Beyond “States”: Diverse Ways to Attribute Information

Effectively attributing information to its source is a crucial skill in academic writing, journalism, and even everyday communication. While “the author states” is a grammatically correct phrase, relying on it repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous and lack nuance. This article explores a wide range of alternative phrases and sentence structures to express attribution, enhancing the clarity, sophistication, and engagement of your prose. Whether you’re a student, a professional writer, or simply someone looking to improve their communication skills, mastering these alternatives will significantly elevate your ability to convey information accurately and effectively.

This guide provides detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to help you confidently incorporate these variations into your writing. By diversifying your attribution vocabulary, you’ll not only avoid repetition but also more precisely convey the author’s intent and the nature of their assertions.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: Attributing Information
3. Structural Breakdown of Attribution Phrases
4. Types and Categories of Attribution Phrases
   • Reporting Verbs
   • Nominalizations
   • Attributive Adjectives
   • Prepositional Phrases
5. Examples of Alternative Attribution Phrases
   • Examples with Reporting Verbs
   • Examples with Nominalizations
   • Examples with Attributive Adjectives
   • Examples with Prepositional Phrases
6. Usage Rules for Attribution Phrases
7. Common Mistakes in Attribution
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics in Attribution
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
11. Conclusion

Definition: Attributing Information

Attributing information refers to the act of acknowledging the source of ideas, facts, opinions, or data presented in your work. It’s a fundamental principle of academic integrity and ethical communication. By clearly indicating where information originates, you give credit to the original author, avoid plagiarism, and allow your audience to assess the credibility of the source.

Attribution involves using specific phrases and grammatical structures to signal that the information being presented is not your own but is derived from another source. These phrases typically include the author’s name (or the source’s name) and a verb (or other grammatical element) that indicates the act of stating, claiming, arguing, or otherwise presenting the information. While “the author states” is a basic example, a rich vocabulary of alternative phrases allows for more nuanced and sophisticated communication.

Structural Breakdown of Attribution Phrases

Attribution phrases generally consist of two key components: the source and the reporting element. The source is the entity to whom the information is attributed (e.g., the author, a researcher, a publication). The reporting element is the verb, noun, adjective, or phrase that indicates the act of communicating the information.

A typical structure is:

[Source] + [Reporting Element] + [Information being attributed]

For instance:

[Smith] + [argues] + [that climate change is a significant threat].

The reporting element can take various forms, influencing the tone and emphasis of the attribution. Understanding these structural variations allows for more precise and effective communication.

Types and Categories of Attribution Phrases

Attribution phrases can be categorized based on the type of reporting element used. Here are some common categories:

Reporting Verbs

Reporting verbs are the most common type of reporting element. They directly express the action of the source, such as stating, arguing, claiming, or suggesting. The choice of verb can subtly influence the reader’s perception of the attributed information.

Nominalizations

Nominalizations involve turning verbs into nouns. Instead of saying “The author argues,” you might say “The author’s argument is.” This can add a formal or academic tone to your writing.

Attributive Adjectives

Attributive adjectives modify the source, highlighting a particular characteristic or stance. For example, “According to renowned economist John Maynard Keynes…”

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases can be used to introduce the source of information. Examples include “According to Smith…” or “Based on Jones’s research…”

Examples of Alternative Attribution Phrases

Here are detailed examples of alternative attribution phrases, organized by category:

Examples with Reporting Verbs

This table provides various examples using reporting verbs to attribute information. Notice how different verbs can subtly change the tone and emphasis.

Reporting Verb	Example Sentence
Argues	Smith argues that globalization has both positive and negative consequences.
Claims	Jones claims to have discovered a new species of butterfly.
Suggests	The author suggests that further research is needed in this area.
Asserts	Dr. Lee asserts that early intervention is crucial for children with autism.
Maintains	Professor Davis maintains that the current economic policies are unsustainable.
Contends	The researcher contends that there is a strong correlation between exercise and mental health.
Posits	Einstein posits that the speed of light is constant for all observers.
Hypothesizes	The scientist hypothesizes that the new drug will be effective in treating the disease.
Observes	The sociologist observes that social inequality is increasing in many countries.
Notes	The historian notes that the French Revolution had a profound impact on European history.
Points out	The article points out the limitations of the current study.
Emphasizes	The speaker emphasizes the importance of education.
Highlights	The report highlights the need for greater investment in renewable energy.
Stresses	The doctor stresses the importance of a healthy diet.
Indicates	The data indicates that there is a decline in unemployment.
Reveals	The investigation reveals that there was widespread corruption.
Demonstrates	The experiment demonstrates that the new technique is effective.
Shows	The study shows that there is a link between smoking and lung cancer.
Explains	The author explains the theory of relativity in simple terms.
Describes	The poet describes the beauty of nature in vivid detail.
Analyzes	The critic analyzes the themes in Shakespeare’s plays.
Interprets	The scholar interprets the ancient text in a new light.
Defines	The dictionary defines the word “ambiguous” as having more than one meaning.
States	The report states that poverty rates have increased.
Declares	The president declares a state of emergency.
Announces	The company announces its plans to expand into new markets.

Examples with Nominalizations

This table showcases how to use nominalizations to attribute information, often resulting in a more formal tone.

Nominalization	Example Sentence
Argument	Smith’s argument is that globalization benefits developed countries more than developing ones.
Claim	Jones’s claim of discovering a new species is met with skepticism.
Suggestion	The author’s suggestion for further research is well-received.
Assertion	Dr. Lee’s assertion about early intervention is based on years of experience.
Maintenance	Professor Davis’s maintenance of the unsustainability of current policies is unwavering.
Contention	The researcher’s contention about the correlation between exercise and mental health is supported by data.
Position	Einstein’s position on the speed of light is a cornerstone of modern physics.
Hypothesis	The scientist’s hypothesis regarding the new drug is currently being tested.
Observation	The sociologist’s observation of increasing social inequality is alarming.
Note	The historian’s note on the impact of the French Revolution is insightful.
Point	The article’s point about the study’s limitations is valid.
Emphasis	The speaker’s emphasis on education is clear throughout the speech.
Highlight	The report’s highlight of the need for renewable energy is crucial.
Stress	The doctor’s stress on a healthy diet is consistent with medical guidelines.
Indication	The data’s indication of declining unemployment is encouraging.
Revelation	The investigation’s revelation of widespread corruption shocked the public.
Demonstration	The experiment’s demonstration of the new technique’s effectiveness is impressive.
Showing	The study’s showing of a link between smoking and lung cancer is definitive.
Explanation	The author’s explanation of relativity is accessible to a wide audience.
Description	The poet’s description of nature is evocative and beautiful.
Analysis	The critic’s analysis of Shakespeare’s themes is thorough and insightful.
Interpretation	The scholar’s interpretation of the ancient text is groundbreaking.
Definition	The dictionary’s definition of “ambiguous” is clear and concise.
Statement	The official statement confirmed the company’s losses.
Declaration	The president’s declaration of a state of emergency was unexpected.
Announcement	The company’s announcement of its expansion plans excited investors.

Examples with Attributive Adjectives

This table illustrates the use of attributive adjectives to add context and credibility to the source.

Attributive Adjective	Example Sentence
Leading	According to leading economist Dr. Smith, globalization has its downsides.
Renowned	Renowned biologist Professor Jones claims to have found a new species.
Esteemed	As esteemed researcher Dr. Lee asserts, early intervention is key.
Prominent	Prominent historian David McCullough notes the significance of the event.
Influential	Influential philosopher Immanuel Kant posits a categorical imperative.
Respected	Respected scientist Marie Curie demonstrated the properties of radioactivity.
Noted	As noted in the report, poverty rates have increased.
Distinguished	The distinguished professor emphasized the importance of critical thinking.
Well-known	The well-known author described her experiences in vivid detail.
Expert	The expert analyst interpreted the data in a new light.
Acclaimed	The acclaimed director announced his next film project.
Controversial	The controversial figure declared his intentions to run for office.
Respected	According to the respected journal, the findings are significant.
Celebrated	The celebrated artist unveiled his latest masterpiece.
Visionary	The visionary leader outlined his plan for the future.
Accomplished	The accomplished musician performed a breathtaking concert.
Esteemed	The esteemed professor presented his research at the conference.
Distinguished	The distinguished scholar published a groundbreaking study.
Internationally recognized	The internationally recognized expert gave a lecture on climate change.
Well-regarded	The well-regarded critic reviewed the new play.
Highly cited	The highly cited study provided new insights into the topic.
Promising	The promising researcher presented her findings at the symposium.
Influential	The influential thinker shaped the course of modern philosophy.
Noteworthy	The noteworthy discovery changed the field of medicine.
Critically acclaimed	The critically acclaimed novel won numerous awards.
Respected	The respected organization released a comprehensive report.

Examples with Prepositional Phrases

This table provides examples of using prepositional phrases to attribute information to its source.

Prepositional Phrase	Example Sentence
According to	According to Smith, globalization has increased inequality.
Based on	Based on Jones’s research, a new species was identified.
In the words of	In the words of Dr. Lee, “Early intervention is crucial.”
As stated by	As stated by Professor Davis, the current policies are unsustainable.
Following	Following Einstein’s theory, the speed of light is constant.
In line with	In line with Curie’s work, new elements were discovered.
With reference to	With reference to the report, poverty rates are on the rise.
By	By the author’s own admission, the study has limitations.
On the authority of	On the authority of the expert, the data is reliable.
In compliance with	In compliance with the regulations, the project was approved.
As per	As per the agreement, the terms were finalized.
In accordance with	In accordance with the law, the decision was made.
In keeping with	In keeping with tradition, the ceremony was held.
In the opinion of	In the opinion of the expert, the market will recover.
From the perspective of	From the perspective of the researcher, the results are promising.
In light of	In light of the evidence, the case was dismissed.
With regard to	With regard to the issue, further investigation is needed.
In respect of	In respect of the individual’s privacy, the details were withheld.
In terms of	In terms of cost, the project is feasible.
With the support of	With the support of the community, the initiative succeeded.
In connection with	In connection with the event, a fundraiser was organized.
In consideration of	In consideration of the circumstances, the sentence was reduced.
In view of	In view of the weather forecast, the event was postponed.
In anticipation of	In anticipation of the demand, production was increased.
In response to	In response to the criticism, changes were made.
In relation to	In relation to the previous findings, the new study confirms the results.

Usage Rules for Attribution Phrases

Proper use of attribution phrases is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and clear communication. Here are some key rules to follow:

• Accuracy: Ensure that the attribution accurately reflects the source’s original statement or idea. Avoid misrepresenting or distorting the source’s meaning.
• Clarity: The attribution phrase should clearly indicate the source of the information. Use specific names or titles whenever possible.
• Context: Provide sufficient context to understand the attributed information. Don’t simply drop in a quote without explaining its relevance.
• Variety: Vary your attribution phrases to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Use a mix of reporting verbs, nominalizations, and prepositional phrases.
• Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent verb tense when reporting on the source’s statements. If the source made a statement in the past, use the past tense. If the source’s statement is still relevant, you can use the present tense.
• Placement: Attribution phrases can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Vary the placement to improve sentence flow and readability.
• Quotations: When quoting directly, enclose the source’s words in quotation marks. Ensure that the quotation is accurate and properly attributed.
• Paraphrasing: When paraphrasing, restate the source’s ideas in your own words while still providing attribution. Avoid simply changing a few words without giving credit.

Common Mistakes in Attribution

Here are some frequent errors to avoid when attributing information:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
The author states climate change is real.	The author states that climate change is real.	Missing “that” after the reporting verb.
Smith argues, “The economy is improving.”	Smith argues that “the economy is improving.”	Punctuation error; the comma should be inside the quotation marks if the entire sentence is a quote.
According to the book, globalization is bad.	According to Smith’s book, globalization is bad.	The source should be a person or entity, not just a vague reference.
Jones says the earth is flat.	Jones claims the earth is flat.	“Claims” is more appropriate when the statement is questionable or controversial.
The research showed it’s important to exercise.	The research showed that it is important to exercise.	Adding “that” adds clarity and proper grammar.
Dr. Lee says, early intervention is key.	Dr. Lee says that early intervention is key.	Missing “that” to introduce the reported clause.
The report highlighted, the need for renewable energy.	The report highlighted the need for renewable energy.	Incorrect punctuation; a comma is not needed.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of attribution phrases with these exercises:

Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences using different reporting verbs.

Original Sentence	Your Answer
The author states that the economy is in recession.
The researcher says that the new drug is effective.
The expert believes that the market will recover.
The report indicates that unemployment is declining.
The study shows that exercise improves mental health.
The witness said that he saw the accident.
The politician declared that he would lower taxes.
The scientist thinks that climate change is a threat.
The historian notes that the war had a devastating impact.
The critic points out that the film has flaws.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using nominalizations.

Original Sentence	Your Answer
The author argues that social media is harmful.
The researcher claims that he has found a cure.
The expert suggests that we need more data.
The report emphasizes the need for education.
The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the treatment.
The witness observed that the car was speeding.
The politician announced that he would run for office.
The scientist hypothesizes that the virus will mutate.
The historian analyzes the causes of the revolution.
The critic interprets the meaning of the poem.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences using prepositional phrases.

Original Sentence	Your Answer
Smith says that globalization has increased inequality.
Jones believes that the new species is unique.
Lee asserts that early intervention is crucial.
Davis maintains that the policies are unsustainable.
Einstein posited that the speed of light is constant.
Curie demonstrated the properties of radioactivity.
The report states poverty rates have increased.
The professor emphasized the importance of critical thinking.
The author described her experiences in detail.
The analyst interpreted the data in a new light.

Answer Key:

Exercise 1: (Example Answers)

• The author contends that the economy is in recession.
• The researcher indicates that the new drug is effective.
• The expert predicts that the market will recover.
• The report reveals that unemployment is declining.
• The study suggests that exercise improves mental health.
• The witness recounted that he saw the accident.
• The politician vowed that he would lower taxes.
• The scientist speculates that climate change is a threat.
• The historian observes that the war had a devastating impact.
• The critic notes that the film has flaws.

Exercise 2: (Example Answers)

• The author’s argument is that social media is harmful.
• The researcher’s claim is that he has found a cure.
• The expert’s suggestion is that we need more data.
• The report’s emphasis is on the need for education.
• The study’s demonstration is of the effectiveness of the treatment.
• The witness’s observation was that the car was speeding.
• The politician’s announcement was that he would run for office.
• The scientist’s hypothesis is that the virus will mutate.
• The historian’s analysis is of the causes of the revolution.
• The critic’s interpretation is of the meaning of the poem.

Exercise 3: (Example Answers)

• According to Smith, globalization has increased inequality.
• Based on Jones’s beliefs, the new species is unique.
• As asserted by Lee, early intervention is crucial.
• As maintained by Davis, the policies are unsustainable.
• According to Einstein, the speed of light is constant.
• Based on Curie’s demonstration, the properties of radioactivity were discovered.
• As stated in the report, poverty rates have increased.
• According to the professor’s emphasis, the importance of critical thinking is paramount.
• In the author’s description, her experiences are rendered in detail.
• In the analyst’s interpretation, the data is seen in a new light.

Advanced Topics in Attribution

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of attribution:

• Attributing Multiple Sources: How to effectively attribute information when drawing on multiple sources in a single sentence or paragraph.
• Attribution in Different Disciplines: How attribution conventions may vary across academic disciplines (e.g., humanities vs. sciences).
• Attribution and Tone: How the choice of attribution phrase can subtly influence the tone and persuasiveness of your writing.
• Avoiding Over-Attribution: Recognizing when attribution is unnecessary and how to strike a balance between giving credit and maintaining your own voice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about attributing information:

1. Why is it important to attribute information?

   Attributing information is essential for academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism, and giving credit to the original sources of ideas. It also allows your audience to evaluate the credibility of the information you present and understand the context in which it was developed.

2. What happens if I don’t attribute information correctly?

   Failing to attribute information correctly can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious consequences in academic and professional settings. It can also damage your credibility and reputation.

3. When do I need to attribute information?

   You need to attribute information whenever you are using someone else’s ideas, facts, opinions, data, or creative works. This includes direct quotes, paraphrases, and summaries. If the information is not common knowledge, it should be attributed.

4. What is the difference between paraphrasing and quoting?

   Paraphrasing involves restating someone else’s ideas in your own words, while quoting involves using the exact words of the original source. Both paraphrases and quotes require attribution.

5. How do I choose the right reporting verb?

   The choice of reporting verb depends on the context and the author’s intent. “Argues” suggests a strong opinion, while “suggests” implies a more tentative position. Choose the verb that best reflects the nature of the source’s statement.

6. Is it okay to use “the author states” repeatedly?

   While grammatically correct, relying on “the author states” repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your attribution phrases to improve readability and engagement.

7. How can I avoid over-attribution in my writing?

   Over-attribution can disrupt the flow of your writing and make it seem less original. Use your own voice and analysis to integrate the information from sources smoothly. Attribute only when necessary to give credit or provide evidence.

8. Are there differences in attribution styles across different fields?

   Yes, attribution styles can vary across different academic disciplines. For example, the humanities often use footnotes or endnotes, while the sciences typically use in-text citations. Be sure to follow the conventions of your field.

Conclusion

Mastering alternative ways to say “the author states” is an essential step towards becoming a more effective and sophisticated communicator. By expanding your vocabulary of attribution phrases and understanding the nuances of their usage, you can enhance the clarity, accuracy, and engagement of your writing. Remember to prioritize accuracy, clarity, and variety in your attributions to maintain academic integrity and communicate your ideas effectively.

Continue practicing these alternative phrases and experimenting with different sentence structures to find what works best for your writing style. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to confidently and skillfully attribute information, elevating the quality and impact of your work. Embrace the power of precise and varied attribution to make your writing stand out.