Common Mistakes with ‘according to’ in Academic Writing

The most common mistake with ‘according to’ in academic writing is using it to state your own opinion or a universally accepted fact. ‘According to’ should only introduce information that comes from a specific, named source—a person, a study, a report, or an organization. When you write “According to me” or “According to the dictionary,” you are either breaking this rule or being redundant. This guide will help you use ‘according to’ correctly, avoid frequent errors, and choose better alternatives for your academic work.

Quick Answer: When to Use ‘According to’

Use ‘according to’ only when you are reporting information from an external, identifiable source. Do not use it for your own ideas, common knowledge, or general truths. The structure is: According to + [Source] + [Claim]. For example: “According to Smith (2020), the experiment failed.” If you cannot name the source, choose a different phrase.

Why ‘according to’ Causes Problems

Many learners treat ‘according to’ as a simple synonym for “as said by” in every situation. This leads to three main errors: using it with yourself, using it with obvious facts, and using it with vague or unnamed sources. In academic writing, precision matters. Your reader needs to know exactly where information comes from. ‘According to’ signals a citation, not a general belief.

Error 1: Using ‘According to’ with Yourself

This is the most frequent mistake. Phrases like “According to me” or “According to my opinion” are incorrect in formal writing. Your own opinion does not need a citation marker. Simply state your view directly.

• Wrong: According to me, the policy is ineffective.
• Right: The policy is ineffective.
• Better for emphasis: In my view, the policy is ineffective.

Error 2: Using ‘According to’ with Obvious Facts

Do not use ‘according to’ for facts that are common knowledge or easily verifiable. For example, “According to the dictionary, ‘happy’ means feeling pleasure.” This is unnecessary because dictionaries are not the source of a unique claim; they record common usage. Instead, just state the fact.

• Wrong: According to most scientists, water freezes at 0°C.
• Right: Water freezes at 0°C.

Error 3: Using ‘According to’ with Vague Sources

Avoid phrases like “According to some people” or “According to many experts.” These are too vague for academic writing. You must name the specific person, study, or organization.

• Wrong: According to some researchers, climate change is accelerating.
• Right: According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2022), climate change is accelerating.

Comparison Table: ‘According to’ vs. Alternatives

Natural Examples of Correct Usage

Here are examples of ‘according to’ used correctly in academic and formal contexts.

• Research paper: According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Education, students who use spaced repetition retain 40% more information.
• News report: According to the United Nations, global food prices rose by 15% last year.
• Business report: According to the company’s annual report, revenue increased by 8% in the fourth quarter.
• Lecture notes: According to Professor Lee, the Roman Empire fell due to a combination of economic and military factors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: ‘According to’ + Personal Opinion

Never write “According to me” or “According to my opinion.” Your opinion is not a source.

• Incorrect: According to my opinion, the movie was boring.
• Correct: In my opinion, the movie was boring.

Mistake 2: ‘According to’ + General Knowledge

Do not use it for facts that everyone knows or that are easily checked.

• Incorrect: According to the dictionary, “cat” is a noun.
• Correct: “Cat” is a noun.

Mistake 3: ‘According to’ + No Source

Always include a specific source after ‘according to.’

• Incorrect: According to research, exercise is good for you.
• Correct: According to a 2022 study by the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.

Mistake 4: Using ‘According to’ for Your Own Data

If you are presenting your own research findings, do not use ‘according to.’ Use “The data show” or “Our results indicate.”

• Incorrect: According to my survey, 60% of students prefer online learning.
• Correct: My survey results show that 60% of students prefer online learning.

Better Alternatives for Different Contexts

Choosing the right phrase depends on your purpose and audience. Here are alternatives for common situations.

For Formal Academic Writing

• Use active verbs: “Smith (2020) argues that…” instead of “According to Smith (2020)…”
• Use ‘as noted by’: “As noted by the authors, the sample size was small.”
• Use ‘in the words of’: “In the words of the researcher, the findings were unexpected.”

For Emails and Professional Communication

• Use ‘per’: “Per your request, I have attached the document.” (More direct and formal than ‘according to’)
• Use ‘as per’: “As per the company policy, all expenses must be approved.” (Common in business writing)
• Use ‘based on’: “Based on our conversation, I will proceed with the proposal.”

For Everyday Conversation

In casual speech, ‘according to’ can sound stiff. Use simpler phrases.

• Use ‘like’: “Like my teacher said, practice makes perfect.”
• Use ‘as’: “As my friend told me, the restaurant is excellent.”
• Use ‘from what I heard’: “From what I heard, the meeting was cancelled.”

When to Use ‘According to’ vs. ‘Based on’

These two phrases are often confused. ‘According to’ introduces a source that makes a claim. ‘Based on’ introduces the evidence or data that supports a conclusion.

• According to the report: The report itself states something. Example: “According to the report, sales are up.”
• Based on the report: You are drawing a conclusion from the report. Example: “Based on the report, we should increase production.”

If you are not sure, ask yourself: Is the source speaking directly? Use ‘according to.’ Are you interpreting data? Use ‘based on.’

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Read each sentence and decide if it is correct or incorrect. If incorrect, rewrite it.

Question 1: According to me, the best solution is to reduce costs.

Answer: Incorrect. Rewrite: “The best solution is to reduce costs.” Or: “In my view, the best solution is to reduce costs.”

Question 2: According to the World Health Organization, handwashing prevents the spread of disease.

Answer: Correct. The source is specific and credible.

Question 3: According to the textbook, the Earth orbits the Sun.

Answer: Incorrect. This is common knowledge. Rewrite: “The Earth orbits the Sun.”

Question 4: According to a 2021 survey by Pew Research, 72% of Americans use social media.

Answer: Correct. The source is named and specific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ‘according to’ in an email?

Yes, but only when referring to a specific source. For example: “According to the project timeline, the deadline is Friday.” For instructions, ‘per’ is often better: “Per your email, I will attend the meeting.”

Is ‘according to’ formal or informal?

‘According to’ is neutral to formal. It is appropriate for academic papers, reports, and professional emails. In casual conversation, it can sound stiff, so use simpler alternatives like “as [someone] said.”

What is the difference between ‘according to’ and ‘in accordance with’?

‘According to’ reports what a source says. ‘In accordance with’ means following a rule, law, or procedure. Example: “According to the law, you must wear a seatbelt.” (The law states this.) “In accordance with the law, we installed seatbelts.” (We followed the law.)

Can I start a sentence with ‘according to’?

Yes, starting a sentence with ‘according to’ is common and grammatically correct. For example: “According to the study, the drug is effective.” Just make sure the source is specific and the claim is not your own opinion.

Final Tips for Using ‘According to’

To use ‘according to’ correctly in your writing, remember these three rules:

1. Always name a specific source. Do not use vague phrases like “according to some.”
2. Never use it for your own opinion. Use “in my view” or simply state your idea.
3. Do not use it for common knowledge. Facts that everyone knows do not need a citation marker.

By following these guidelines, you will avoid the most common mistakes and write more clearly and professionally. For more help with linking words and academic writing, explore our Common Writing Mistakes section or our guides on Linking Words by Purpose. If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact us.