“According to” is a prepositional phrase used to show that a statement, idea, or piece of information comes from a specific source, person, document, or set of rules. It means “as stated by” or “in the opinion of.” You use it to give credit to the origin of information, to report what someone else has said, or to refer to a rule or standard. For example, “According to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow” means the weather report is the source of that prediction.
Quick Answer: What Does “According To” Mean?
Use “according to” when you want to tell your reader where you got your information. It signals that you are not the original source of the idea. The phrase is followed by a noun or a noun phrase (a person, an organization, a document, or a rule).
- Meaning: As stated by; in the opinion of; in line with.
- Structure: According to + [source] + [statement].
- Example: According to the company policy, all employees must wear ID badges.
When to Use “According To” in Writing
“According to” is a versatile phrase that works in formal and informal contexts. However, the tone of your sentence changes depending on the source you cite.
Formal Tone
In academic writing, business reports, or official documents, “according to” is standard for citing research, experts, or official guidelines. It sounds objective and professional.
- Example: According to the 2023 study by the National Institute, the new treatment reduces recovery time by 40%.
- Example: According to the terms of the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
Informal Tone
In everyday conversation or casual emails, “according to” is still common, but it often refers to a person’s opinion or a common belief.
- Example: According to my brother, that restaurant has the best pizza in town.
- Example: According to the rumor, the office is moving to a new building next year.
Email Context
In professional emails, “according to” is useful for referencing previous messages, policies, or data.
- Example: According to your email from Monday, the deadline has been extended.
- Example: According to our records, your account is up to date.
Conversation Context
In spoken English, “according to” can sound slightly formal. In casual talk, people often use “says” or “said” instead.
- Formal: According to the news, the storm will hit tonight.
- Informal: The news says the storm will hit tonight.
Comparison Table: “According To” vs. Similar Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to | As stated by a source | Neutral to formal | According to the report, sales are up. |
| As per | In accordance with (often rules or instructions) | Very formal | As per your request, I have attached the file. |
| Based on | Using evidence or data | Neutral to formal | Based on the data, we recommend a new strategy. |
| In the opinion of | Someone’s personal view | Formal | In the opinion of the expert, the plan is risky. |
| Says / Said | Directly reports speech | Informal | The teacher says we have a test tomorrow. |
Natural Examples of “According To”
Here are examples that sound natural in real writing and conversation. Notice how the source changes the tone.
- According to the recipe, you need to bake the cake for 30 minutes.
- According to my manager, the meeting has been moved to Thursday.
- According to the dictionary, “happy” means feeling pleasure or contentment.
- According to the survey, 70% of customers prefer online shopping.
- According to the sign, the museum opens at 10 a.m.
- According to the law, you must wear a seatbelt while driving.
- According to the instructions, press the button twice to start.
Common Mistakes with “According To”
Even advanced learners make errors with this phrase. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “According to me”
This is a very common error. “According to” is used to cite an external source, not yourself. Saying “according to me” sounds unnatural and is considered poor English.
- Wrong: According to me, this is the best option.
- Right: In my opinion, this is the best option.
- Right: I believe this is the best option.
Mistake 2: Confusing “According to” with “Because of”
“According to” introduces a source, not a reason. Do not use it to explain cause and effect.
- Wrong: According to the rain, the game was canceled. (Rain is not a source of information.)
- Right: According to the weather report, the game was canceled because of the rain.
- Right: The game was canceled because of the rain.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the Source
“According to” must always be followed by a specific source. Do not leave it hanging.
- Wrong: According to, the project is finished.
- Right: According to the project manager, the project is finished.
Mistake 4: Using “According to” for Facts You Know
If you are stating a fact that is common knowledge or your own observation, do not use “according to.”
- Wrong: According to the sky, it is cloudy.
- Right: The sky is cloudy.
Better Alternatives to “According To”
Sometimes “according to” becomes repetitive. Here are alternatives that can make your writing more varied and precise.
- As stated by: More formal. “As stated by the CEO, the company is expanding.”
- As reported by: Good for news or studies. “As reported by the BBC, the election results are in.”
- In the words of: Used for direct quotes. “In the words of Shakespeare, ‘All that glitters is not gold.’”
- Per: Very formal, often used in business. “Per the contract, you must give 30 days’ notice.”
- Based on: Focuses on evidence. “Based on the test results, the patient is improving.”
When to Use “According To” (and When Not To)
Use “according to” when you need to:
- Cite a specific source (person, document, study, rule).
- Report someone else’s opinion or statement.
- Refer to a standard or guideline.
- Add credibility to your writing by showing where information comes from.
Do not use “according to” when:
- You are stating your own opinion. Use “in my opinion” or “I think.”
- You are stating a general fact. Just state the fact directly.
- You are explaining a cause. Use “because of” or “due to.”
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct phrase. Choose from: “according to,” “in my opinion,” or “because of.”
- __________ the doctor, you should rest for two days.
- __________, this movie is boring.
- The flight was delayed __________ the snowstorm.
- __________ the company website, they are hiring new staff.
Answers:
- According to
- In my opinion
- Because of
- According to
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use “according to” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, it is very common to start a sentence with “according to.” For example: “According to the report, profits increased by 20%.” Just make sure to follow it with a comma.
2. Is “according to” formal or informal?
It is neutral. You can use it in both formal and informal writing. However, in very casual conversation, people often prefer “says” or “said.”
3. What is the difference between “according to” and “as per”?
“As per” is more formal and is usually used for rules, instructions, or requests. “According to” is broader and can be used for any source. For example: “As per your request” vs. “According to the news.”
4. Can I use “according to” with a question?
Yes, but it is less common. For example: “According to the schedule, when does the train arrive?” It works when the source provides the answer.
Final Tip for Using “According To”
Think of “according to” as a tool for giving credit. Every time you use it, you are telling your reader, “This information comes from somewhere else.” This makes your writing more honest and credible. Practice by looking at news articles or reports—you will see “according to” used frequently. Pay attention to the source that follows it, and soon you will use it naturally in your own writing.
For more help with linking words and writing transitions, explore our guides on Essay Starters and Linking Words by Purpose. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
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