Other Ways to Say The Article States: Better Alternatives for 2026

Quick Answer
“The article states” is an academic phrase used to introduce what a source says. For more variety and precision, try alternatives like “The article reports,” “The author argues,” “The text notes,” “The study indicates,” or “The source explains.”

“The article states” is one of the most common phrases in academic and professional writing. It appears in essays, literature reviews, research papers, business reports, and news summaries. It signals to the reader that a claim comes from a source rather than from the writer’s own opinion. Because it is safe and neutral, many students and professionals use it again and again.

This guide provides 30 practical alternatives with clear notes on tone and academic context. You will learn how to express excitement in English when a source presents striking findings, and how to use professional reaction phrases that strengthen your analysis.

Pull Quote: “The reporting verb you choose tells the reader how to read the source.”

Quick Categories

Formal alternatives to “The article states”

• The article asserts
• The author contends
• The text maintains
• The source posits

Pro Tip: Formal alternatives suit dissertations, research papers, and official reports.

Casual alternatives

• The article says
• The piece mentions
• The writer talks about
• The article brings up

Pro Tip: Casual options work in study notes, summaries, and informal discussions.

Professional alternatives

• The article reports
• The author explains
• The source indicates
• The document outlines

Pro Tip: Professional alternatives suit business reports, briefings, and analytical writing.

Informal expressions

• The article points out
• The writer mentions
• The piece covers
• The author brings up

Pro Tip: Informal expressions work in presentations, discussions, and blog posts.

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

Common Mistakes

1. Repeating the same reporting verb throughout an essay.
   Example: “The article states. The article states. The article states.” This makes writing feel mechanical.
2. Using a strong verb without evidence.
   Example: “The author proves that…” when the source only suggests a possibility.
3. Mixing the verb with an incorrect structure.
   Example: “The article states about the issue.” The verb “state” does not take “about.”
4. Using a casual verb in formal academic writing.
   Example: “The article talks about climate change.” This is too informal for a research paper.
5. Forgetting to cite the source properly.
   Example: “The article states…” without a reference. Always include author, date, or page number.

What Does “The Article States” Mean?

Definition

It is a reporting phrase used to introduce information, claims, or arguments presented in a written source.

Grammar Explanation

“States” is the third person singular of the verb “state,” which means to express something clearly in speech or writing. It is a transitive verb, so it takes a direct object, typically introduced by “that” or a noun phrase.

Example Sentence

“The article states that remote work has increased productivity in several sectors.”

When to Use “The Article States”

Common Contexts

• Academic writing: Literature reviews and research papers.
• Business reports: Summarising industry publications.
• Journalism: Reporting on other news sources.
• Study notes: Summarising reading material.
• Presentations: Referencing published findings.

Spoken vs Written

• Spoken: Common in academic presentations and seminars.
• Written: Extremely common in essays, reports, and reviews.

Formal vs Informal

• Formal: Standard in academic and professional writing.
• Informal: Acceptable in summaries and study notes.

Is It Professional or Polite to Say “The Article States”?

Politeness vs Professionalism

The phrase is polite and professional. It is neutral, safe, and widely accepted in academic and business writing. However, it is also generic, and stronger reporting verbs often communicate the source’s intent more precisely.

Business-Style Example

“The report indicates that customer retention has improved by twelve percent.”

Polite? Yes
Professional? Yes, but stronger verbs often read better

Pull Quote: “Precise reporting verbs turn summary into analysis.”

Pros and Cons of Using “The Article States”

Pros

• Simple and natural: Easy to write and universally understood.
• Friendly tone: Neutral and non confrontational.
• Common usage: Recognised in every academic and professional field.
• Easy to understand: Requires no specialist vocabulary.

Cons

• Too informal for work: Rarely an issue, but can sound basic in advanced writing.
• Overused: Loses impact through repetition.
• Limited emotional range: Cannot express whether the source argues, suggests, or reveals.
• Not suitable for formal writing: Acceptable, but stronger alternatives read better.

Other Ways to Say “The Article States” (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. The article reports

Meaning: The article presents information as fact.
Explanation: Neutral and journalistic in tone.
Example Sentence: “The article reports that sales have risen sharply this quarter.”
Best Use: News summaries
Worst Use: Opinion pieces
Tone: Neutral, factual, journalistic
Context Variability: Professional and written

2. The author argues

Meaning: The writer presents a reasoned position.
Explanation: Suggests interpretation rather than fact.
Example Sentence: “The author argues that remote work improves work life balance.”
Best Use: Academic essays
Worst Use: News reports
Tone: Analytical, assertive, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

3. The text notes

Meaning: The text briefly mentions a point.
Explanation: Neutral and slightly understated.
Example Sentence: “The text notes that costs have increased since 2020.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Persuasive essays
Tone: Neutral, understated, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

4. The study indicates

Meaning: The research suggests a likely conclusion.
Explanation: Common in scientific writing.
Example Sentence: “The study indicates a strong link between sleep and performance.”
Best Use: Research papers
Worst Use: Opinion articles
Tone: Scientific, cautious, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

5. The source explains

Meaning: The source clarifies a concept or process.
Explanation: Helpful when summarising complex ideas.
Example Sentence: “The source explains how the algorithm processes large datasets.”
Best Use: Technical writing
Worst Use: Persuasive essays
Tone: Informative, clear, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written

6. The article asserts

Meaning: The article states something confidently.
Explanation: Stronger and more formal than “states.”
Example Sentence: “The article asserts that the policy has failed.”
Best Use: Academic critique
Worst Use: Neutral summaries
Tone: Assertive, formal, strong
Context Variability: Professional and written

7. The author contends

Meaning: The author argues a specific position.
Explanation: Common in academic debate.
Example Sentence: “The author contends that regulation stifles innovation.”
Best Use: Academic essays
Worst Use: News reports
Tone: Argumentative, formal, analytical
Context Variability: Professional and written

8. The text maintains

Meaning: The text continues to hold a position.
Explanation: Suggests consistency of argument.
Example Sentence: “The text maintains that education is a public good.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual summaries
Tone: Formal, steady, assertive
Context Variability: Professional and written

9. The source posits

Meaning: The source puts forward a theory or idea.
Explanation: Very formal and academic.
Example Sentence: “The source posits that language shapes thought.”
Best Use: Theoretical writing
Worst Use: Business emails
Tone: Formal, theoretical, academic
Context Variability: Professional and written

10. The article says

Meaning: A simple statement of what the article communicates.
Explanation: Casual and direct.
Example Sentence: “The article says that prices will rise next year.”
Best Use: Study notes
Worst Use: Research papers
Tone: Casual, simple, direct
Context Variability: Casual and written

11. The piece mentions

Meaning: The article refers to something briefly.
Explanation: Casual and non committal.
Example Sentence: “The piece mentions the role of social media in the campaign.”
Best Use: Informal summaries
Worst Use: Formal essays
Tone: Casual, brief, neutral
Context Variability: Casual and written

12. The writer talks about

Meaning: The author discusses a topic.
Explanation: Very informal.
Example Sentence: “The writer talks about the challenges of modern parenting.”
Best Use: Study groups
Worst Use: Academic writing
Tone: Informal, conversational, simple
Context Variability: Casual and spoken

13. The article brings up

Meaning: The article raises a topic for consideration.
Explanation: Informally introduces a new point.
Example Sentence: “The article brings up the issue of data privacy.”
Best Use: Discussions
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Informal, conversational, neutral
Context Variability: Casual and spoken

14. The article points out

Meaning: The article draws attention to something.
Explanation: Suggests the information is important.
Example Sentence: “The article points out that few companies measure this correctly.”
Best Use: Analytical writing
Worst Use: Neutral summaries
Tone: Helpful, direct, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written

15. The document outlines

Meaning: The document presents the main points.
Explanation: Structured and professional.
Example Sentence: “The document outlines the key risks and opportunities.”
Best Use: Business reports
Worst Use: Personal writing
Tone: Structured, professional, clear
Context Variability: Professional and written

16. The report reveals

Meaning: The report makes something known.
Explanation: Suggests new or surprising information.
Example Sentence: “The report reveals a sharp decline in customer satisfaction.”
Best Use: Business, journalism
Worst Use: Routine summaries
Tone: Revealing, dramatic, factual
Context Variability: Professional and written

17. The author suggests

Meaning: The author offers a possible idea.
Explanation: Cautious and non definitive.
Example Sentence: “The author suggests that flexible hours may improve retention.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Assertive arguments
Tone: Cautious, tentative, polite
Context Variability: Professional and written

18. The article highlights

Meaning: The article draws special attention to something.
Explanation: Emphasises importance.
Example Sentence: “The article highlights the need for stronger regulation.”
Best Use: Analytical writing
Worst Use: Neutral summaries
Tone: Emphatic, focused, analytical
Context Variability: Professional and written

19. The text describes

Meaning: The text gives a detailed account.
Explanation: Neutral and informative.
Example Sentence: “The text describes the process in three clear stages.”
Best Use: Technical writing
Worst Use: Persuasive essays
Tone: Descriptive, neutral, clear
Context Variability: Professional and written

20. The author observes

Meaning: The author notices and comments on something.
Explanation: Slightly formal and reflective.
Example Sentence: “The author observes that the trend has accelerated since 2019.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual summaries
Tone: Reflective, formal, analytical
Context Variability: Professional and written

21. The article claims

Meaning: The article asserts something that may be disputed.
Explanation: Introduces a critical stance.
Example Sentence: “The article claims that the technology is fully secure.”
Best Use: Critical analysis
Worst Use: Neutral reporting
Tone: Critical, cautious, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

22. The author proposes

Meaning: The author puts forward a plan or idea.
Explanation: Forward looking and constructive.
Example Sentence: “The author proposes a three step framework for reform.”
Best Use: Academic, policy
Worst Use: Descriptive writing
Tone: Constructive, formal, forward looking
Context Variability: Professional and written

23. The article demonstrates

Meaning: The article shows something clearly through evidence.
Explanation: Strong and evidence based.
Example Sentence: “The article demonstrates how small changes lead to big results.”
Best Use: Research writing
Worst Use: Opinion pieces
Tone: Evidential, strong, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

24. The study found

Meaning: The research discovered a specific result.
Explanation: Common in empirical writing.
Example Sentence: “The study found that early intervention improves outcomes.”
Best Use: Research papers
Worst Use: Opinion articles
Tone: Scientific, factual, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

25. The author emphasises

Meaning: The author gives special importance to a point.
Explanation: Signals priority.
Example Sentence: “The author emphasises the role of leadership in change management.”
Best Use: Analytical writing
Worst Use: Neutral summaries
Tone: Emphatic, formal, focused
Context Variability: Professional and written

26. The article discusses

Meaning: The article examines a topic in detail.
Explanation: Neutral and broadly useful.
Example Sentence: “The article discusses the impact of AI on employment.”
Best Use: General summaries
Worst Use: Strong arguments
Tone: Neutral, informative, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

27. The source confirms

Meaning: The source supports an existing claim.
Explanation: Suggests agreement with prior evidence.
Example Sentence: “The source confirms earlier findings on consumer behaviour.”
Best Use: Research writing
Worst Use: Exploratory essays
Tone: Confirming, factual, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

28. The author concludes

Meaning: The author reaches a final judgement.
Explanation: Often used at the end of a source.
Example Sentence: “The author concludes that reform is both necessary and urgent.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Introductory summaries
Tone: Conclusive, formal, decisive
Context Variability: Professional and written

29. The article criticises

Meaning: The article points out faults or weaknesses.
Explanation: Evaluative and analytical.
Example Sentence: “The article criticises the lack of transparency in the process.”
Best Use: Critical reviews
Worst Use: Neutral reporting
Tone: Critical, evaluative, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

30. The writer acknowledges

Meaning: The writer admits or recognises a point.
Explanation: Suggests honesty or balance.
Example Sentence: “The writer acknowledges the limitations of the study.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Promotional content
Tone: Honest, balanced, formal
Context Variability: Professional and written

Pull Quote: “Professional reaction phrases and precise reporting verbs both show the same thing: you read the source carefully.”

Mini Quiz / Self-Check

1. Scenario: You are writing a literature review and want to show that a source presents a debatable position. Which verb fits best?
   • A) The article states.
   • B) The author argues.
   • C) The text mentions.
2. Scenario: You are summarising a scientific study for a report. Which fits best?
   • A) The study found.
   • B) The writer talks about.
   • C) The piece brings up.
3. Scenario: You want to show that a source presents new information that was previously unknown. Which fits best?
   • A) The report reveals.
   • B) The text notes.
   • C) The article says.
4. Scenario: Which verb is generally too informal for an academic essay?
   • A) The author contends.
   • B) The writer talks about.
   • C) The study indicates.

Comparison Table: Top Alternatives

FAQs

1. What is a formal alternative to “the article states”?

“The author contends,” “The text maintains,” and “The source posits” are strong formal alternatives suitable for dissertations and research papers.

2. What is the difference between “states” and “argues”?

“States” simply reports what a source says, while “argues” indicates that the source is presenting a reasoned position that could be debated.

3. How do I introduce a source without repeating “the article states”?

Vary your reporting verbs and choose ones that reflect the source’s purpose, such as “reports,” “suggests,” “claims,” “demonstrates,” or “criticises.”

4. Is “the article says” too informal for academic writing?

Yes, “says” is generally considered too casual for academic writing. “States,” “reports,” or “notes” are more appropriate.

5. What reporting verb should I use for scientific research?

“The study found,” “The research indicates,” and “The data suggest” are standard reporting phrases in scientific and empirical writing.

Conclusion

Learning other ways to say the article states gives you the ability to write with precision, authority, and variety. Whether you are summarising research, reviewing a report, or writing an academic essay, the right reporting verb tells your reader exactly how to interpret the source. These alternatives to the article states help you move beyond one neutral phrase and into sharper, more analytical writing.

Practise by rewriting one paragraph of your next essay, replacing every instance of “states” with a more precise verb. Pay close attention to tone and context, because the right verb depends on whether the source reports, argues, suggests, or reveals. With steady practice, these professional reaction phrases and their informal counterparts will become part of your everyday academic fluency.

Stephen King

Stephen King is an American writer and language enthusiast who enjoys creating clear, practical content that helps readers communicate with confidence. His work at QuickResponsess.com focuses on making English easier to understand through simple explanations and everyday examples.