Other Ways to Say "In the text it states"

Updated 2026-10-03 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: Searching for other ways to say in the text it states is a great way to improve your writing flow. You can replace this clunky phrase with smoother options that highlight the source material more effectively and keep your reader engaged without repetitive or awkward sentence structures.

Formal Alternatives

The document indicates: The official report indicates a slight increase in quarterly revenue.
The passage asserts: The historical passage asserts that trade routes shifted significantly.
The material notes: The academic material notes the importance of peer review.
The source specifies: The primary source specifies the exact date of the treaty signing.
The literature reveals: Current literature reveals a gap in our understanding of the phenomenon.
The manuscript describes: The ancient manuscript describes rituals performed during the solstice.
The text outlines: The contract text outlines the responsibilities of both parties.
The excerpt highlights: The news excerpt highlights the community response to the event.
The writing suggests: The author's writing suggests a bias toward traditional methods.
The content clarifies: The safety manual content clarifies the proper usage of equipment.

Professional and Email Alternatives

As mentioned in the doc: As mentioned in the doc, we need to finalize the budget by Friday.
Per the guidelines: Per the guidelines, all employees must submit their timesheets weekly.
The memo states: The memo states that the office will be closed next Monday.
According to the brief: According to the brief, the client prefers a minimalist design approach.
The report shows: The report shows a steady decline in customer complaints this year.
As noted in the file: As noted in the file, the software update is scheduled for tonight.
The proposal outlines: The proposal outlines three distinct phases for the project rollout.
The email confirms: The email confirms that your payment has been processed successfully.
The policy requires: The policy requires all attendees to register at least one week prior.
The record indicates: The record indicates that this issue was resolved in the previous quarter.

Casual Alternatives

It says here that: It says here that the concert starts at eight o'clock sharp.
The article mentions: The article mentions that the new coffee shop has great pastries.
I read that: I read that the movie gets a lot of positive reviews.
The post notes: The social media post notes a discount for early birds.
It points out: It points out how the recipe can be made vegan easily.
The guide says: The travel guide says to visit the museum in the morning.
According to the page: According to the page, the event is free for students.
The blurb shares: The book blurb shares a hint about the mystery's resolution.
The caption shows: The photo caption shows the model wearing our new collection.
The review lists: The online review lists several reasons why this hotel is popular.

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

We noticed in the text: We noticed in the text that this tip might help you cook faster.
The story shares: The story shares a beautiful lesson about kindness and patience.
Our guide highlights: Our guide highlights the most scenic routes for your road trip.
The note mentions: The note mentions that you are welcome to bring a guest.
The description paints: The description paints a vivid picture of the summer festival.
The page invites: The page invites you to join our community for weekly updates.
The letter explains: The letter explains how much we appreciate your recent support.
The article welcomes: The article welcomes new readers with a simple introduction.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

Using the phrase 'in the text it states' is perfectly acceptable when you need to be extremely literal or when guiding a student through a specific reading exercise. It works well in educational settings where the goal is to teach close reading skills or when referencing a document where the exact location of information is less important than the fact that it exists within the material.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Select your alternative based on your audience and the context of your communication. For academic or legal writing, choose formal options like 'the document indicates' to maintain authority. In business emails, use professional phrases such as 'per the guidelines' for clarity and efficiency. When writing for friends or social media, casual options like 'it says here' create a relaxed and approachable tone that connects with your readers naturally.

Short and Simple Alternatives

The passage notes: The passage notes that the meeting starts at noon.
It reads that: It reads that the deadline has passed.
The copy says: The copy says we need to update our profiles.
As written here: As written here, the fee is non-refundable.
The script states: The script states the actor must enter stage left.
The blurb claims: The blurb claims this movie is a masterpiece.
The line reads: The line reads clearly on the screen.
It mentions that: It mentions that the store closes early on Sundays.

Alternatives for Text Messages

Per the note: Per the note, bring your own cup.
The msg says: The msg says reply by 5 PM.
As per text: As per text, the event is canceled.
It says in the chat: It says in the chat to meet at the gate.
The thread shows: The thread shows you agreed to help.
According to the DM: According to the DM, send the files now.
It reads in the invite: It reads in the invite to dress casually.

Phrases to Avoid

It says what it says: This is dismissive and unprofessional. Use The document explicitly states instead.
As clearly written: This can sound condescending to readers. Use The text indicates for a neutral tone.
Obviously the text says: This assumes the reader missed the point. Use The passage clarifies to be helpful.
It plainly states: This may imply the reader is slow. Use The writing specifies for precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it grammatically correct to say 'in the text it states'?

While understandable, this phrase is often considered clunky or redundant. It is better to use active voice constructions like 'the text states' or 'the author notes' for clearer and more direct communication in your writing.

What is the most formal way to cite a text?

The most formal ways include phrases like 'the manuscript asserts' or 'the source specifies.' These options convey authority and precision, making them ideal for academic papers, legal documents, or professional reports.

Can I use 'it says' in professional writing?

It is generally best to avoid 'it says' in formal professional writing because it lacks specificity. Instead, identify the source directly by using phrases like 'the report indicates' or 'the document outlines' for greater clarity and professionalism.

Why should I avoid repetitive phrasing in my writing?

Repetitive phrasing can bore readers and reduce the impact of your message. Varying your language keeps the writing dynamic and engaging. Using diverse alternatives helps maintain reader interest and demonstrates a stronger command of language.