"The authors say" vs "The authors say that"

Question

"The authors say" vs "The authors say that"

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

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.

Alternatives:

The authors state that
The authors assert

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

The authors say

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

Answer 2

The authors say that

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

"The authors say" vs "The authors say that"

The authors say

The authors say that

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