The word “says” is one of the most useful reporting verbs in English, but using it again and again can make your writing feel repetitive.
Finding the right alternative can also help you show whether someone is explaining, suggesting, arguing, admitting, asking, announcing, or simply sharing information.
However, not every word that can replace “says” means exactly the same thing.
Words such as states, explains, argues, claims, mentions, and remarks carry different meanings and tones.
Choosing the right one depends on the speaker’s purpose, the situation, and the type of writing.
This guide explains the best synonyms for says, including formal, neutral, casual, academic, professional, and contextual alternatives.
You will also find examples, sentence transformations, grammar tips, common mistakes, email examples, and a practical guide for choosing the most accurate word.
Quick Answer
The best synonyms for “says” include states, explains, mentions, notes, remarks, comments, declares, announces, argues, claims, suggests, points out, observes, reports, tells, replies, responds, adds, confirms, admits, and reveals. The correct choice depends on whether you want to describe information, opinion, emotion, emphasis, or a specific type of communication.
Quick List of Alternatives to Says
Closest and Neutral Alternatives
- States
- Mentions
- Notes
- Remarks
- Comments
- Explains
- Tells
- Reports
- Adds
- Replies
- Responds
- Answers
- Observes
- Points out
- Expresses
Formal Alternatives
- Declares
- Announces
- Asserts
- Maintains
- Argues
- Confirms
- Reports
- Observes
- Indicates
- Affirms
- Acknowledges
- States
- Explains
- Clarifies
- Emphasizes
Contextual Alternatives
- Claims
- Suggests
- Admits
- Reveals
- Warns
- Predicts
- Recommends
- Reminds
- Insists
- Denies
- Questions
- Proposes
- Announces
- Concludes
- Responds
Casual Alternatives
- Mentions
- Adds
- Comments
- Points out
- Tells
- Brings up
- Chimes in
- Remarks
- Jokes
- Asks
Formal Alternatives to Says
States
Meaning: Gives information clearly and directly.
Explanation: States is one of the closest formal alternatives to says. It usually suggests that someone presents information, an opinion, or a position clearly.
Example: The report states that the project will be completed in June.
Best Use: Business reports, academic writing, official documents, and professional communication.
Worst Use: Very casual conversations, where says or mentions may sound more natural.
Tone: Formal, neutral, and precise.
Explains
Meaning: Gives information in a way that makes something easier to understand.
Explanation: Explains is not an exact synonym because it implies that the speaker provides details or clarification.
Example: The teacher explains why the experiment produced different results.
Best Use: Educational writing, instructions, meetings, and discussions involving clarification.
Worst Use: A simple statement that requires no explanation.
Tone: Helpful, informative, and neutral.
Declares
Meaning: Announces or states something firmly and publicly.
Explanation: Declares is stronger than says. It often suggests confidence, authority, or a formal announcement.
Example: The company declares that the new policy will take effect immediately.
Best Use: Official announcements, public statements, speeches, and formal contexts.
Worst Use: Ordinary conversation when no sense of authority or importance is intended.
Tone: Strong, formal, and authoritative.
Announces
Meaning: Makes new information known publicly.
Explanation: Announces focuses on making information public rather than simply speaking.
Example: The university announces a new scholarship program.
Best Use: News, company updates, public statements, and official notices.
Worst Use: Private conversations where the information is not being introduced to an audience.
Tone: Formal and informative.
Asserts
Meaning: States something confidently, often without showing doubt.
Explanation: Asserts suggests that the speaker strongly presents an idea as true.
Example: The researcher asserts that the method is more efficient than the previous approach.
Best Use: Academic, legal, political, and argumentative writing.
Worst Use: Simple factual statements where the stronger tone is unnecessary.
Tone: Formal and forceful.
Maintains
Meaning: Continues to state or defend a particular position.
Explanation: Maintains is useful when someone repeatedly supports an opinion, especially when other people disagree.
Example: The author maintains that education should be accessible to everyone.
Best Use: Academic writing, debates, reports, and argumentative contexts.
Worst Use: A one-time, ordinary comment.
Tone: Formal and persistent.
Argues
Meaning: Gives reasons to support an opinion or position.
Explanation: Argues is more specific than says. It indicates reasoning or persuasion.
Example: The writer argues that public transportation can reduce traffic congestion.
Best Use: Essays, research papers, opinion articles, debates, and analytical writing.
Worst Use: Simple statements that contain no argument.
Tone: Academic, analytical, and persuasive.
Confirms
Meaning: Says that something is true, correct, or definite.
Explanation: Confirms implies that information was already uncertain, suspected, or under discussion.
Example: The manager confirms that the meeting will begin at 10 a.m.
Best Use: Business emails, announcements, customer service, and professional communication.
Worst Use: Introducing completely new information without previous uncertainty.
Tone: Professional and clear.
Clarifies
Meaning: Makes something easier to understand or removes confusion.
Explanation: Clarifies is appropriate when a person gives additional information to prevent misunderstanding.
Example: The professor clarifies the requirements for the final assignment.
Best Use: Academic, workplace, customer service, and instructional communication.
Worst Use: A straightforward statement that does not need explanation.
Tone: Professional and helpful.
Emphasizes
Meaning: Gives special importance to a particular point.
Explanation: Emphasizes tells readers that the speaker considers something especially important.
Example: The director emphasizes the need for careful planning.
Best Use: Reports, speeches, articles, academic writing, and professional communication.
Worst Use: A minor or passing comment.
Tone: Formal and purposeful.
Reports
Meaning: Gives information about something that happened or was observed.
Explanation: Reports often presents information as something communicated to an audience rather than casual conversation.
Example: The newspaper reports that several roads remain closed.
Best Use: Journalism, research, business reports, and official communication.
Worst Use: Personal conversations unless someone is formally providing information.
Tone: Formal and factual.
Observes
Meaning: Makes a thoughtful comment based on something noticed.
Explanation: Observes suggests careful attention or reflection. It is more specific than says.
Example: The researcher observes that the results differ from earlier findings.
Best Use: Academic writing, analytical articles, and thoughtful commentary.
Worst Use: Quick everyday remarks.
Tone: Formal, analytical, and measured.
Indicates
Meaning: Shows or communicates that something is the case.
Explanation: Indicates can describe words, evidence, signs, or information. It is therefore not always a direct replacement for says.
Example: The spokesperson indicates that further changes may be necessary.
Best Use: Reports, academic writing, analysis, and professional communication.
Worst Use: Casual dialogue.
Tone: Formal and objective.
Affirms
Meaning: Confirms or strongly states that something is true.
Explanation: Affirms is stronger and more formal than says and often suggests confidence or support.
Example: The organization affirms its commitment to public education.
Best Use: Official statements, formal writing, and institutional communication.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal and confident.
Acknowledges
Meaning: Accepts or recognizes that something is true or exists.
Explanation: Acknowledges can replace says only when the speaker is recognizing a fact, problem, contribution, or situation.
Example: The manager acknowledges that the team faced several challenges.
Best Use: Reports, workplace writing, academic analysis, and formal discussions.
Worst Use: Ordinary statements with no sense of recognition.
Tone: Formal and thoughtful.
Semi-Formal and Neutral Alternatives
Mentions
Meaning: Refers to something briefly.
Explanation: Mentions is useful when a person brings up a subject without discussing it in detail.
Example: She mentions the upcoming deadline during the meeting.
Best Use: Emails, conversations, articles, and everyday writing.
Worst Use: A long, detailed explanation.
Tone: Neutral and natural.
Notes
Meaning: Points out or draws attention to information.
Explanation: Notes is slightly more formal than mentions and often suggests that the speaker considers the information worth noticing.
Example: The report notes that customer satisfaction has improved.
Best Use: Reports, articles, essays, and professional writing.
Worst Use: Very informal conversations.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Remarks
Meaning: Makes a comment or observation.
Explanation: Remarks can be a direct replacement for says when describing a comment, especially in narrative writing.
Example: “That was unexpected,” she remarks.
Best Use: Stories, articles, interviews, and general writing.
Worst Use: Highly technical reports when greater precision is needed.
Tone: Neutral, literary, or slightly formal.
Comments
Meaning: Gives an opinion or reaction.
Explanation: Comments emphasizes that the speaker is reacting to a subject rather than merely providing information.
Example: The manager comments on the team’s progress.
Best Use: Meetings, articles, interviews, and everyday communication.
Worst Use: A simple factual announcement.
Tone: Neutral.
Adds
Meaning: Gives additional information.
Explanation: Adds works when someone provides another point after something has already been said.
Example: “We should also consider the cost,” she adds.
Best Use: Articles, reports, conversations, and narrative writing.
Worst Use: The speaker’s first statement on a topic.
Tone: Neutral and natural.
Replies
Meaning: Answers someone who has spoken or written.
Explanation: Replies specifically indicates a response, so it is not interchangeable with says in every sentence.
Example: “I will check the schedule,” he replies.
Best Use: Dialogue, emails, messages, and conversations.
Worst Use: A statement that is not responding to another person.
Tone: Neutral.
Responds
Meaning: Gives an answer or reaction.
Explanation: Responds is broader than replies and can describe reactions to questions, comments, situations, or criticism.
Example: The company responds to the customer’s complaint.
Best Use: Professional communication, journalism, customer service, and formal writing.
Worst Use: A simple statement with no previous prompt or situation.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Points Out
Meaning: Draws attention to a fact or detail.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when someone highlights information that others may not have noticed.
Example: She points out that the figures were calculated using a different method.
Best Use: Discussions, reports, essays, and professional communication.
Worst Use: When the speaker is simply sharing an unrelated piece of information.
Tone: Neutral and explanatory.
Expresses
Meaning: Communicates a thought, feeling, belief, or attitude.
Explanation: Expresses focuses on what a person communicates emotionally or intellectually rather than the act of speaking itself.
Example: The customer expresses concern about the delayed delivery.
Best Use: Formal writing, reports, articles, and descriptions of feelings.
Worst Use: Basic factual statements.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Tells
Meaning: Gives information directly to another person.
Explanation: Tells usually requires a person as an object: She tells me the answer.
Example: The instructor tells students to submit their assignments by Friday.
Best Use: Everyday speech, instructions, storytelling, and simple writing.
Worst Use: Formal academic writing when a more precise reporting verb is needed.
Tone: Neutral and conversational.
Informal and Casual Alternatives
Brings Up
Meaning: Introduces a topic into a conversation.
Example: He brings up the issue during lunch.
When it sounds natural: Casual conversations, messages, and informal workplace discussions.
When to avoid it: Formal reports and academic papers.
Tone: Casual and conversational.
Chimes In
Meaning: Joins a conversation with a comment or opinion.
Example: Maria chimes in with a suggestion.
When it sounds natural: Friendly conversations and informal writing.
When to avoid it: Formal business, academic, or legal writing.
Tone: Informal and conversational.
Jokes
Meaning: Says something intended to be funny.
Example: “I guess we need another coffee,” he jokes.
When it sounds natural: Casual conversation, storytelling, and informal articles.
When to avoid it: When the speaker’s statement is serious.
Tone: Playful and informal.
Asks
Meaning: Uses words to request information or an answer.
Example: “Are you ready?” she asks.
When it sounds natural: Any situation involving a question.
When to avoid it: A statement that does not seek an answer.
Tone: Neutral.
Admits
Meaning: Acknowledges something that may be embarrassing, difficult, or previously denied.
Example: He admits that he forgot the deadline.
When it sounds natural: Personal stories, interviews, reports, and conversations involving responsibility.
When to avoid it: Neutral facts that do not involve acknowledgment.
Tone: Neutral to serious.
True Synonyms vs. Contextual Alternatives
Not every word in a synonym list can replace “says” in every sentence. The difference usually comes from meaning, tone, or context.
| Type | What It Means | Can It Replace “Says”? |
|---|---|---|
| True synonym | Has almost the same basic meaning | Usually, depending on grammar |
| Near synonym | Has a closely related meaning | Sometimes |
| Contextual alternative | Works only in a particular situation | Only in that context |
| Broader expression | Covers a wider type of communication | Sometimes |
| Narrower expression | Describes one specific kind of saying | Only when that meaning applies |
For example, states is close to says, but argues suggests reasoning, admits suggests acknowledgment, and asks indicates a question. These words should not be treated as interchangeable.
Industry-Specific Usage
Business Writing
Business writing usually benefits from precise reporting verbs rather than repeating says.
Useful choices include states, explains, confirms, notes, reports, clarifies, indicates, emphasizes, and recommends.
Example:
Instead of: The manager says the project is on schedule.
Better: The manager confirms that the project is on schedule.
Confirms works because the manager is verifying information.
Corporate Communication
Corporate announcements often require clear and authoritative wording.
Example:
The company announces that its new policy will take effect next month.
For internal reports:
The department reports that productivity has increased.
For clarification:
The HR team clarifies that employees must complete the form by Friday.
Academic Writing
Academic writing requires precision. Avoid replacing says with a stronger verb unless the source actually performs that action.
Useful choices include:
- Argues
- States
- Notes
- Observes
- Suggests
- Claims
- Maintains
- Reports
- Concludes
- Emphasizes
Example:
The author argues that early education can influence long-term learning outcomes.
Use argues because the author is presenting reasons for a position.
Do not write argues if the source simply provides a factual statement.
Customer Service
Customer service writing should be clear, polite, and reassuring.
Useful alternatives include confirms, explains, clarifies, responds, advises, and informs.
Example:
Our support team confirms that your replacement order has been shipped.
Another example:
The representative explains how the refund process works.
Legal Writing
Legal writing requires particular care because reporting verbs can affect how a statement is understood.
Words such as states, alleges, asserts, acknowledges, admits, denies, confirms, and declares can carry different implications.
For example:
The witness states that she was present at the meeting.
The witness admits that she was present at the meeting.
These sentences are not necessarily equivalent. Admits can suggest that the information was previously denied, disputed, embarrassing, or unfavorable.
For legal documents, choose the verb that accurately reflects the source material rather than selecting a word simply because it sounds more formal.
Email Communication
Client Email
Subject: Project Timeline Confirmation
Hi Sarah,
I’m writing to confirm the updated project timeline. The project manager confirms that the final review will take place on Thursday.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Jake
Internal Workplace Email
Subject: Meeting Room Change
Hi Team,
The office manager announced that tomorrow’s meeting will take place in Room 4 instead of Room 2.
Please update your calendars accordingly.
Best,
Mia
Request Email
Subject: Assignment Deadline
Dear Professor,
The course guide states that assignments are due on Friday. Could you please confirm whether the deadline remains unchanged?
Thank you,
Daniel
Customer Service Email
Subject: Your Refund Request
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us. Our billing team confirms that your refund has been approved and should appear in your account shortly.
Kind regards,
Customer Support
Vendor Email
Subject: Delivery Update
Hello Mark,
The supplier reports that the shipment has left the warehouse and is expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Please let us know if you need the tracking details.
Best regards,
Emily
Academic Communication
Subject: Clarification About the Assignment
Dear Professor Lee,
The assignment instructions indicate that students should include at least three sources. Could you please confirm whether online journal articles are acceptable?
Best regards,
Nadia
Short Dialogue Examples
Workplace
Person A: Has the manager given us a final decision?
Person B: Yes. She confirmed that the project will continue next month.
Classroom
Person A: What did the professor say about the exam?
Person B: He explained that the exam will cover the final three chapters.
Customer Service
Person A: Can I get a refund?
Person B: The representative explained that refunds are available within 30 days.
Casual Conversation
Person A: What happened at the meeting?
Person B: Tom mentioned that the schedule might change.
Professional Discussion
Person A: Does the report support that conclusion?
Person B: Not completely. The researcher suggests that more evidence is needed.
How to Replace “Says” in a Sentence
Example 1
Original:
The teacher says that the test will be difficult.
Alternative:
The teacher warns that the test will be difficult.
Why it works:
Warns adds the idea that the teacher is alerting students to a possible difficulty.
Example 2
Original:
The report says that sales increased.
Alternative:
The report states that sales increased.
Why it works:
States sounds more formal and works well in professional writing.
Example 3
Original:
The researcher says that more evidence is needed.
Alternative:
The researcher argues that more evidence is needed.
Why it works:
Argues suggests that the researcher is supporting a position through reasoning.
Example 4
Original:
She says that she forgot the appointment.
Alternative:
She admits that she forgot the appointment.
Why it works:
Admits suggests acknowledgment of something that may be unfavorable or embarrassing.
Example 5
Original:
The manager says the meeting is tomorrow.
Alternative:
The manager confirms that the meeting is tomorrow.
Why it works:
Confirms works when the date was uncertain or being checked.
Example 6
Original:
He says that the plan will work.
Alternative:
He believes that the plan will work.
Why it works:
Believes identifies the statement as an opinion rather than simply reporting speech.
Example 7
Original:
The author says that technology affects education.
Alternative:
The author argues that technology affects education.
Why it works:
The alternative is appropriate if the author supports the idea with reasoning.
Example 8
Original:
She says, “We need more time.”
Alternative:
She remarks, “We need more time.”
Why it works:
Remarks works as a narrative reporting verb, although it has a slightly more literary feel than says.
Example 9
Original:
The customer says that the package has not arrived.
Alternative:
The customer reports that the package has not arrived.
Why it works:
Reports emphasizes the communication of a problem or fact.
Example 10
Original:
The spokesperson says the company will respond soon.
Alternative:
The spokesperson announces that the company will respond soon.
Why it works:
Announces is suitable if the statement is being presented as new public information.
Comparison of Common Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Meaning / Scope | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Says | Neutral | Communicates words | General writing and speech | She says she is ready. |
| States | Formal | Gives information clearly | Reports and official writing | The report states the facts. |
| Mentions | Neutral | Refers to something briefly | Conversation and writing | He mentions the deadline. |
| Explains | Neutral | Makes something clear | Education and instructions | She explains the process. |
| Notes | Formal-neutral | Draws attention to information | Reports and essays | The study notes a change. |
| Remarks | Neutral-literary | Makes a comment | Narrative writing | He remarks on the result. |
| Argues | Formal | Gives reasons for a position | Academic writing | The author argues that it matters. |
| Claims | Neutral-formal | Says something is true | Reporting disputed assertions | The company claims the product works. |
| Confirms | Professional | Verifies information | Emails and business | She confirms the date. |
| Announces | Formal | Makes information public | News and official statements | The school announces a change. |
| Admits | Neutral-serious | Acknowledges something | Personal or disputed matters | He admits his mistake. |
| Suggests | Neutral-formal | Presents an idea or possibility | Academic and professional writing | The report suggests a solution. |
| Warns | Serious | Alerts someone to danger or risk | Safety and advice | The doctor warns of the risk. |
| Replies | Neutral | Answers someone | Dialogue and email | She replies to the question. |
| Points out | Neutral | Highlights a detail | Discussion and analysis | He points out an error. |
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
For Formal Writing
Choose states, asserts, maintains, declares, reports, observes, or indicates when the context supports those meanings.
For most general formal writing, states is one of the safest choices.
For Business Communication
Use confirms, explains, clarifies, reports, notes, announces, and indicates.
These words help business writing sound professional without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
For Academic Writing
Choose argues, suggests, states, notes, observes, maintains, reports, and concludes according to the source’s actual purpose.
Do not use argues merely because it sounds academic.
For Legal Writing
Use the most precise verb available, such as states, alleges, admits, denies, asserts, or acknowledges, depending on the meaning.
Never use a stronger word if it changes the legal or factual implication.
For Professional Email
Confirms, explains, clarifies, notes, reports, and advises are often useful.
For Everyday Conversation
Says, tells, mentions, asks, replies, and comments are usually natural.
You do not need to replace says simply to make ordinary conversation sound sophisticated.
For Casual Messages
Use natural expressions such as mentions, adds, points out, brings up, or says.
Avoid overly formal verbs such as asserts or affirms unless the context genuinely calls for them.
Grammar and Usage Guide
“Says” vs. “Says to”
The verb say can be used with the spoken information directly:
She says that she is tired.
When identifying the listener, use say to:
She says to me that she is tired.
However, English often sounds more natural with tell when a person is specified:
She tells me that she is tired.
“Says” vs. “Tells”
Say focuses on the words spoken:
He says that he is busy.
Tell normally identifies the person receiving the information:
He tells me that he is busy.
A common mistake is:
He says me the answer.
The natural version is:
He tells me the answer.
Or:
He says the answer to me.
Reporting Verbs and “That”
Many reporting verbs can introduce a clause with that:
She states that the project is complete.
He explains that the process takes two days.
The author argues that the policy should change.
In everyday English, that can sometimes be omitted:
She says the project is complete.
Reporting Verbs and Prepositions
Different verbs use different structures.
She explains the problem.
She explains the problem to me.
Not:
She explains me the problem.
Similarly:
He mentions the issue.
Not:
He mentions about the issue.
Punctuation With Direct Speech
When using direct quotations, punctuation should be handled consistently.
She says, “I will call tomorrow.”
For a reporting verb after a quotation:
“I will call tomorrow,” she says.
Present and Past Forms
The verb changes according to the subject and tense:
She says the plan is ready.
They say the plan is ready.
She said the plan was ready.
The form says is used with third-person singular subjects such as he, she, and it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating Every Alternative as an Exact Synonym
Argues, admits, warns, and asks do not simply mean says. Each adds information about the speaker’s purpose.
Using Formal Words Without a Reason
Replacing every instance of says with asserts can make simple writing sound stiff.
Changing the Meaning
If someone merely gives information, admits may incorrectly suggest that the information is unfavorable or previously hidden.
Using “Argues” Incorrectly
Use argues when someone gives reasons or supports a position. Do not use it for every opinion.
Using Casual Language in Formal Writing
Phrases such as chimes in and brings up may sound natural in conversation but can be unsuitable for academic or legal writing.
Ignoring the Audience
A word that works in a text message may sound strange in a formal report.
Repeating One Replacement
Changing every says to states does not solve repetitive writing. Good writing uses the most accurate reporting verb for each context.
Confusing “Say” and “Tell”
Remember:
She says that she is busy.
She tells me that she is busy.
Not:
She tells that she is busy.
When Not to Use “Says”
When You Need to Show a Question
Use asks when the speaker requests information.
“Where are you going?” she asks.
When You Need to Show an Explanation
Use explains when the speaker provides details to make something clear.
The teacher explains how the formula works.
When You Need to Show a Warning
Use warns when the speaker alerts someone to a danger or problem.
The guide warns visitors about the slippery path.
When You Need to Show Agreement or Confirmation
Use confirms when the speaker verifies information.
The receptionist confirms the appointment.
When You Need to Show an Opinion
Use believes, argues, suggests, or another appropriate verb depending on the context.
The researcher suggests that further testing is necessary.
When You Need to Show Emotion
Use a verb that communicates the emotion accurately.
She expresses concern about the decision.
The original says is still the better choice when you simply need to report speech without adding interpretation.
Advanced Writer Tips
Tone Control
Use says for neutral reporting. Use states for a more formal tone, remarks for a conversational or literary tone, and argues for analytical or persuasive contexts.
Professional Email Etiquette
Professional emails benefit from precision. Instead of writing:
The manager says that the deadline has changed.
You could write:
The manager confirms that the deadline has changed.
The second version makes the purpose of the communication clearer.
Politeness
Reporting verbs can subtly affect how a statement feels.
Compare:
The customer complains about the service.
with:
The customer raises a concern about the service.
The second is often more neutral and diplomatic.
Context Alignment
Think about three things before choosing a replacement: What did the person communicate? Why did they communicate it? How should the reader interpret it?
This simple check prevents most synonym mistakes.
Precision
Choose the narrowest accurate verb.
If someone gives a warning, use warns. If someone asks a question, use asks. If someone verifies information, use confirms. If someone gives an argument, use argues.
Readability
Do not replace says simply to avoid repetition. Sometimes says is the clearest option.
Good writing is not about using the most complicated word. It is about using the most accurate word.
Related Questions
What Is Another Way to Say “Says”?
Common alternatives include states, mentions, notes, explains, remarks, comments, tells, reports, confirms, and declares. The best choice depends on what the speaker is actually doing.
What Is a Professional Alternative to “Says”?
States, confirms, explains, clarifies, reports, notes, and indicates are useful professional alternatives. Confirms is especially useful when someone is verifying information.
What Is a Formal Alternative to “Says”?
States is one of the closest formal alternatives. Other options include declares, asserts, maintains, reports, observes, and affirms, although each has a more specific meaning.
What Can I Use Instead of “Says” in Academic Writing?
Use argues, states, suggests, notes, observes, maintains, reports, or concludes according to the source’s purpose. Avoid choosing a word merely because it sounds academic.
Is “Says” Formal?
Yes. Says is a standard, neutral English verb and is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It is not inherently informal. In academic or professional writing, more specific reporting verbs may sometimes provide greater precision.
Can “Mentions” Replace “Says”?
Sometimes. Mentions means that someone refers to something briefly, so it should not replace says when the person gives a detailed explanation or makes a strong argument.
What Is the Difference Between “Says” and “States”?
Says is broad and neutral. States is more formal and usually suggests that information is presented clearly or officially. For example, a report can state a finding, while a person can simply say something in conversation.
FAQs
What Is the Best Synonym for “Says”?
There is no single best synonym for every situation. States is one of the closest formal alternatives, while mentions, explains, notes, remarks, confirms, argues, and reports may be better when they express a specific purpose.
What Is a Stronger Word Than “Says”?
Words such as asserts, declares, insists, and maintains can sound stronger than says. However, they should only be used when the speaker is actually being firm, authoritative, or persistent.
Is “States” Better Than “Says”?
Not always. States is more formal and can be useful in reports or academic writing, but says is often more natural and direct. Choose states when its formal or declarative tone adds value.
Is “Claims” a Synonym for “Says”?
Claims can be a contextual alternative, but it is not neutral in every situation. It can suggest that the truth of the statement is uncertain, disputed, or being presented as an assertion.
What Is a Good Synonym for “Says” in an Essay?
Useful choices include argues, states, suggests, notes, observes, reports, and maintains. The correct word depends on whether the source is presenting a fact, offering an opinion, making an argument, or suggesting an idea.
What Is a Casual Alternative to “Says”?
In casual writing, mentions, comments, adds, brings up, and chimes in can work. However, chimes in is distinctly informal, so it should generally be avoided in formal writing.
How Do I Avoid Repeating “Says”?
Do not replace every occurrence with the same synonym. Instead, identify the speaker’s purpose. Use asks for questions, explains for clarification, confirms for verification, argues for reasoning, warns for cautions, and mentions for brief references.
Key Takeaways
- “Says” is already a correct, neutral, and versatile reporting verb.
- “States” is one of the closest formal alternatives, but it is not always better.
- Use specific verbs such as “argues,” “confirms,” “warns,” or “asks” only when they accurately describe the communication.
- Tone matters: casual expressions can sound inappropriate in academic, corporate, or legal writing.
- The best alternative is the most precise word for the speaker’s meaning, purpose, and audience.
Conclusion
The best synonyms for “says” are not simply the words that look similar in a thesaurus.
Good word choice depends on what the speaker actually communicates.
States works well for formal information, mentions for brief references, explains for clarification, confirms for verification, argues for supported opinions, and warns for cautions.
Words such as admits, claims, and insists add even more specific meaning and should therefore be used carefully.
For everyday English, there is nothing wrong with using says. In fact, it is often the clearest and most natural choice.
When your writing becomes repetitive, look at the purpose behind each statement rather than automatically replacing the verb.
The right alternative should improve accuracy, tone, and readability—not simply make the sentence sound more complicated.
