Generate attribution phrase variations
AI creates 10 different ways to attribute information (alternatives to 'said' and 'according to').
Generate attribution phrase variations
River's Attribution Phrase Generator creates 10 variations for citing sources in journalism. You select the type of attribution you need, and the AI provides different phrases that maintain accuracy while adding variety to your writing. Whether you're attributing quotes, facts, expert opinions, or data, you get appropriate alternatives that follow journalism standards while avoiding repetitive 'said' and 'according to' throughout your piece.
Unlike generic thesauruses, we provide journalism-appropriate attributions. The AI understands attribution standards (neutrality, accuracy, appropriateness to context), avoids loaded alternatives (like 'claimed' or 'admitted'), and provides variations that work in professional news writing. You get options that add variety without sacrificing neutrality or precision.
This tool is perfect for reporters writing stories with multiple sources, journalists learning attribution standards, editors seeking variety in copy, and anyone avoiding repetitive attributions. If your piece uses 'said' fifteen times or you're unsure what attribution works best, this tool helps. Use it when writing or editing to maintain engaging prose while following journalism conventions.
What Makes Attribution Effective
Attribution succeeds when it accurately conveys how you obtained information while remaining neutral. Effective attribution means making clear who said or provided information, using neutral verbs that don't editorialize, varying phrases appropriately (not just 'said' repeatedly), matching verbs to context (stated for formal, told for conversation), and placing attribution where readers need it. Weak attribution uses loaded verbs (claimed, admitted, confessed), buries sources, or leaves readers guessing where information came from. Strong attribution builds credibility through transparency.
Different contexts need different attributions. Direct quotes typically use 'said' (most neutral). Information and facts use 'according to' or 'reported'. Formal statements use 'stated' or 'announced'. Ongoing dialogue uses 'added' or 'continued'. Written sources use 'wrote' or 'stated in'. Expert opinions can use 'explained' or 'noted'. Statistical data needs 'according to' or 'data from'. Avoid verbs suggesting doubt (claimed, alleged) unless you actually doubt the information. Avoid verbs suggesting confession (admitted) unless that's the story. Most attributions should be neutral and straightforward.
To improve attribution, default to 'said' (it's invisible and neutral). Vary only when repetition becomes distracting. Never sacrifice accuracy for variety. Place attribution where readers need clarity (usually after first sentence of a quote or fact). For long quotes, remind readers of source midway through. In breaking news, prioritize clarity over elegance. Readers should never wonder where information came from. Transparent, accurate attribution builds trust. Clever attribution that obscures sources damages credibility. When in doubt, use 'said' or 'according to'. They work.
What You Get
10 attribution phrase variations
Appropriate for journalism context
Neutral, professional alternatives
Variations avoiding repetitive 'said'
Ready-to-use phrases maintaining accuracy
How It Works
- 1Select attribution typeChoose what you're attributing (quote, fact, opinion, data, etc.)
- 2AI generates 10 variationsOur AI creates appropriate alternatives in under 1 minute
- 3Review all optionsRead through the attribution phrases
- 4Use in your storyChoose phrases that work for your specific contexts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just use 'said' for everything?
'Said' is great and should be your default. But using it fifteen times in a story becomes distracting. Appropriate variation (stated, noted, explained, according to) improves readability while maintaining neutrality. The key is varying appropriately, not replacing 'said' with loaded alternatives. Use 'said' most of the time, vary occasionally when repetition is distracting.
Are words like 'claimed' or 'admitted' okay to use?
Only if that's actually the story. 'Claimed' suggests doubt. Use it only when you doubt the statement. 'Admitted' suggests wrongdoing or reluctance. Use it only when that's the context. Most of the time, use neutral verbs. Let facts show doubt or admission. Don't editorialize through attribution verbs. Neutrality is essential to credibility.
Should attribution come before or after the quote?
Usually after for direct quotes (more natural flow), but either works. For facts and information, (according to) often comes before. The key is clarity. Readers should know immediately where information came from. Don't bury attribution. Don't leave readers guessing. Make sourcing transparent and obvious.
How many different attributions should I use in one story?
As few as necessary for clarity and variety. Don't force variety. If 'said' works, use it. Vary only when repetition becomes distracting or when context calls for different verb (wrote, testified, announced). Most stories should use 'said' or 'according to' for 80% of attributions, varying the other 20% appropriately. Clarity beats cleverness.
Can I use verbs like 'expressed' or 'articulated'?
They can sound pretentious. Stick with simple, clear verbs. 'Said' is better than 'articulated'. 'Explained' is better than 'expounded'. Journalism favors clarity over eloquence. Simple attributions are invisible, letting content shine. Fancy attributions distract readers. When in doubt, use simpler option.
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