Other Ways to Say According to the Text: Professional Alternatives In 2026

Quick Answer 🔥
Try these top picks: As stated in the passage, Based on the information presented, The text indicates that, In line with what was written, and The author explains that.

The phrase “according to the text” is one of the most common expressions used in academic writing, essays, and reading responses to reference information from a passage. It signals that an idea, statement, or piece of information comes from a specific source rather than from the writer or speaker.

While this phrase is clear and widely understood, repeating it too often can make your writing feel repetitive, monotonous, and uninspired. Learning alternatives to according to the text will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations. It also demonstrates language flexibilitya crucial skill for professional communication and academic success.

“The right tone makes your English sound professional and confident.”

Quick Categories Section

Formal Alternatives to “According to the Text”

• As stated in the passage
• In accordance with the written material
• Pursuant to the text
• As outlined in the passage
• In conformity with the text
• As specified by the author

Casual Alternatives

• The text says that
• The author mentions that
• From what the text says
• The passage tells us that
• The text points out that

Professional Alternatives

• Based on the information presented
• As indicated by the text
• The text suggests that
• In line with what was written
• The passage indicates that

Informal Expressions

• The text basically says
• The author seems to say
• If you read the text carefully
• The passage makes it clear
• The text kind of suggests

“Variety in your vocabulary is the secret to engaging writing.”

Common Mistakes Section

1. Using “according to” with your own opinions
❌ According to me, this is the best solution.
✅ In my opinion, this is the best solution.
“According to” should only be used when citing external sources, not personal views.

2. Repeating “according to the text” too frequently in one paragraph
❌ According to the text, the character is brave. According to the text, the setting is dark.
✅ The text portrays the character as brave, while the setting is described as dark.

3. Confusing “according to” with “based on”
❌ According to the data, we made the decision.
✅ Based on the data, we made the decision. (Better when explaining reasoning)

4. Using “according to the text” when paraphrasing incorrectly
❌ According to the text, the character hates everyone. (Misrepresents the source)
✅ The text suggests that the character struggles with trust.

5. Overusing “according to” in spoken English when a simpler phrase works
❌ According to the text, the store opens at 9.
✅ The text says the store opens at 9. (More natural in speech)

What Does “According to the Text” Mean?

“According to the text” is a prepositional phrase used to attribute information, ideas, or statements to a specific written source. It tells the reader that what follows is derived from a passage, article, book, or other written material not from the writer‘s personal opinion.

Grammar Form: Prepositional phrase used as a sentence adverbial

Example Sentence:
“According to the text, the protagonist faces three major challenges before achieving his goal.”

When to Use “According to the Text”

• 📚 Academic essays – citing evidence from readings or research
• 📝 Reading responses – referencing specific passages
• 📊 Reports – attributing findings to written sources
• 💬 Classroom discussions – grounding arguments in textual evidence
• ✍️ Literary analysis – supporting interpretations with quotes

Spoken vs Written: Primarily used in written English, especially academic and formal writing. In spoken English, simpler phrases like “the text says” are more natural.

Formal vs Informal: This phrase is formal and best suited for academic papers, reports, and professional documents. In informal settings, consider casual alternatives.

Is It Professional or Polite to Say “According to the Text”?

Polite? ✔️ Yes It shows respect for the original source.
Professional? ✔️ Yes But only in formal contexts like academic writing and reports.

Business Style Example:
“According to the quarterly report, our revenue increased by 12% this quarter.”

However, using this phrase too often can make your writing feel stiff and repetitive. In most professional emails and everyday business communication, simpler alternatives or direct attribution sound more natural.

Pros and Cons of Using “According to the Text”

Pros

• ✅ Simple and natural in academic contexts
• ✅ Clearly attributes information to a source
• ✅ Widely understood across all English levels
• ✅ Safe choice for formal writing

Cons

• ❌ Too formal for everyday conversation
• ❌ Overused and repetitive in long texts
• ❌ Lacks emotional range or warmth
• ❌ Not suitable for informal writing or social media

Other Ways to Say “According to the Text” (With Examples)

These 30 alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations. Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express ideas clearly and professionally.

Formal Alternatives

1. Phrase: As stated in the passage

• Meaning: Directly references a specific statement from the text.
• Explanation: This is one of the most direct and formal substitutes.
• Example Sentence: “As stated in the passage, the company‘s profits have tripled since 2020.”
• Best Use: Academic writing
• Worst Use: Casual conversation
• Tone: Formal, precise, authoritative
• Context Variability: Formal / Academic

2. Phrase: In accordance with the written material

• Meaning: Indicates that information aligns with what is written.
• Explanation: Emphasizes conformity and agreement with the source.
• Example Sentence: “In accordance with the written material, all employees must complete the training.”
• Best Use: Legal documents
• Worst Use: Informal emails
• Tone: Very formal, legalistic
• Context Variability: Formal / Professional

3. Phrase: Pursuant to the text

• Meaning: In agreement with or following the text.
• Explanation: A highly formal legal and academic term.
• Example Sentence: “Pursuant to the text of the contract, the agreement is binding.”
• Best Use: Legal writing
• Worst Use: Everyday speech
• Tone: Extremely formal
• Context Variability: Formal / Legal

4. Phrase: As outlined in the passage

• Meaning: Refers to information presented in a structured or organized way.
• Explanation: Suggests the source provides a clear framework.
• Example Sentence: “As outlined in the passage, the methodology follows three distinct phases.”
• Best Use: Reports, summaries
• Worst Use: Casual chat
• Tone: Formal, structured
• Context Variability: Formal / Professional

5. Phrase: As specified by the author

• Meaning: References explicit details or requirements stated by the writer.
• Explanation: Emphasizes that the author provided precise information.
• Example Sentence: “As specified by the author, the experiment was conducted under controlled conditions.”
• Best Use: Research papers
• Worst Use: Informal discussion
• Tone: Formal, precise
• Context Variability: Formal / Academic

6. Phrase: In conformity with the text

• Meaning: In agreement or compliance with the written source.
• Explanation: Suggests harmony between your statement and the source.
• Example Sentence: “In conformity with the text, the character‘s actions reflect his inner conflict.”
• Best Use: Literary analysis
• Worst Use: Everyday conversation
• Tone: Formal, academic
• Context Variability: Formal / Academic

“Choosing the right words for the right audience transforms your communication.”

Professional Alternatives

7. Phrase: Based on the information presented

• Meaning: Drawing conclusions from the data or details in the text.
• Explanation: A neutral, professional way to reference source material.
• Example Sentence: “Based on the information presented, we recommend proceeding with the project.”
• Best Use: Business reports
• Worst Use: Casual speech
• Tone: Professional, analytical
• Context Variability: Professional / Academic

8. Phrase: As indicated by the text

• Meaning: The text points to or suggests a particular idea.
• Explanation: A polished alternative for professional writing.
• Example Sentence: “As indicated by the text, customer satisfaction has declined in recent months.”
• Best Use: Professional reports
• Worst Use: Informal emails
• Tone: Professional, neutral
• Context Variability: Professional / Formal

9. Phrase: The text suggests that

• Meaning: The text implies or hints at a particular interpretation.
• Explanation: Useful when the source doesn‘t state something directly.
• Example Sentence: “The text suggests that the new policy will improve efficiency.”
• Best Use: Analytical writing
• Worst Use: Direct quotations
• Tone: Professional, interpretive
• Context Variability: Professional / Academic

10. Phrase: In line with what was written

• Meaning: Consistent with the information in the source.
• Explanation: Emphasizes alignment and agreement with the text.
• Example Sentence: “In line with what was written, the team adjusted its strategy accordingly.”
• Best Use: Professional communication
• Worst Use: Casual conversation
• Tone: Professional, calm
• Context Variability: Professional / Formal

11. Phrase: The passage indicates that

• Meaning: The text provides evidence or signs pointing to a conclusion.
• Explanation: A standard academic alternative.
• Example Sentence: “The passage indicates that the economy is recovering slowly.”
• Best Use: Academic essays
• Worst Use: Spoken English
• Tone: Professional, academic
• Context Variability: Professional / Academic

12. Phrase: As documented by the text

• Meaning: The text provides recorded or verified evidence.
• Explanation: Suggests the source offers factual, verifiable information.
• Example Sentence: “As documented by the text, the historical events occurred over two decades.”
• Best Use: Research writing
• Worst Use: Casual conversation
• Tone: Formal, factual
• Context Variability: Professional / Academic

13. Phrase: Per the text

• Meaning: According to or as stated in the text.
• Explanation: A concise, professional alternative often used in business.
• Example Sentence: “Per the text, all submissions must be received by Friday.”
• Best Use: Business communication
• Worst Use: Informal writing
• Tone: Professional, concise
• Context Variability: Professional / Formal

14. Phrase: As referenced in the passage

• Meaning: The information is cited or mentioned in the source.
• Explanation: Indicates the text contains a reference to the subject.
• Example Sentence: “As referenced in the passage, the study was conducted over five years.”
• Best Use: Academic citations
• Worst Use: Everyday speech
• Tone: Professional, precise
• Context Variability: Professional / Academic

“Professional English isn‘t about big words it‘s about the right words.”

Academic & Analytical Alternatives

15. Phrase: The author explains that

• Meaning: The writer provides clarification or detail.
• Explanation: Directly credits the author for providing an explanation.
• Example Sentence: “The author explains that the phenomenon occurs due to environmental factors.”
• Best Use: Reading responses
• Worst Use: Casual chat
• Tone: Academic, informative
• Context Variability: Academic / Professional

16. Phrase: The text asserts that

• Meaning: The text states something confidently or forcefully.
• Explanation: Implies the source makes a strong claim.
• Example Sentence: “The text asserts that education is the key to economic development.”
• Best Use: Argumentative essays
• Worst Use: Neutral summaries
• Tone: Academic, confident
• Context Variability: Academic / Formal

17. Phrase: The passage states that

• Meaning: The text explicitly says something.
• Explanation: A straightforward, academic alternative.
• Example Sentence: “The passage states that the company was founded in 1985.”
• Best Use: Direct quotations
• Worst Use: Casual speech
• Tone: Academic, neutral
• Context Variability: Academic / Formal

18. Phrase: As the text describes

• Meaning: The text provides a description of something.
• Explanation: Emphasizes the descriptive nature of the source.
• Example Sentence: “As the text describes, the landscape was barren and unforgiving.”
• Best Use: Literary analysis
• Worst Use: Business reports
• Tone: Academic, descriptive
• Context Variability: Academic / Literary

19. Phrase: The text reports that

• Meaning: The text conveys information or findings.
• Explanation: Suggests the source is reporting facts or data.
• Example Sentence: “The text reports that unemployment rates have fallen to a record low.”
• Best Use: News summaries
• Worst Use: Personal opinions
• Tone: Academic, factual
• Context Variability: Academic / Professional

20. Phrase: Based on the text

• Meaning: Your statement is grounded in the source material.
• Explanation: A concise alternative that works well in academic writing.
• Example Sentence: “Based on the text, the protagonist‘s journey symbolizes personal growth.”
• Best Use: Literary analysis
• Worst Use: Formal reports
• Tone: Academic, analytical
• Context Variability: Academic / Professional

21. Phrase: Following the information in the passage

• Meaning: Your reasoning follows the logic or sequence of the text.
• Explanation: Indicates your argument is built upon the source‘s content.
• Example Sentence: “Following the information in the passage, we can conclude that demand is rising.”
• Best Use: Analytical essays
• Worst Use: Casual conversation
• Tone: Academic, logical
• Context Variability: Academic / Formal

22. Phrase: In the words of the author

• Meaning: Quoting or paraphrasing the author‘s exact phrasing.
• Explanation: A respectful way to reference the author‘s own language.
• Example Sentence: “In the words of the author, ‘change is the only constant.‘”
• Best Use: Direct quotations
• Worst Use: Paraphrasing
• Tone: Academic, respectful
• Context Variability: Academic / Formal

“The best communicators adapt their language to their audience.”

Casual & Informal Alternatives

23. Phrase: The text says that

• Meaning: The text states something in simple terms.
• Explanation: The most natural, everyday alternative.
• Example Sentence: “The text says that the meeting has been rescheduled.”
• Best Use: Casual conversation
• Worst Use: Academic papers
• Tone: Casual, natural
• Context Variability: Casual / Spoken

24. Phrase: The author mentions that

• Meaning: The author briefly refers to something.
• Explanation: A friendly, conversational way to cite a source.
• Example Sentence: “The author mentions that the project faced several challenges.”
• Best Use: Discussion groups
• Worst Use: Formal reports
• Tone: Casual, conversational
• Context Variability: Casual / Professional

25. Phrase: From what the text says

• Meaning: Based on the information in the text.
• Explanation: A relaxed, spoken style phrase.
• Example Sentence: “From what the text says, the event will be held outdoors.”
• Best Use: Everyday conversation
• Worst Use: Academic writing
• Tone: Casual, relaxed
• Context Variability: Casual / Spoken

26. Phrase: The passage tells us that

• Meaning: The text conveys information to the reader.
• Explanation: A friendly, engaging alternative.
• Example Sentence: “The passage tells us that the main character is deeply conflicted.”
• Best Use: Classroom discussions
• Worst Use: Formal essays
• Tone: Casual, engaging
• Context Variability: Casual / Academic

27. Phrase: The text points out that

• Meaning: The text highlights or draws attention to something.
• Explanation: Suggests the source emphasizes a particular point.
• Example Sentence: “The text points out that early intervention is crucial.”
• Best Use: Presentations
• Worst Use: Legal documents
• Tone: Casual, informative
• Context Variability: Casual / Professional

28. Phrase: If you read the text carefully

• Meaning: Your interpretation is based on close reading.
• Explanation: A conversational way to reference textual evidence.
• Example Sentence: “If you read the text carefully, you‘ll notice the author’s subtle irony.”
• Best Use: Class discussions
• Worst Use: Formal writing
• Tone: Casual, engaging
• Context Variability: Casual / Academic

29. Phrase: The passage makes it clear that

• Meaning: The text states something unambiguously.
• Explanation: Emphasizes clarity and directness in the source.
• Example Sentence: “The passage makes it clear that the policy will take effect immediately.”
• Best Use: Summaries
• Worst Use: Academic citations
• Tone: Casual, confident
• Context Variability: Casual / Professional

30. Phrase: As mentioned in the text

• Meaning: Referring to something previously mentioned in the source.
• Explanation: A simple, widely usable alternative.
• Example Sentence: “As mentioned in the text, the deadline has been extended.”
• Best Use: General use
• Worst Use: Very formal writing
• Tone: Neutral, versatile
• Context Variability: All contexts

Mini Quiz / Self Check

1. Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal academic essay?

• A) The text basically says
• B) As stated in the passage
• C) From what the text says

Answer: B “As stated in the passage” is formal and academic.

2. You‘re writing an email to a colleague. Which alternative sounds most professional?

• A) Based on the information presented
• B) The text says that
• C) According to the text

Answer: A “Based on the information presented” is professional yet approachable.

3. Which phrase should you avoid when expressing your own opinion?

• A) In my opinion
• B) I believe that
• C) According to the text

Answer: C “According to the text” should only be used when citing an external source, not personal views.

4. In a casual conversation about a book, which sounds most natural?

• A) Pursuant to the text
• B) The author mentions that
• C) As specified by the author

Answer: B “The author mentions that” is conversational and natural.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Alternatives

FAQs

1. What is another way to say “according to the text” in an essay?
You can use “as stated in the passage,” “based on the information presented,” or “the text suggests that.” Each offers a formal, academic tone suitable for essays.

2. Is “according to the text” too formal for everyday conversation?
Yes, it can sound stiff in casual speech. Simpler alternatives like “the text says that” or “the author mentions that” are more natural for everyday conversations.

3. What are some professional alternatives to “according to the text”?
Professional alternatives include “based on the information presented,” “as indicated by the text,” “in line with what was written,” and “per the text”.

4. Can I use “according to the text” in business writing?
Yes, but it‘s best suited for formal business reports and official documents. In emails and everyday business communication, “based on the report” or “as mentioned in the document” sound more natural.

5. How can I avoid repeating “according to the text” too often?
Vary your language by using different alternatives from this list. Match the phrase to your context formal for academic papers, professional for reports, and casual for conversations. Also consider rewriting sentences to be more direct.

Conclusion

Learning alternatives to according to the text is one of the most effective ways to elevate your English writing and speaking. Whether you‘re drafting an academic paper, writing a professional report, or simply discussing a book with friends, choosing the right phrase makes your communication clearer, more engaging, and more confident.

Start practicing these alternatives today. Pay attention to tone and context formal phrases for academic and professional settings, casual ones for everyday conversations. With consistent practice, you‘ll naturally expand your vocabulary and sound more fluent in every situation.

John Green

John Green is an American writer who contributes to QuickResponsess.com, creating clear and practical content on English grammar, vocabulary and everyday language. His goal is to make learning English simple, engaging and easy to apply.