the caption reads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the caption reads" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to indicate what written information or a quotation is saying. For example: The caption below the picture reads, "All the world's a stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The caption reads: "The will of the people will stand".

Huffington Post

The caption reads, "The ozone hole appears to be closing".

The New York Times

The caption reads: "The faces change.

Johns Hopkins University

The caption reads, "The word 'slave' is so degrading.

Science Magazine

The caption reads: "The Dangers of Russian Low-Cost Airlines".

Huffington Post

The caption reads, "Western glasses for the Islamic world".

The New Yorker

The caption reads, in translation, "With the Commandant S.S. Stubaf.

The New Yorker

The caption reads: "We're from the Far Right.

The New York Times

— Alina von Rauheneck (@Alina_Rauheneck)February 2, 2015.

Vice

The caption reads: Telemachus Interficitur.

Princeton University

The caption reads, "Take your vitamins".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the caption reads", ensure the caption's content directly relates to and clarifies the subject matter of the accompanying image or visual. Avoid using it for captions that are tangential or unrelated.

Common error

Avoid paraphrasing the caption's content when using "the caption reads". This phrase indicates a direct quotation. If paraphrasing, use phrases like "the caption describes" or "the caption explains".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "the caption reads" is to introduce a direct quotation from a caption. This phrase serves as a signal to the reader that what follows are the exact words found in the caption. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing numerous examples where the phrase is used to present the verbatim text of a caption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

23%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the caption reads" is a versatile phrase used to introduce direct quotations from captions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Academia. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to use this phrase when presenting the exact wording of a caption, and consider alternatives like "according to the caption" or "the inscription says" for variations in emphasis or context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the caption

Similar in meaning but places the emphasis on the caption as a source of information.

the accompanying text reads

Highlights that the text is meant to supplement something else, like an image or video.

the inscription says

Focuses on inscriptions rather than captions, suitable for historical or monumental contexts.

the description notes

Similar to 'explains' but often implies a more objective or factual account.

the legend states

Suggests a more formal or traditional context, often used for maps or heraldry.

the wording says

Focuses on the specific choice of words used in the caption.

the subtitle indicates

Specifically refers to subtitles, typically in videos or films.

the label specifies

Highlights that the caption is precise and gives exact information.

the text explains

More general; applies to any text that clarifies or elaborates on something.

the graphic states

Emphasizes that the information is presented visually, in a graphic or image.

FAQs

How to use "the caption reads" in a sentence?

Use "the caption reads" to introduce the exact text of a caption. For example: "In the photo, "the caption reads", 'A day at the beach'".

What can I say instead of "the caption reads"?

You can use alternatives such as "according to the caption", "the inscription says", or "the text explains" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the caption reads" or "the caption says"?

Both ""the caption reads"" and "the caption says" are grammatically correct. "The caption reads" is more common when directly quoting the caption, whereas "the caption says" can also introduce a summary.

What's the difference between "the caption reads" and "the caption describes"?

"The caption reads" introduces a direct quote from the caption. "The caption describes" is used to provide a summary or general description of what the caption conveys.