When we say “the author states,” we mean the author is saying or explaining something in their writing. It’s used to show what the writer believes or wants to tell us. This phrase is common in academic or formal writing.
But let’s be honest—reading the same phrase over and over gets boring fast. Want your writing to sound smarter and more interesting? Try using different expressions instead.
In this article, you’ll find 30 other ways to say “the author states” with clear examples. These options add style, variety, and flow to your writing. They also help you sound more confident and professional.
Why Look for Other Ways ?
Before we jump into the list, let’s answer the bigger question: why even bother finding alternatives?
Benefits of Using Alternative Phrases
- Adds variety to avoid redundancy.
- Makes your academic writing more fluid and engaging.
- Helps convey different nuances: suggestion, emphasis, observation, etc.
- Aligns better with tone shifts (from formal writing to semi-formal or analytical).
- Improves overall writing clarity and style.
Now let’s explore the best replacements and when to use each.
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Synonyms for “The Author States”
No. | Alternative Phrase | Best Used When… | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|---|
1 | The author argues | Making a persuasive claim | The author argues that early education shapes future success. |
2 | The author suggests | Recommending or proposing something | The author suggests a revision of current teaching methods. |
3 | The author claims | Presenting an assertion or opinion | The author claims that technology boosts classroom engagement. |
4 | The author emphasizes | Stressing a key point | The author emphasizes the urgency of climate action. |
5 | The author notes | Making an observation or side comment | The author notes a decline in public interest over time. |
6 | The author proposes | Offering a solution or concept | The author proposes a new framework for productivity. |
7 | The author explains | Clarifying an idea | The author explains the role of rituals in ancient culture. |
8 | The author observes | Reporting a pattern or trend | The author observes that most voters support policy reform. |
9 | The author concludes | Wrapping up an argument | The author concludes that dietary habits affect mental health. |
10 | The author highlights | Drawing special attention | The author highlights the significance of early diagnosis. |
11 | The author mentions | Briefly referring to something | The author mentions previous studies on the topic. |
12 | The author insists | Strongly defending a position | The author insists that freedom of speech must be protected. |
13 | The author believes | Expressing a personal viewpoint | The author believes that history should be taught interactively. |
14 | The author points out | Calling attention to a detail | The author points out a gap in the existing research. |
15 | The author asserts | Declaring something confidently | The author asserts that remote work enhances productivity. |
16 | The author affirms | Confirming or reinforcing a fact | The author affirms the value of inclusive education. |
17 | The author acknowledges | Recognizing a fact or opposing view | The author acknowledges the limitations of the current model. |
18 | The author reveals | Disclosing new or surprising information | The author reveals a hidden funding source for the study. |
19 | The author disagrees | Countering another point of view | The author disagrees with the traditional interpretation. |
20 | The author clarifies | Explaining something that may confuse | The author clarifies the distinction between ethics and morals. |
21 | The writer contends | Presenting a firm opinion | The writer contends that empathy is teachable. |
22 | The writer proposes | Offering a new idea | The writer proposes a sustainable housing model. |
23 | The writer expresses | Sharing an opinion or emotion | The writer expresses concern over student burnout. |
24 | The writer explains | Providing insight or description | The writer explains the importance of rest in productivity cycles. |
25 | The author details | Elaborating specific information | The author details each step of the methodology. |
26 | The writer maintains | Holding firm to a viewpoint | The writer maintains that regulation is necessary for market fairness. |
27 | The writer discusses | Engaging with multiple viewpoints | The writer discusses ethical challenges in medical research. |
28 | The author underlines | Giving added weight to a key issue | The author underlines the importance of mental health support. |
29 | The author references | Citing another work or source | The author references the WHO’s findings from 2020. |
30 | The author warns | Cautioning the reader | The author warns against the overuse of antibiotics. |
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Not all phrases are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the most fitting expression based on tone, context, and purpose:
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Tone Matters
- Formal tone: use “affirms,” “argues,” “concludes.”
- Conversational or reflective tone: try “suggests,” “mentions,” “believes.”
Context is Everything
- Use “observes” for trends or patterns.
- Use “explains” for in-depth analysis.
- Use “warns” when expressing caution or consequences.
Intent-Based Choices
Intent | Best Phrases |
---|---|
Emphasizing key points | emphasizes, underlines, highlights |
Arguing a point | argues, contends, asserts |
Introducing solutions | proposes, suggests, recommends |
Acknowledging limitations | acknowledges, admits, concedes |
Sharing opinions | believes, expresses, maintains |
Presenting facts | notes, explains, clarifies |
FAQs About Using Alternatives to “The Author States”
1. Is “The Author States” too formal?
No, it’s appropriate for academic writing and formal writing. However, it can become repetitive and flat if overused.
2. Can I use “says” instead?
Yes, but be mindful. “Says” is more suitable for informal or conversational content, not academic or business settings.
3. What’s the best synonym for analytical essays?
Try “argues,” “asserts,” “contends,” or “explains” — they carry a professional tone and work well when expressing opinions.
4. Can I mix multiple alternatives in the same piece?
Absolutely! In fact, you should. Mixing alternatives improves writing flow, enhances reader engagement, and avoids redundancy.
5. Are these phrases acceptable in business communication?
Yes, especially in reports, white papers, or formal memos. Just choose based on tone and purpose.
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Bonus Tip: Phrases Ranked by Tone
Here’s a quick tone-spectrum to help you adjust your word choice depending on your audience:
Highly Formal:
- The author asserts
- The author affirms
- The author concludes
Moderately Formal:
- The author suggests
- The author proposes
- The author observes
Neutral/Conversational:
- The author notes
- The author mentions
- The author believes
Critical or Defensive:
- The author warns
- The author disagrees
- The author insists
Writing Smarter:
Use These Keywords to Boost Your Expression
To make your writing SEO-smart and expressive, consider weaving in these main keywords and LSI keyword clusters:
Main Keywords & LSI Table
Main Keyword | LSI Keywords |
---|---|
the author states | author says, writer mentions, author claims, expresses, explains |
other ways | alternative expressions, substitute terms, new ways |
formal writing | academic tone, professional style, structured writing |
academic writing | research paper, formal essay, scholarly writing |
professional tone | formal voice, respectful language, corporate tone |
alternative phrases | synonym expressions, replacement words, other expressions |
expressing opinions | stating views, sharing thoughts, offering viewpoints |
quoting an author | citing source, referencing writer, direct quote |
writing improvement | enhancing writing, better phrasing, writing clarity |
Final Thoughts
Using different ways to say “the author states” can make your writing stronger and more interesting. It helps you sound more natural, professional, and smart. Plus, it keeps your reader engaged.
You don’t have to repeat the same phrase every time. Pick the one that best fits the tone and meaning you want. Whether you’re writing an essay or a blog post, these options give you more variety and style. So, next time, choose a better way to express what the author said.
William Jams is an experienced blogger at EnglishGleam, passionate about language, writing, and storytelling. With years of expertise in crafting engaging content, she aims to inspire readers through insightful articles that enhance their English skills and knowledge.