in the author's words

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the author's words" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are quoting the exact words of an author from a book, article, or other written work. For example, you could say: "In the author's words, 'You can achieve anything you set your mind to.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Instead, in the author's words, Mugezi is closer to a villain.

The New York Times - Books

It was then that Elizabeth met Misha's father for the first time, and was revolted, in the author's words, by what she saw: "a Yiddish-speaking shtetl Jew who had the instincts and manners of an itinerant peddler".

The New York Times - Books

In the author's words: "You either see or you don't, but even the most cynical can understand how the desire to see, the need to see, can produce the vision".

The New York Times - Books

"The spirit of midcentury retro-futurism definitely lives on," said Daniel H. Wilson, a specialist in robotics and the author of "Where's My Jetpack," a tongue-in-cheek exploration of, in the author's words, "a future than never arrives".

The New York Times

Once the affair was over, Scott, a pathetic young man who, in the author's words, "had a remarkable capacity to make people feel sorry for him", began to plague Thorpe with demands for financial and other help.

The Guardian - Books

Du Bois had a hectic career as (in the author's words) a "priapic adulterer," and Lewis gives it full disclosure even if the material "inescapably smacks of the report of a private eye".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The words in a novel, in contrast, remain the author's words even during the editing process.

Huffington Post

His brilliance is in hearing the thinking behind the author's words, inchoate in the holy mess that when I worked for him was usually spread across his office floor.

Huffington Post

You finish this book with the author's words ringing in your ears.

The New York Times - Books

They were the author's words.

Los Angeles Times

Which is, in the author's own words, "perhaps more odd than interesting".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the author's words" to introduce direct quotes from a source, ensuring you accurately represent the original text and give proper credit. This helps maintain clarity and avoids plagiarism.

Common error

Avoid using "in the author's words" when you are paraphrasing or summarizing. This phrase is specifically for direct quotations. If you are not quoting directly, use phrases like "according to the author" or "the author suggests" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the author's words" serves as an introductory phrase to signal a direct quotation from a written source. It functions as an attribution, crediting the following statement to the original author. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the author's words" is a useful tool for attributing direct quotations and maintaining clarity in writing. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable. It's most commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. Remember, this phrase should only be used when directly quoting a source to avoid misattribution. Alternatives like "according to the author" or "quoting the author" can be used, but are not interchangeable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the author's own words

Highlights that the subsequent statement is a verbatim excerpt from the author.

In the words of the author

A more formal phrasing that still attributes the statement to the author.

As the author puts it

Indicates a specific, often memorable, phrasing used by the author.

According to the author

A standard way to attribute information or opinions to the author.

Quoting the author

Emphasizes the act of directly citing the author's statement.

To quote the author

Similar to 'Quoting the author', but with a more direct emphasis on the act of quotation.

The author states

Directly introduces a statement made by the author.

The author writes

Emphasizes the written nature of the author's statement.

From the author's point of view

Highlights the author's specific stance or opinion on a matter.

The author's perspective

Focuses on presenting the author's viewpoint, possibly summarized or paraphrased.

FAQs

How can I use "in the author's words" in a sentence?

You can use "in the author's words" to introduce a direct quote from an author. For example, "In the author's words, 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.'"

What's a good alternative to "in the author's words"?

Alternatives include "according to the author", "quoting the author", or "as the author puts it".

Is it necessary to use "in the author's words" when quoting?

While not always mandatory, using "in the author's words" clearly signals that you are providing a direct quotation and helps avoid any ambiguity about the source of the statement.

Can I use "in the author's words" if I'm only paraphrasing?

No, "in the author's words" should only be used when you are directly quoting the author. If you are paraphrasing, use phrases like "the author suggests" or summarize the author's main points.