.
Worst Use: Casual texting.
Why It Works: Smooth, natural for essays.
Tone: Polished, informative.
5. The text indicates
Meaning: Shows evidence or a signal within the text.
Detailed Explanation: A clean, professional alternative widely used in research writing.
Scenario Example: “The text indicates that engagement increased by 20%.”
Best Use: Reports, data interpretation.
Worst Use: Personal, emotional communication.
Why It Works: It is simple and authoritative.
Tone: Neutral, academic.
6. The author notes that
Meaning: Focuses on what the author is emphasizing.
Detailed Explanation: Adds nuance by recognizing the author’s perspective.
Scenario Example: “The author notes that early intervention leads to better outcomes.”
Best Use: Essays, literature reviews.
Worst Use: When the source is not the author’s interpretation.
Why It Works: Humanizes academic writing.
Tone: Polite, respectful.
7. The text highlights
Meaning: Suggests the text is emphasizing something.
Detailed Explanation: Good for drawing attention to central arguments.
Scenario Example: “The text highlights the importance of empathy in leadership.”
Best Use: Analytical responses.
Worst Use: When the idea is not emphasized.
Why It Works: Sounds insightful and engaged.
Tone: Appreciative, thoughtful.
8. As mentioned in the passage
Meaning: Refers back to something previously shared.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when summarizing earlier content.
Scenario Example: “As mentioned in the passage, students benefit from structured routines.”
Best Use: Summaries.
Worst Use: When referring to something new.
Why It Works: Smooth flow and continuity.
Tone: Connected, cohesive.
9. As the author writes
Meaning: Directly credits the author’s wording.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative connects the audience with the author’s voice.
Scenario Example: “As the author writes, trust is built through consistency.”
Best Use: Quotations.
Worst Use: Paraphrasing not tied to the author.
Why It Works: Strengthens credibility.
Tone: Respectful, formal.
10. The source states
Meaning: Neutral reference to the material.
Detailed Explanation: Useful in research to avoid repetitive phrasing.
Scenario Example: “The source states that the data was gathered over five years.”
Best Use: Reports, academic papers.
Worst Use: Emails with a warm tone.
Why It Works: Clear, concise, and objective.
Tone: Formal, factual.
11. As stated in the material
Meaning: Points to what’s already been established in the content.
Detailed Explanation: Suitable for assignments or multi-part readings.
Scenario Example: “As stated in the material, the participants showed higher retention rates.”
Best Use: References to study materials.
Worst Use: Conversational writing.
Why It Works: Clean and understandable.
Tone: Academic.
12. Based on the text
Meaning: Shows that your explanation relies on the text’s information.
Detailed Explanation: Great for analytical responses.
Scenario Example: “Based on the text, collaboration increases project success.”
Best Use: Academic interpretations.
Worst Use: Emotional or personal writing.
Why It Works: Shows interpretation with evidence.
Tone: Reasoned, balanced.
13. As outlined in the reading
Meaning: Refers to structured or clearly laid-out information.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when the text provides steps or frameworks.
Scenario Example: “As outlined in the reading, leaders need emotional intelligence.”
Best Use: Educational contexts.
Worst Use: Informal chats.
Why It Works: Implies organization and clarity.
Tone: Professional.
14. The text suggests
Meaning: Implies the idea is inferred from the writing.
Detailed Explanation: Softer than “states,” good for subtle interpretations.
Scenario Example: “The text suggests that change happens gradually.”
Best Use: Analytical or interpretive writing.
Worst Use: When quoting directly.
Why It Works: Refines nuance.
Tone: Thoughtful, insightful.
15. As described in the text
Meaning: Summarizes content expressed by the source.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for paraphrasing.
Scenario Example: “As described in the text, the process requires three main steps.”
Best Use: Paraphrasing explanations.
Worst Use: Direct quotes.
Why It Works: Smooth and natural.
Tone: Neutral, clear.
16. From the text, we learn that
Meaning: Shows information gleaned or understood from the reading.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase feels warm and educational.
Scenario Example: “From the text, we learn that self-awareness is key to growth.”
Best Use: Classroom writing, explanations.
Worst Use: Strict research writing.
Why It Works: Feels inclusive and approachable.
Tone: Gentle, instructional.
17. The author makes it clear that
Meaning: Suggests that the author is emphasizing something.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when highlighting strong claims.
Scenario Example: “The author makes it clear that support systems improve outcomes.”
Best Use: Analytical essays.
Worst Use: When the author’s intention is uncertain.
Why It Works: Strong but respectful.
Tone: Assertive, academic.
18. The reading shows
Meaning: Indicates evidence or demonstration within the text.
Detailed Explanation: A simple, student-friendly phrase.
Scenario Example: “The reading shows how habits shape our mindset.”
Best Use: Assignments and summaries.
Worst Use: High-level academic journals.
Why It Works: Easy to understand.
Tone: Friendly, explanatory.
19. As we see in the text
Meaning: Shows a shared understanding between writer and reader.
Detailed Explanation: Creates a collaborative tone.
Scenario Example: “As we see in the text, gratitude improves well-being.”
Best Use: Instructional writing.
Worst Use: Formal research papers.
Why It Works: Builds connection.
Tone: Inclusive, warm.
20. The author reveals
Meaning: Suggests the author is uncovering important information.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when text discloses insights.
Scenario Example: “The author reveals the motivation behind the protagonist’s actions.”
Best Use: Literature analysis.
Worst Use: Dry, technical material.
Why It Works: Adds narrative depth.
Tone: Engaging, interpretive.
21. The text provides evidence that
Meaning: Connects the text to supporting information.
Detailed Explanation: Great for argumentative essays.
Scenario Example: “The text provides evidence that practice improves performance.”
Best Use: Academic argumentation.
Worst Use: Simple summaries.
Why It Works: Strengthens credibility.
Tone: Persuasive, formal.
22. As documented in the text
Meaning: Refers to recorded information in the source.
Detailed Explanation: Works well for research-based writing.
Scenario Example: “As documented in the text, the tests were conducted in three phases.”
Best Use: Research reports.
Worst Use: Casual writing.
Why It Works: Sounds official.
Tone: Professional.
23. The author emphasizes that
Meaning: Shows the author’s focus or priority.
Detailed Explanation: Useful for highlighting main ideas.
Scenario Example: “The author emphasizes that patience leads to progress.”
Best Use: Analytical writing.
Worst Use: When emphasis is not clear.
Why It Works: Shows deep reading.
Tone: Insightful.
24. As shown in the passage
Meaning: Indicates that the idea is visually or clearly presented.
Detailed Explanation: Common in reading comprehension.
Scenario Example: “As shown in the passage, stress affects memory.”
Best Use: Educational writing.
Worst Use: High-level research.
Why It Works: Simple and clear.
Tone: Neutral.
25. The text supports the idea that
Meaning: Connects text to a conclusion.
Detailed Explanation: Great for argumentative essays.
Scenario Example: “The text supports the idea that teamwork increases productivity.”
Best Use: Analytical writing.
Worst Use: Direct quotation scenarios.
Why It Works: Strengthens arguments.
Tone: Persuasive, thoughtful.
26. As we read in the text
Meaning: Refers to information we encounter as readers.
Detailed Explanation: Inclusive and approachable.
Scenario Example: “As we read in the text, mindfulness reduces anxiety.”
Best Use: Educational or instructional writing.
Worst Use: Research publications.
Why It Works: Creates connection with reader.
Tone: Warm, educational.
27. The text goes on to explain
Meaning: Shows progression or continued explanation.
Detailed Explanation: Good for multi-step reasoning.
Scenario Example: “The text goes on to explain how habits shape discipline.”
Best Use: Sequential explanations.
Worst Use: Short summaries.
Why It Works: Helps guide readers.
Tone: Fluid, instructional.
28. As noted in the text
Meaning: Refers to something already recorded or acknowledged.
Detailed Explanation: Professional, clean, and versatile.
Scenario Example: “As noted in the text, early preparation helps reduce stress.”
Best Use: Professional or academic writing.
Worst Use: Emotional writing.
Why It Works: Simple and effective.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
29. The author clarifies that
Meaning: Explains that the author is removing confusion.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect when the text provides explanation or correction.
Scenario Example: “The author clarifies that the results were peer-reviewed.”
Best Use: Interpretive writing.
Worst Use: Implicit information.
Why It Works: Shows critical reading.
Tone: Clear, respectful.
30. The text makes it evident that
Meaning: Suggests that the meaning is obvious within the text.
Detailed Explanation: Strong but elegant phrasing.
Scenario Example: “The text makes it evident that communication strengthens relationships.”
Best Use: Conclusions, academic writing.
Worst Use: Subtle interpretations.
Why It Works: Sounds confident and polished.
Tone: Strong, academic.
Conclusion
Choosing the right words matters. While “in the text it states” is perfectly acceptable, exploring warmer, clearer, or more polished alternatives can make your writing feel more natural and meaningful. Whether you’re crafting an assignment, writing professionally, or trying to communicate with more care, these phrases help you express yourself with clarity and confidence. Language is powerful—and finding the right phrasing can elevate both your message and your connection with the reader.
