The authors say that vs The authors say

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The authors say that" is used when introducing a direct quotation or reported speech, while "the authors say" is used when summarizing the authors' opinion or findings without directly quoting them.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1464 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when introducing a direct quotation or reported speech.

"The authors say that "

This phrase is used to introduce a direct quotation or reported speech from the authors. It is followed by the actual words spoken or written by the authors.

Examples:

The authors say that "the results of the study are inconclusive."
The authors say that they will publish their findings next month.

Show examples from the web [+]

I remember that when we were shooting the movie... ...Dominique was reading a book by Max Ernst... ...in which the author says that we should confess our sins to a priest.
Further improvements will only be made if Europe takes an integrated approach to the problem, authors say.
One of the red herrings put around is whether to call the document a 'Constitutional Treaty' or a 'constitution', but, as the authors say, this is a sterile debate.
Do you know what this author says about life?
What would your favourite author say, Captain?
Cloning a human being, need I repeat, is not, contrary to what its authors says, a scientific venture.
The authors also say nothing of the level of this tax and there are worries or concerns about the amounts flowing into the budgets of the Member States.
They say the author lived to be 100, but took his own life by starving himself.
I am not understanding what the author is trying to say.
I should also like to quote our immortal national author and say that the wizards may try to steal the adventure from us, but with courage and effort we will not let them.
Rita, what do I mean when I say the author describes her protagonist's circumstances as "unrelenting"?
is the word relevant to what the author is trying to say, or did he just use it to be dirty and filthy?
Mrs Schleicher, good authors would say your text was about teratogenesis, that is, the production of monsters, a discipline in which the good Dr Frankenstein distinguished himself before you.
I have discussed the other amendment, by Mr Wijsenbeek, with the author and I am bound to say that it belongs in a different area of the debate.
As the author of his every word and deed, I would say that's my risk to run.
Finally, I want to support the author of the resolution, Ms Berès, when she says that the European Union should lead the way on improving conditions for domestic workers.
Whilst respecting that right, we would also say that the authors of the motion, by availing themselves of it, devalue these rights by what is a selfevident misuse of them.
It shames me to say that the author of too many of these regulations which hinder firms is Brussels, which is contributing in this way to the further restriction of economic freedom.
Would it be possible for him to send a letter to the authors of this directory to say that he is not responsible for these subjective descriptions and to ask for an amendment.
To the authors of the amendments whose rejection we recommend, I would say that our only purpose is to respect the commitments entered into by the Committee on the Rules of Procedure, and that no value judgement is implied regarding the amendments whose rejection is proposed.

Alternatives:

According to the authors,
In the words of the authors,

This phrase is correct and commonly used when summarizing the authors' opinion or findings without directly quoting them.

"The authors say "

This phrase is used to summarize the authors' opinion or findings without directly quoting them. It is a more general statement of what the authors have stated.

Examples:

The authors say the results of the study are inconclusive.
The authors say further research is needed in this area.

Show examples from the web [+]

One of the red herrings put around is whether to call the document a 'Constitutional Treaty' or a 'constitution', but, as the authors say, this is a sterile debate.
I remember that when we were shooting the movie... ...Dominique was reading a book by Max Ernst... ...in which the author says that we should confess our sins to a priest.
Further improvements will only be made if Europe takes an integrated approach to the problem, authors say.
The authors also say nothing of the level of this tax and there are worries or concerns about the amounts flowing into the budgets of the Member States.
They say the author lived to be 100, but took his own life by starving himself.
I am not understanding what the author is trying to say.
Rita, what do I mean when I say the author describes her protagonist's circumstances as "unrelenting"?
is the word relevant to what the author is trying to say, or did he just use it to be dirty and filthy?
Do you know what this author says about life?
What would your favourite author say, Captain?
Cloning a human being, need I repeat, is not, contrary to what its authors says, a scientific venture.
Mrs Schleicher, good authors would say your text was about teratogenesis, that is, the production of monsters, a discipline in which the good Dr Frankenstein distinguished himself before you.
I should also like to quote our immortal national author and say that the wizards may try to steal the adventure from us, but with courage and effort we will not let them.
They asked me if I wouldn't mind... going on a little author tour, say four or five cities.
I have discussed the other amendment, by Mr Wijsenbeek, with the author and I am bound to say that it belongs in a different area of the debate.
Or should we say... the adaptor, for the author himself died 150 years ago.
I simply wished to say to my fellow Members that I am one of the authors of the alternative resolution.
As the author of his every word and deed, I would say that's my risk to run.
The blurb said that the author of the story is a new fresh voice... who had something new to say.
Because by "health and reproductive rights" the author and promoters of this report mean the opposite of what those words actually say.

Alternatives:

The authors state that
The authors assert

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

The authors say that vs The authors say