If you need to cite a source, report what someone else has said, or introduce an idea that is not your own, according to is one of the most useful phrases in academic and formal writing. It signals to your reader that you are presenting information from an external source, not your personal opinion. This article explains exactly how to use it correctly, where it fits in a sentence, and what common mistakes to avoid so your essays sound precise and credible.
Quick Answer
Use according to to introduce information from a person, organization, document, or study. It always needs a noun or a noun phrase after it. For example: According to the report, sales increased by 20%. Do not use it to introduce your own opinion or a general fact that everyone agrees on. It is formal enough for essays and professional emails, but less common in casual conversation where you might say someone said instead.
What Does ‘according to’ Mean in an Essay?
In essay writing, according to works as a prepositional phrase that attributes information to a specific source. It tells your reader where the idea, data, or claim comes from. This is essential for building credibility and avoiding plagiarism. The phrase is neutral—it does not imply that you agree or disagree with the source. You are simply reporting what the source says.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
According to is widely used in formal writing, such as academic essays, research papers, business reports, and news articles. It sounds objective and professional. In informal writing, such as personal emails or text messages, you might use alternatives like someone says or based on what I heard. However, according to is still acceptable in semi-formal emails, especially when referencing a colleague or a document.
How to Structure a Sentence with ‘according to’
You can place according to at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. The meaning stays the same, but the emphasis changes slightly.
- Beginning: According to the study, regular exercise improves memory. (Emphasizes the source first.)
- Middle: Regular exercise, according to the study, improves memory. (Emphasizes the subject.)
- End: Regular exercise improves memory, according to the study. (Emphasizes the claim first.)
All three are grammatically correct. For most essays, placing the phrase at the beginning is the clearest and most common choice.
Comparison Table: ‘according to’ vs. Similar Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to | Reports what a source says | Formal / Neutral | According to the author, climate change is urgent. |
| As stated by | Same as above, slightly more formal | Very formal | As stated by the professor, the results are clear. |
| In the words of | Quoting someone directly or closely | Formal / Literary | In the words of Einstein, imagination is more important than knowledge. |
| Based on | Shows evidence or foundation | Formal | Based on the data, we recommend a new strategy. |
| Per | Short for according to, common in business | Business / Formal | Per the contract, payment is due in 30 days. |
| Someone says | Informal attribution | Informal | My teacher says we should practice daily. |
Natural Examples
Here are examples that show how according to works in different contexts. Notice that the source is always a specific person, group, or document.
Academic Essay
According to Smith (2020), the Industrial Revolution transformed urban life in Europe.
Business Email
According to the quarterly report, our revenue grew by 15%.
News Article
According to the World Health Organization, vaccination rates have increased globally.
Everyday Conversation (less common but possible)
According to the weather app, it will rain this afternoon.
Common Mistakes
Even advanced writers sometimes misuse according to. Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using it for your own opinion
Incorrect: According to me, the movie was boring.
Correct: In my opinion, the movie was boring.
Reason: According to is for external sources, not yourself.
Mistake 2: Using it for general facts
Incorrect: According to science, water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Correct: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Reason: General facts do not need attribution. Only use according to when the information comes from a specific source.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the noun after it
Incorrect: According to, the study shows results.
Correct: According to the study, the results are clear.
Reason: According to must be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Mistake 4: Using it with a verb
Incorrect: According to what the professor said, the exam is next week.
Correct: According to the professor, the exam is next week.
Reason: Keep the structure simple. Use the person or document directly.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes according to is not the best choice. Here are alternatives for specific situations.
- In the view of – Use when the source is expressing an opinion rather than a fact. Example: In the view of many economists, inflation will remain high.
- As reported by – Use for news or official statements. Example: As reported by the BBC, the summit has been postponed.
- As noted by – Use when highlighting an observation. Example: As noted by the researcher, the data shows a clear trend.
- Per – Use in business or legal writing for brevity. Example: Per the policy, all employees must complete training.
Choose the alternative that matches the tone and purpose of your sentence. According to is safe for most situations, but varying your language makes your writing more sophisticated.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers, then check them below.
Question 1
Which sentence is correct?
A) According to the survey, most people prefer online shopping.
B) According to me, online shopping is better.
Question 2
Fill in the blank: __________ the manager, the meeting starts at 3 PM.
Question 3
Is this sentence correct? According to the news, the storm is coming.
Question 4
Rewrite this sentence using according to: The author says that technology is changing fast.
Answers
Answer 1: A is correct. B is wrong because you cannot use according to for your own opinion.
Answer 2: According to
Answer 3: Yes, it is correct. The news is a specific source.
Answer 4: According to the author, technology is changing fast.
FAQ
1. Can I use ‘according to’ at the end of a sentence?
Yes. For example: The experiment was a success, according to the lead scientist. This is grammatically correct and common in writing.
2. Is ‘according to’ formal or informal?
It is neutral to formal. It is appropriate for academic essays, business reports, and news articles. It is less common in casual conversation, but not incorrect.
3. Can I use ‘according to’ with a website or article title?
Yes. For example: According to the article on climate change, emissions are rising. Just make sure the source is clear and specific.
4. What is the difference between ‘according to’ and ‘based on’?
According to attributes a statement to a source. Based on shows that something is founded on evidence or data. Example: According to the report, sales are up. The recommendation is based on the report.
Final Tips for Using ‘according to’ in Your Essay
Using according to correctly will make your writing more credible and professional. Remember these key points:
- Always follow it with a specific source: a person, organization, document, or study.
- Never use it for your own opinion or for universally accepted facts.
- Vary your sentence structure by placing it at the beginning, middle, or end.
- Use alternatives like as stated by or per when the tone requires it.
For more guidance on starting your essay with the right words, visit our Essay Starters section. If you want to explore other linking words and their purposes, check out our Linking Words by Purpose category. For common pitfalls, see our Common Writing Mistakes page. If you have further questions, our FAQ page may help, or you can contact us directly.
Comments are closed.