Quick Answer
“He says” is a basic reporting phrase used to introduce someone’s words or opinions. For more variety and precision, try alternatives like “He states,” “He claims,” “He notes,” “He points out,” “He remarks,” or “He asserts.”
“He says” is one of the most common phrases in English reporting. It appears in news articles, academic essays, stories, and everyday conversation. It introduces what someone else has said, believed, or argued. Because it is so simple, many learners use it again and again, which makes writing sound repetitive and flat.
This guide provides 30 practical alternatives with meanings, examples, and clear notes on tone. Whether you are writing a report, a news summary, or a story, these options will help you sound fluent, confident, and precise in reported speech.
Pull Quote: “The verb you choose for ‘he says’ tells the reader how to feel about what was said.”
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “He says”
- He states
- He asserts
- He declares
- He contends
Pro Tip: Formal alternatives suit academic writing, legal documents, and official reports.
Casual alternatives
- He goes
- He is like
- He was all
- He tells me
Pro Tip: Casual options work in spoken English and informal storytelling, not in formal writing.
Professional alternatives
- He notes
- He explains
- He confirms
- He points out
Pro Tip: Professional alternatives suit business reports, journalism, and meeting summaries.
Informal expressions
- He pipes up
- He chips in
- He chimes in
- He puts it
Pro Tip: Informal expressions belong in conversations and creative writing, not in reports.
Pull Quote: “The right tone makes your English sound professional and confident.”
Common Mistakes
- Using “he says” for every quotation in a long text.
Example: “He says the plan is good. He says it will work. He says we should start.” Repetition weakens the writing. - Using “he says” when the reporting verb should show doubt.
Example: “He says he is innocent” when “he claims” would be more accurate. - Mixing tenses incorrectly in reported speech.
Example: “He says he was going to the meeting yesterday tomorrow.” - Using “he says” in a formal academic paper.
Example: “He says the theory is correct” instead of “He asserts the theory is correct.” - Using informal reporting verbs in formal writing.
Example: “He is like, the data is wrong” in a business report.
What Does “He Says” Mean?
Definition
It is a reporting phrase used to introduce or summarise what a male person has spoken, written, or claimed.
Grammar Explanation
“He” is a third person singular pronoun, and “says” is the present tense of the verb “say.” The phrase introduces direct speech (“He says, I am tired”) or indirect speech (“He says he is tired”). In formal writing, “he states” or “he notes” is often preferred.
Example Sentence
“He says the project will be finished by Friday.”
When to Use “He Says”
Common Contexts
- Journalism: Reporting what a source said.
- Academic writing: Introducing another scholar’s view.
- Storytelling: Reporting dialogue in narrative form.
- Everyday conversation: Passing on someone’s message.
- Business writing: Summarising a colleague’s or client’s position.
Spoken vs Written
- Spoken: Extremely common in daily conversation.
- Written: Common in journalism and narrative writing, but often replaced by more precise verbs in formal texts.
Formal vs Informal
- Formal: Acceptable in most contexts but can sound basic.
- Informal: The default choice in everyday speech.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “He Says”?
Politeness vs Professionalism
The phrase is neutral and polite, but it can sound basic in professional writing. In journalism, law, and academia, more precise reporting verbs such as “he states,” “he alleges,” or “he contends” carry important meaning about the speaker’s credibility.
Business-Style Example
“He notes that the timeline may need revision following the supplier delay.”
Polite? Yes
Professional? Sometimes, but more precise verbs are preferred
Pull Quote: “In professional writing, the reporting verb is not decoration. It is information.”
Pros and Cons of Using “He Says”
Pros
- Simple and natural: Easy to say and understand.
- Friendly tone: Neutral and accessible.
- Common usage: Recognised in every English speaking country.
- Easy to understand: Requires no advanced vocabulary.
Cons
- Too informal for work: Can sound basic in professional writing.
- Overused: Loses impact through repetition.
- Limited emotional range: Cannot convey doubt, authority, or emphasis.
- Not suitable for formal writing: More precise verbs are expected in academic and legal texts.
Other Ways to Say “He Says” (With Examples)
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations. Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express excitement, admiration, or approval.
1. He states
Meaning: He expresses something clearly and formally.
Explanation: Neutral and authoritative.
Example Sentence: “He states that the report will be submitted by Monday.”
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, clear, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written
2. He claims
Meaning: He asserts something that may be disputed.
Explanation: Introduces doubt or controversy.
Example Sentence: “He claims the software will cut costs by half.”
Best Use: Journalism, debate
Worst Use: Confirmed facts
Tone: Skeptical, neutral, questioning
Context Variability: Professional and written
3. He notes
Meaning: He observes or draws attention to something.
Explanation: Often adds supporting information.
Example Sentence: “He notes that sales have risen since the campaign.”
Best Use: Reports, analysis
Worst Use: Emotional stories
Tone: Neutral, analytical, informative
Context Variability: Professional and written
4. He remarks
Meaning: He says something casually or briefly.
Explanation: Suggests a light or spontaneous comment.
Example Sentence: “He remarks that the weather has been unusually warm.”
Best Use: Narrative, conversation
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Casual, observational, light
Context Variability: Casual and written
5. He observes
Meaning: He notices and comments on something.
Explanation: Neutral and thoughtful.
Example Sentence: “He observes that the market is shifting toward digital services.”
Best Use: Analysis, essays
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Thoughtful, neutral, analytical
Context Variability: Professional and written
6. He points out
Meaning: He draws attention to an important detail.
Explanation: Highlights something others may have missed.
Example Sentence: “He points out that the deadline falls on a public holiday.”
Best Use: Meetings, reports
Worst Use: Trivial comments
Tone: Informative, helpful, direct
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
7. He mentions
Meaning: He refers to something briefly.
Explanation: Neutral and understated.
Example Sentence: “He mentions that the client may want a follow up call.”
Best Use: Business, conversation
Worst Use: Formal analysis
Tone: Neutral, brief, casual
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
8. He declares
Meaning: He announces something officially or firmly.
Explanation: Strong and public in tone.
Example Sentence: “He declares that the merger is complete.”
Best Use: Official statements
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal, firm, official
Context Variability: Professional and written
9. He asserts
Meaning: He states something confidently and forcefully.
Explanation: Formal and firm.
Example Sentence: “He asserts that the policy will benefit all employees.”
Best Use: Academic, legal
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal, confident, forceful
Context Variability: Professional and written
10. He argues
Meaning: He presents a reasoned position.
Explanation: Suggests debate or persuasion.
Example Sentence: “He argues that remote work improves productivity.”
Best Use: Academic, debate
Worst Use: Neutral reporting
Tone: Persuasive, analytical, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written
11. He suggests
Meaning: He offers an idea or possibility.
Explanation: Tentative and open.
Example Sentence: “He suggests we postpone the launch until spring.”
Best Use: Meetings, proposals
Worst Use: Firm statements
Tone: Tentative, polite, open
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
12. He explains
Meaning: He makes something clear.
Explanation: Focuses on clarification.
Example Sentence: “He explains how the new system will work.”
Best Use: Instruction, reports
Worst Use: Emotional stories
Tone: Informative, clear, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
13. He confirms
Meaning: He verifies or makes something certain.
Explanation: Strong and factual.
Example Sentence: “He confirms that the payment was received yesterday.”
Best Use: Business, news
Worst Use: Rumour
Tone: Formal, factual, certain
Context Variability: Professional and written
14. He acknowledges
Meaning: He admits or recognises something.
Explanation: Often used for concessions.
Example Sentence: “He acknowledges that the first draft had weaknesses.”
Best Use: Reports, reviews
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, honest, reflective
Context Variability: Professional and written
15. He admits
Meaning: He accepts something reluctantly.
Explanation: Suggests discomfort or fault.
Example Sentence: “He admits that he missed the deadline.”
Best Use: News, interviews
Worst Use: Praise
Tone: Reluctant, honest, serious
Context Variability: Professional and written
16. He insists
Meaning: He states something firmly despite opposition.
Explanation: Strong and determined.
Example Sentence: “He insists that the decision was correct.”
Best Use: Debate, journalism
Worst Use: Neutral reporting
Tone: Firm, determined, forceful
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
17. He maintains
Meaning: He continues to state something despite doubt.
Explanation: Steady and consistent.
Example Sentence: “He maintains that he acted within the rules.”
Best Use: Legal, journalism
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Steady, formal, firm
Context Variability: Professional and written
18. He contends
Meaning: He argues a particular position.
Explanation: Formal and often disputed.
Example Sentence: “He contends that the evidence supports his case.”
Best Use: Legal, academic
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal, argumentative, serious
Context Variability: Professional and written
19. He proposes
Meaning: He puts forward an idea or plan.
Explanation: Forward looking and formal.
Example Sentence: “He proposes a new approach to customer retention.”
Best Use: Business, academic
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, constructive, forward looking
Context Variability: Professional and written
20. He reveals
Meaning: He makes something previously unknown public.
Explanation: Dramatic and newsworthy.
Example Sentence: “He reveals that the company plans to expand overseas.”
Best Use: News, journalism
Worst Use: Routine updates
Tone: Dramatic, revealing, newsworthy
Context Variability: Professional and written
21. He discloses
Meaning: He makes private information known.
Explanation: Formal and often legal.
Example Sentence: “He discloses that he holds shares in the company.”
Best Use: Legal, finance
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, transparent, serious
Context Variability: Professional and written
22. He emphasises
Meaning: He gives special importance to something.
Explanation: Highlights a key point.
Example Sentence: “He emphasises that safety remains the top priority.”
Best Use: Speeches, reports
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Strong, focused, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written
23. He highlights
Meaning: He draws attention to an important point.
Explanation: Similar to emphasises but often more neutral.
Example Sentence: “He highlights the need for further investment.”
Best Use: Reports, presentations
Worst Use: Personal stories
Tone: Informative, clear, professional
Context Variability: Professional and written
24. He adds
Meaning: He contributes an extra point.
Explanation: Builds on previous information.
Example Sentence: “He adds that the timeline may be tight.”
Best Use: Meetings, reports
Worst Use: Formal conclusions
Tone: Neutral, additive, informative
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
25. He continues
Meaning: He keeps speaking or writing.
Explanation: Connects parts of a longer statement.
Example Sentence: “He continues that the second phase will begin in June.”
Best Use: Narratives, reports
Worst Use: Brief statements
Tone: Neutral, continuing, narrative
Context Variability: Professional and written
26. He goes on to say
Meaning: He adds further information after a pause.
Explanation: Common in reported speech.
Example Sentence: “He goes on to say that the results exceeded expectations.”
Best Use: Journalism, reports
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Narrative, informative, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written
27. He was quoted as saying
Meaning: His exact words were reported.
Explanation: Common in journalism.
Example Sentence: “He was quoted as saying the deal was imminent.”
Best Use: News reporting
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Journalistic, formal, precise
Context Variability: Professional and written
28. He reportedly said
Meaning: He is believed to have said something.
Explanation: Introduces uncertainty about the source.
Example Sentence: “He reportedly said the merger was off.”
Best Use: News, rumour
Worst Use: Confirmed facts
Tone: Cautious, journalistic, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written
29. He is said to have said
Meaning: A passive construction reporting his words.
Explanation: Formal and distancing.
Example Sentence: “He is said to have said the project was doomed.”
Best Use: Academic, journalism
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, distant, cautious
Context Variability: Professional and written
30. He allegedly said
Meaning: He is accused of having said something.
Explanation: Introduces legal or disputed context.
Example Sentence: “He allegedly said the comments were taken out of context.”
Best Use: Legal, news
Worst Use: Confirmed statements
Tone: Cautious, legal, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written
Pull Quote: “Professional reaction phrases and precise reporting verbs both show the same thing: you choose your words with care.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Scenario: You are writing a news article about a disputed statement. Which reporting verb fits best?
- A) He says.
- B) He claims.
- C) He notes.
- Scenario: You are writing an academic essay about a scholar’s argument. Which fits best?
- A) He goes.
- B) He argues.
- C) He pipes up.
- Scenario: You are writing a business email summarising a colleague’s point. Which is most appropriate?
- A) He is like.
- B) He notes.
- C) He was all.
- Scenario: Which reporting verb is too informal for a formal report?
- A) He states.
- B) He is like.
- C) He confirms.
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
| He states | Formal, clear | Formal writing |
| He claims | Skeptical, questioning | Journalism, debate |
| He notes | Neutral, analytical | Reports, analysis |
| He remarks | Casual, light | Narrative, conversation |
| He points out | Informative, direct | Meetings, reports |
| He argues | Persuasive, formal | Academic, debate |
| He explains | Informative, clear | Instruction, reports |
| He confirms | Formal, factual | Business, news |
| He admits | Reluctant, honest | News, interviews |
| He maintains | Steady, firm | Legal, journalism |
FAQs
1. What is a formal alternative to “he says”?
“He states,” “He asserts,” and “He contends” are strong formal alternatives suitable for academic writing, legal documents, and official reports.
2. How do I report speech professionally in English?
Choose a reporting verb that matches the speaker’s intent, such as “he notes” for neutral information, “he claims” for disputed statements, or “he confirms” for verified facts.
3. What is the difference between “he says” and “he claims”?
“He says” is neutral, while “he claims” introduces doubt or suggests the statement may be disputed.
4. What can I say instead of “he says” in storytelling?
“He remarks,” “He observes,” and “He adds” are natural alternatives for narrative writing and informal storytelling.
5. Is “he goes” a correct alternative to “he says”?
“He goes” is used in very informal spoken English to mean “he says,” but it is not suitable for formal or professional writing.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say he says gives you the ability to report speech with precision, attitude, and style. Whether you are writing a news article, an academic essay, or a story, the right reporting verb tells the reader how to interpret what was said. These alternatives to he says help you move beyond one basic phrase and into richer, more accurate expression.
Practise by rewriting one paragraph of reported speech each day, choosing a different verb each time. Pay close attention to tone and audience, because the right verb depends on the context and the credibility of the speaker. With steady practice, these informal expressions in English and their formal counterparts will become part of your everyday fluency.
Sally Rooney is an American writer who contributes to QuickResponsess.com, creating clear and practical content for English learners. Her articles help readers build confidence in using words and expressions accurately in everyday and professional communication.
