The phrase ‘according to’ is used to show that a statement, idea, or fact comes from a specific source—a person, a document, a study, or an organization. It is a linking phrase that attributes information to its origin, helping readers understand that you are reporting what someone else has said or written, not stating your own opinion. You use it when you want to give credit, cite evidence, or clarify that the viewpoint is not your own.
Quick Answer: When Should You Use ‘According to’?
Use ‘according to’ when you need to name the source of information. It works in formal writing (reports, essays, news articles) and in spoken English (presentations, discussions). Do not use it for your own ideas or for universally accepted facts. For example:
- Correct: According to the company report, sales increased by 20%.
- Incorrect: According to me, the movie was boring. (Use ‘In my opinion’ instead.)
Understanding the Core Meaning
‘According to’ functions as a prepositional phrase that links a claim to its source. It signals that the information is reported, not original. This makes it essential for academic writing, journalism, and professional communication where credibility matters. The phrase can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, though starting with it often adds emphasis to the source.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
‘According to’ is neutral in tone but leans formal. In academic essays, business reports, and news articles, it is standard. In casual conversation, it can sound stiff. For informal settings, alternatives like ‘says’ or ‘as mentioned by’ work better.
- Formal: According to the study, climate change accelerates ice melt.
- Informal: The study says climate change is speeding up ice melt.
Email vs. Conversation Context
In professional emails, ‘according to’ is useful when referencing data or a colleague’s input. In everyday conversation, it can feel too precise. For example:
- Email: According to the client’s feedback, we need to revise the proposal.
- Conversation: According to Sarah, the meeting is at 3 PM. (Acceptable but slightly formal; ‘Sarah said’ is more natural.)
Comparison Table: ‘According to’ vs. Similar Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to | Attributes information to a source | Formal writing, citing sources | According to the report, profits rose. |
| In my opinion | States personal belief | Expressing your own view | In my opinion, the plan is risky. |
| As stated by | Formal attribution | Academic or legal contexts | As stated by the author, the theory is flawed. |
| Per | Short, business-like | Emails, instructions | Per your request, I’ve attached the file. |
| Based on | Shows evidence or foundation | Explaining reasoning | Based on the data, we changed the strategy. |
Natural Examples of ‘According to’
Here are examples that show how ‘according to’ works in different contexts. Notice how the source is always a person, group, or document.
- According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
- According to the teacher, the exam covers chapters 1 to 5.
- According to a recent survey, 70% of employees prefer flexible hours.
- According to the instructions, press the button twice.
- According to the news, the airport is closed due to fog.
- According to my doctor, I should exercise more.
Common Mistakes with ‘According to’
Learners often misuse ‘according to’ in three main ways. Avoid these errors to sound more natural.
Mistake 1: Using ‘According to’ for Your Own Opinion
Do not say ‘According to me’ or ‘According to my opinion’. The phrase is for external sources only. Use ‘In my opinion’ or ‘I think’ instead.
- Wrong: According to me, this is the best solution.
- Right: In my opinion, this is the best solution.
Mistake 2: Using ‘According to’ for Universal Facts
Do not use it for facts that do not need a source. For example, gravity or the number of days in a year.
- Wrong: According to science, the Earth orbits the Sun. (This is a known fact; no source needed.)
- Right: The Earth orbits the Sun.
Mistake 3: Confusing ‘According to’ with ‘Because of’
‘According to’ attributes information, not causes. Do not use it to explain reasons.
- Wrong: According to the rain, the game was canceled.
- Right: Because of the rain, the game was canceled.
Better Alternatives to ‘According to’
Depending on your context, you can replace ‘according to’ with more specific phrases. Here are some options:
- For formal writing: ‘As reported by’, ‘As indicated in’, ‘Per’
- For spoken English: ‘Says’, ‘Mentioned by’, ‘Based on what [someone] said’
- For academic work: ‘As argued by’, ‘In the view of’, ‘Citing’
Choose the alternative that fits your tone. For example, in a business email, ‘Per your email’ is shorter than ‘According to your email’.
When to Use ‘According to’ in Different Writing Types
Here is a quick guide for when ‘according to’ is most appropriate.
- Essays: Use it to cite research, authors, or studies. Example: According to Smith (2020), the trend is growing.
- Emails: Use it to reference a document, a colleague, or a policy. Example: According to the company policy, all requests must be in writing.
- News articles: Use it to attribute quotes or data. Example: According to the police, no one was injured.
- Conversations: Use it sparingly. It works when you want to be precise. Example: According to the map, the café is on the left.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct phrase: ‘according to’, ‘in my opinion’, or ‘because of’. Answers are below.
- __________ the manager, the deadline has been extended.
- __________ the traffic, we arrived late to the meeting.
- __________ this book, the best way to learn is through practice.
- __________, the movie was too long and boring.
Answers
- According to the manager, the deadline has been extended. (Source: the manager)
- Because of the traffic, we arrived late to the meeting. (Cause: traffic)
- According to this book, the best way to learn is through practice. (Source: the book)
- In my opinion, the movie was too long and boring. (Personal view)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘according to’ with a person’s name?
Yes. For example: According to Dr. Lee, the treatment is effective. This is common in academic and professional writing.
2. Is ‘according to’ always followed by a noun?
Yes, it is followed by a noun or noun phrase that names the source. For example: according to the report, according to experts.
3. Can I start a sentence with ‘according to’?
Yes. Starting a sentence with ‘according to’ is common and often adds emphasis to the source. Example: According to the survey, most people prefer online shopping.
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. Compare: According to the report, sales are up. (The report says this.) Based on the report, we changed our strategy. (The report is the reason for the change.)
Final Tips for Using ‘According to’
To use ‘according to’ correctly, always ask yourself: Who or what is the source of this information? If you cannot name a specific source, choose a different phrase. Practice by writing sentences from news articles or textbooks, replacing the source with ‘according to’. Over time, it will feel natural. For more help with linking phrases, 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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