reads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reads" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate how something is interpreted or understood, often in the context of written text or instructions. Example: "The document reads that all employees must submit their reports by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So reads the bio on Kevin Spacey's Twitter profile.

The Guardian

It reads: "Most of us are not members of the Green party, and many are not much involved in party politics.

The Guardian

It reads: "Voting for UKIP is like writing a 'suicide note' which will 'not be forgiven' if it denies Britain the chance to vote on whether to remain a member of the EU, Iain Duncan Smith warns today.

The Guardian

Just after 9pm each day, a long line of workers files out of 55 Savushkina Street, a modern four-storey office complex with a small sign outside that reads "Business centre".

The Guardian

To cheer him up, Claudia reads the old baron another excerpt from Inge's diary and we're back in 1864.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That, Mr Chairman, is the measure of the shadow which has fallen across freedom since we last met," the speech reads.

The Guardian

"There is a critical difference between staunchly supporting expression that violates the acceptable, and enthusiastically rewarding such expression," the letter reads.

The Guardian - Books

| Teng Biao A notice from prosecutors reads: "Defendant Pu Zhiqiang has used the internet to publish posts that incited ethnic hatred on many occasions which has caused serious consequences.

The Guardian

If she gets five minutes she sits down and reads a book.

The Guardian

"I think Malala is a brave and an intelligent girl," reads the first entry in her own diary, titled A Tribute to Malala.

The Guardian

As far as Marca is concerned, the best way is to keep the message simple: "Gracias, gracias, gracias" reads the newspaper's headline above a picture of Spain's victorious Euro 2012 champions.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reads" to describe the content of a sign or document, ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being read (e.g., "The sign reads...").

Common error

Avoid using "reads" with subjects that cannot literally read. For instance, instead of saying "The atmosphere reads tension", use a more appropriate verb like "exudes" or "suggests".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reads" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "read". It is used to describe the content or interpretation of written material, signs, or other forms of communication. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "reads" is a verb commonly used to describe the content or interpretation of written material. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very frequently used, especially within News & Media. When using "reads", ensure that the subject logically connects to the act of reading or interpreting. For alternative phrasing, consider "states", "indicates", or "suggests", depending on the intended nuance. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately use "reads" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

states

Focuses on explicitly declaring information.

indicates

Emphasizes pointing to something or being a sign of something.

declares

Highlights a formal announcement or assertion.

suggests

Implies something without directly stating it.

implies

Focuses on indirect communication or subtle indication.

conveys

Highlights the act of transferring a message or meaning.

expresses

Emphasizes the outward display of thoughts or feelings.

communicates

Focuses on the act of sharing information or ideas.

reflects

Highlights how something mirrors or shows something else.

mentions

Refers to a brief or casual reference to something.

FAQs

How can I use "reads" in a sentence?

The word "reads" can be used to describe how something is interpreted from text or a sign. For example, "The inscription "reads" 'Welcome'" or "The instructions "reads" carefully before use".

What alternatives can I use instead of "reads"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "states", "indicates", "declares" or "suggests" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct: "The letter reads..." or "The letter is reading...?"

"The letter "reads"..." is the correct and more common usage. "The letter is reading..." implies the letter is in the process of reading something, which is not typically what you intend to convey.

What is the difference between "reads" and "says" when describing a written text?

"Reads" is typically used to describe the literal content of a written text, while "says" can be used more broadly to describe the message or information being conveyed. For example, "The headline "reads" 'Breaking News'" versus "The article "says" the economy is improving".