Alternatives to “According To”: A Comprehensive Guide
The phrase “according to” is a common way to attribute information to a source. However, relying on it repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous.
Mastering alternative phrases not only enhances the flow and sophistication of your writing but also allows you to convey nuances in how information is sourced. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various alternatives to “according to,” covering their definitions, structural uses, and practical examples.
Whether you’re a student, a professional writer, or simply looking to improve your English communication skills, this guide will help you diversify your vocabulary and express yourself more effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “According To”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “According To”
“According to” is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the source of information. It attributes a statement, belief, or idea to a specific person, document, or other authority.
The phrase signifies that the information being presented is not the speaker’s or writer’s own opinion but rather comes from an external source. It is crucial for academic writing, journalism, and any context where citing sources is important for credibility and accuracy.
The phrase can also imply a degree of detachment or neutrality on the part of the speaker or writer.
The function of “according to” is primarily to provide attribution. It tells the audience where the information originates, allowing them to evaluate its reliability and context.
It is often used to support arguments, present evidence, or report findings. In essence, it acts as a bridge between the information being presented and its source, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The contexts in which “according to” can be used are vast and varied. It is appropriate in formal settings such as academic papers, legal documents, and news reports.
It can also be used in less formal contexts, such as everyday conversations, though more casual alternatives may be preferable. The key is to use it whenever it is necessary to clearly indicate the source of information.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a sentence using “according to” is relatively straightforward:According to + [Source] + [Statement]. The source can be a person, a book, a report, or any other identifiable entity.
The statement is the information being attributed to that source. For example: “According to the study, climate change is accelerating.” In this case, “the study” is the source, and “climate change is accelerating” is the statement.
Variations on this structure are also possible. For instance, the phrase can be placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis or stylistic variation: “[Statement], according to [Source].” For example: “Climate change is accelerating, according to the study.” This placement can sometimes make the sentence flow more naturally, particularly in less formal contexts.
Another important aspect to consider is the verb tense used in the statement. The tense should be consistent with the time frame being discussed and the context of the source.
If the source is reporting on past events, the statement should typically be in the past tense. If the source is presenting current information, the statement should be in the present tense.
For example: “According to the historical records, the battle occurred in 1066.” Or, “According to current research, the effects are significant.”
Types and Categories of Alternatives
There are several categories of alternatives to “according to,” each with its own nuances and appropriate contexts. These categories include formal alternatives, informal alternatives, reporting verbs, and source-based phrases.
Understanding these categories can help you choose the most appropriate alternative for your specific needs.
Formal Alternatives
Formal alternatives are suitable for academic writing, legal documents, and other professional contexts where precision and formality are important. These phrases often convey a sense of objectivity and authority.
Examples include “in accordance with,” “pursuant to,” “based on,” and “as stated in.”
Informal Alternatives
Informal alternatives are more appropriate for casual conversations, personal emails, and other informal settings. These phrases tend to be more conversational and less rigid than formal alternatives.
Examples include “if you ask [source],” “so [source] says,” “from [source],” and “as [source] tells it.”
Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs are verbs that introduce reported speech or attributed information. They can be used as alternatives to “according to” by incorporating the source directly into the verb phrase.
Examples include “states,” “claims,” “reports,” “asserts,” “suggests,” “notes,” “indicates,” and “mentions.” The choice of reporting verb can also convey the speaker’s or writer’s attitude toward the information being presented.
Source-Based Phrases
Source-based phrases directly refer to the source of information in a more descriptive way than simply using “according to.” These phrases often provide additional context about the source, such as its expertise or authority. Examples include “in [source]’s view,” “from [source]’s perspective,” “according to [source]’s analysis,” and “as reported by [source].”
Examples
The following sections provide extensive examples of each category of alternatives to “according to,” illustrating their usage in various contexts.
Formal Examples
This table provides examples of formal alternatives to “according to” in different sentences. Use these examples to understand how to incorporate these phrases into your writing for a more sophisticated and professional tone.
| Original Sentence (Using “According To”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| According to the contract, the payment is due on the 15th of each month. | In accordance with the contract, the payment is due on the 15th of each month. |
| According to the law, all citizens are entitled to equal rights. | Pursuant to the law, all citizens are entitled to equal rights. |
| According to the research, there is a strong correlation between exercise and mental health. | Based on the research, there is a strong correlation between exercise and mental health. |
| According to the document, the meeting will be held on Tuesday. | As stated in the document, the meeting will be held on Tuesday. |
| According to the company’s report, profits have increased significantly this year. | As per the company’s report, profits have increased significantly this year. |
| According to the guidelines, all applications must be submitted online. | In compliance with the guidelines, all applications must be submitted online. |
| According to the terms of the agreement, the project must be completed by June. | In line with the terms of the agreement, the project must be completed by June. |
| According to the official records, the event took place in 1995. | As documented in the official records, the event took place in 1995. |
| According to the expert’s opinion, the market will continue to grow. | In the expert’s estimation, the market will continue to grow. |
| According to the study’s findings, the new drug is highly effective. | Based on the study’s findings, the new drug is highly effective. |
| According to the regulations, all employees must attend the training session. | In adherence to the regulations, all employees must attend the training session. |
| According to the witness statement, the suspect was wearing a blue jacket. | As per the witness statement, the suspect was wearing a blue jacket. |
| According to the data analysis, there is a significant trend. | Based on the data analysis, there is a significant trend. |
| According to the policy, refunds are only issued within 30 days. | In accordance with the policy, refunds are only issued within 30 days. |
| According to the annual report, the company has exceeded its targets. | As detailed in the annual report, the company has exceeded its targets. |
| According to the judge’s ruling, the defendant is found not guilty. | Pursuant to the judge’s ruling, the defendant is found not guilty. |
| According to the scientific consensus, climate change is a serious threat. | Based on the scientific consensus, climate change is a serious threat. |
| According to the survey, most people prefer working from home. | As indicated by the survey, most people prefer working from home. |
| According to the manual, the device should be calibrated regularly. | In line with the manual, the device should be calibrated regularly. |
| According to the historical accounts, the city was founded in the 18th century. | As recorded in the historical accounts, the city was founded in the 18th century. |
| According to the expert review, the product is highly recommended. | Based on the expert review, the product is highly recommended. |
| According to the safety protocol, all workers must wear helmets. | In compliance with the safety protocol, all workers must wear helmets. |
| According to the government report, unemployment rates have decreased. | As reported in the government report, unemployment rates have decreased. |
| According to the terms and conditions, the service can be terminated at any time. | In accordance with the terms and conditions, the service can be terminated at any time. |
| According to the legal precedent, the case should be dismissed. | Based on the legal precedent, the case should be dismissed. |
Informal Examples
This table illustrates how to use informal alternatives to “according to” in everyday conversations and less formal writing. These alternatives can make your speech and writing sound more natural and engaging.
| Original Sentence (Using “According To”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| According to John, the party is going to be great. | If you ask John, the party is going to be great. |
| According to my mom, I should wear a jacket. | Mom says I should wear a jacket. |
| According to the weather forecast, it’s going to rain tomorrow. | The weather forecast says it’s going to rain tomorrow. |
| According to my friend, this is the best restaurant in town. | My friend tells me this is the best restaurant in town. |
| According to the rumor, the store is closing down. | Rumor has it the store is closing down. |
| According to Sarah, the movie was really boring. | Sarah said the movie was really boring. |
| According to the internet, this is the best way to cook pasta. | The internet says this is the best way to cook pasta. |
| According to my doctor, I need to exercise more. | My doctor says I need to exercise more. |
| According to the news, there’s a big storm coming. | The news says there’s a big storm coming. |
| According to my brother, I should buy that car. | My brother thinks I should buy that car. |
| According to my sister, the concert was amazing. | My sister said the concert was amazing. |
| According to the gossip, they’re getting divorced. | Gossip has it they’re getting divorced. |
| According to the teacher, the test will be difficult. | The teacher warned us the test will be difficult. |
| According to the barista, the coffee is really strong. | The barista says the coffee is really strong. |
| According to the sign, the park closes at sunset. | The sign says the park closes at sunset. |
| According to my neighbor, the street is usually quiet. | My neighbor says the street is usually quiet. |
| According to the advertisement, the product is on sale. | The ad says the product is on sale. |
| According to the website, the event is sold out. | The website says the event is sold out. |
| According to the tour guide, the building is very old. | The tour guide told us the building is very old. |
| According to the child, the monster lives under the bed. | The child claims the monster lives under the bed. |
| According to the waiter, the special is delicious. | The waiter recommends the special. |
| According to the taxi driver, there’s a lot of traffic. | The taxi driver says there’s a lot of traffic. |
| According to the chef, the secret ingredient is love. | The chef says the secret ingredient is love. |
| According to the security guard, the museum is about to close. | The security guard announced the museum is about to close. |
| According to the fortune cookie, good luck is coming. | The fortune cookie says good luck is coming. |
Reporting Verb Examples
This table showcases how to use reporting verbs to replace “according to” in sentences. Reporting verbs can add more nuance and convey the speaker’s or writer’s perspective on the information being presented.
| Original Sentence (Using “According To”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| According to the report, the company’s profits increased. | The report states that the company’s profits increased. |
| According to the witness, the car was speeding. | The witness claimed the car was speeding. |
| According to the study, exercise improves mental health. | The study reports that exercise improves mental health. |
| According to the expert, the economy will recover soon. | The expert asserts that the economy will recover soon. |
| According to the data, there is a strong correlation. | The data suggests that there is a strong correlation. |
| According to the author, the book is a work of fiction. | The author notes that the book is a work of fiction. |
| According to the research, the new drug is effective. | The research indicates that the new drug is effective. |
| According to the announcement, the event has been canceled. | The announcement mentions that the event has been canceled. |
| According to the analysis, the market is volatile. | The analysis reveals that the market is volatile. |
| According to the survey, most people prefer working from home. | The survey shows that most people prefer working from home. |
| According to the historian, the battle was decisive. | The historian argues that the battle was decisive. |
| According to the scientist, the experiment was successful. | The scientist confirmed that the experiment was successful. |
| According to the spokesperson, negotiations are ongoing. | The spokesperson explained that negotiations are ongoing. |
| According to the critic, the play is a masterpiece. | The critic praised the play as a masterpiece. |
| According to the doctor, the patient is recovering well. | The doctor stated that the patient is recovering well. |
| According to the investigator, the evidence is compelling. | The investigator believes the evidence is compelling. |
| According to the journalist, the scandal is far-reaching. | The journalist reported that the scandal is far-reaching. |
| According to the economist, inflation will rise. | The economist predicts that inflation will rise. |
| According to the analyst, the stock is undervalued. | The analyst suggests the stock is undervalued. |
| According to the study, the treatment has side effects. | The study warns that the treatment has side effects. |
| According to the review, the product is highly recommended. | The review recommends the product. |
| According to the official, the policy will be implemented soon. | The official announced the policy will be implemented soon. |
| According to the commentator, the team played poorly. | The commentator criticized the team’s performance. |
| According to the survey, customer satisfaction is high. | The survey demonstrates that customer satisfaction is high. |
| According to the testimony, the defendant was present. | The testimony indicated the defendant was present. |
Source-Based Examples
This table provides examples of source-based phrases that offer more descriptive ways to attribute information compared to simply using “according to.” These phrases can add depth and context to your writing.
| Original Sentence (Using “According To”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| According to the CEO, the company is doing well. | In the CEO’s view, the company is doing well. |
| According to the economist, the recession will be short-lived. | From the economist’s perspective, the recession will be short-lived. |
| According to the historian, the event was a turning point. | According to the historian’s analysis, the event was a turning point. |
| According to the journalist, the story is complex. | As reported by the journalist, the story is complex. |
| According to the doctor, the patient needs rest. | In the doctor’s opinion, the patient needs rest. |
| According to the research team, the results are promising. | As found by the research team, the results are promising. |
| According to the government report, poverty rates have declined. | As documented in the government report, poverty rates have declined. |
| According to the legal expert, the case is strong. | In the view of the legal expert, the case is strong. |
| According to the financial analyst, the stock is a good investment. | According to the financial analyst’s assessment, the stock is a good investment. |
| According to the scientific community, climate change is real. | Based on the scientific community’s consensus, climate change is real. |
| According to the environmental group, more needs to be done. | From the perspective of the environmental group, more needs to be done. |
| According to the marketing team, the campaign was successful. | As determined by the marketing team, the campaign was successful. |
| According to the software developer, the program is user-friendly. | In the software developer’s opinion, the program is user-friendly. |
| According to the management team, the changes are necessary. | In the view of the management team, the changes are necessary. |
| According to the human rights organization, abuses are widespread. | As reported by the human rights organization, abuses are widespread. |
| According to the art critic, the painting is innovative. | In the art critic’s judgment, the painting is innovative. |
| According to the political analyst, the election is unpredictable. | Based on the political analyst’s observations, the election is unpredictable. |
| According to the health organization, vaccinations are important. | As emphasized by the health organization, vaccinations are important. |
| According to the educational expert, the curriculum is effective. | In the educational expert’s assessment, the curriculum is effective. |
| According to the architectural firm, the building is sustainable. | As designed by the architectural firm, the building is sustainable. |
| According to the nutrition expert, a balanced diet is crucial. | In the nutrition expert’s advice, a balanced diet is crucial. |
| According to the transportation authority, the new train line will alleviate traffic. | Based on the transportation authority’s projections, the new train line will alleviate traffic. |
| According to the security experts, the system is vulnerable. | In the security experts’ assessment, the system is vulnerable. |
| According to the fashion designer, the trend is making a comeback. | In the fashion designer’s prediction, the trend is making a comeback. |
| According to the real estate agent, the property is a great deal. | In the real estate agent’s opinion, the property is a great deal. |
Usage Rules
While “according to” and its alternatives are generally straightforward to use, there are some important rules to keep in mind. First, ensure that the source you are attributing to is credible and reliable.
Using a questionable source can undermine the validity of your argument or statement. Second, be accurate in your representation of the source’s information.
Avoid misquoting or misinterpreting the source’s words.
Another key rule is to use alternatives to “according to” judiciously. Overusing any particular phrase can make your writing sound repetitive.
Vary your language to maintain the reader’s interest and demonstrate your command of the English language. Consider the context and audience when choosing an alternative.
Formal alternatives are best suited for academic and professional settings, while informal alternatives are more appropriate for casual conversations.
Finally, always provide proper citations when using “according to” or its alternatives in academic writing. This ensures that you give credit to the original source and avoid plagiarism.
Follow the citation style required by your institution or publication, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “according to” without specifying a source. For example, saying “According to research,…” without identifying the specific research is vague and unhelpful.
Always provide a clear and specific source. Another mistake is using “according to” when you are actually expressing your own opinion.
“According to me,…” is incorrect because “according to” implies an external source.
Misinterpreting or misquoting the source is another frequent error. Ensure that you accurately represent the source’s information.
Double-check your facts and quotations to avoid misleading your audience. Overusing “according to” is also a common mistake that can make your writing sound repetitive.
Use a variety of alternatives to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| According to research, the sky is blue. | According to a study published in the Journal of Atmospheric Science, the sky is blue. |
| According to me, this is the best movie ever. | In my opinion, this is the best movie ever. |
| According to the study, exercise is good. | According to the study, regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function and mental well-being. |
| According to the book, the earth is flat. | The book claims that the earth is flat. (Implying skepticism) |
| According to, the data shows… | According to the data, … |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternatives to “according to” with the following exercises. Choose the best alternative for each sentence, considering the context and tone.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ___________ the report, the company’s revenue increased by 15%. | According to / As stated in |
| 2. ___________ my friend, this is the best pizza in town. | According to / If you ask |
| 3. The witness ___________ that he saw the suspect at the scene. | According to / Claimed |
| 4. ___________ the CEO, the company is committed to sustainability. | According to / In the view of |
| 5. ___________ the survey, most employees are satisfied with their jobs. | According to / As indicated by |
| 6. The doctor ___________ that the patient needs to rest. | According to / Stated |
| 7. ___________ the terms of the contract, the payment is due on the first of the month. | According to / In accordance with |
| 8. ___________ the gossip, they are getting married. | According to / Rumor has it |
| 9. The research ___________ that there is a link between diet and health. | According to / Suggests |
| 10. ___________ the guide, the museum is open until 8 PM. | According to / The guide says |
Here is a second set of practice questions to test your understanding.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ___________ the manual, the device should be calibrated weekly. | According to / In line with |
| 2. ___________ my neighbor, the street is usually quiet at night. | According to / My neighbor says |
| 3. The analyst ___________ that the stock is undervalued. | According to / Suggests |
| 4. ___________ the ancient texts, the city was once a great empire. | According to / As recorded in |
| 5. ___________ the advertisement, the product is now 50% off. | According to / The ad claims |
| 6. The spokesperson ___________ that the company is addressing the issue. | According to / Explained |
| 7. ___________ the weather forecast, there is a chance of snow tomorrow. | According to / The weather forecast says |
| 8. ___________ the expert’s analysis, the economy will improve next year. | According to / In the expert’s analysis |
| 9. The review ___________ that the movie is a must-see. | According to / Recommends |
| 10. ___________ the safety regulations, all workers must wear protective gear. | According to / In compliance with |
A third set of questions to solidify your knowledge.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ___________ recent studies, vitamin D is essential for bone health. | According to / Based on |
| 2. ___________ my uncle, fishing is best done early in the morning. | According to / My uncle believes |
| 3. The historian ___________ that the treaty marked a turning point in the war. | According to / Argues |
| 4. ___________ the school principal, attendance has improved this year. | According to / The principal stated |
| 5. ___________ the instructions, the cake needs to bake for 30 minutes. | According to / As per |
| 6. The chef ___________ that the secret to a good sauce is fresh herbs. | According to / Revealed |
| 7. ___________ the website’s terms and conditions, users must be at least 18 years old. | According to / As outlined in |
| 8. ___________ my grandfather, life was simpler in the old days. | According to / My grandfather remembers |
| 9. The research team ___________ that their findings could lead to new treatments. | According to / Indicated |
| 10. ___________ the museum curator, each artifact tells a story. | According to / The curator explained |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s important to understand the subtle nuances between different alternatives to “according to.” For example, “claims” can imply a degree of skepticism on the part of the speaker or writer, while “states” is more neutral. “Asserts” suggests a strong conviction, while “suggests” implies a more tentative or speculative opinion.
Understanding these nuances can help you choose the most appropriate word for your specific purpose.
Another advanced topic is the use of embedded clauses to attribute information. For example, instead of saying “According to the report, the economy is improving,” you could say “The report suggests that the economy is improving.” This construction can often make your writing flow more smoothly and naturally.
Furthermore, consider the rhetorical effect of your choices. Using a formal alternative such as “pursuant to” can lend authority to your writing, while using an informal alternative such as “if you ask John” can create a more conversational tone.
Be mindful of the overall tone and style of your writing when selecting an alternative to “according to.”
FAQ
- What is the best alternative to “according to” in academic writing?
In academic writing, formal alternatives such as “as stated in,” “based on,” or reporting verbs like “states,” “reports,” and “indicates” are generally the most
appropriate.
- Can I use “according to” in informal writing?
Yes, but consider using more casual alternatives like “so [source] says” or “[source] told me” to better suit the tone.
- How can I avoid overusing “according to” in my writing?
Vary your language by using a mix of formal alternatives, informal alternatives, reporting verbs, and source-based phrases. Also, try rephrasing sentences to embed the attribution more naturally.
- Is it necessary to always cite the source when using “according to” or its alternatives?
Yes, especially in academic and professional writing. Proper citation is essential to give credit to the original source and avoid plagiarism.
- What should I do if I don’t know the exact source of the information?
If you don’t know the exact source, it’s best to avoid using “according to” or its alternatives. Instead, you could say something like “It is believed that…” or “It is generally accepted that…”
- How do reporting verbs change the meaning of a sentence?
Reporting verbs can add nuance to the sentence by indicating the source’s level of certainty or the speaker’s attitude toward the information. For example, “claims” implies doubt, while “asserts” suggests confidence.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when using “according to”?
Common mistakes include using “according to” without specifying a source, using it to express your own opinion, misinterpreting or misquoting the source, and overusing the phrase.
- How do I choose the right alternative to “according to” for my writing?
Consider the context, audience, and tone of your writing. Formal alternatives are suitable for academic and professional settings, while informal alternatives are better for casual conversations. Choose the phrase that best conveys the meaning you intend.
- Can I place “according to” at the end of a sentence?
Yes, but this is generally more appropriate in informal writing. For example, “The meeting is on Tuesday, according to the document.”
- What is the difference between “as stated in” and “in accordance with”?
“As stated in” refers to a specific piece of information found in a source, while “in accordance with” means following or complying with the rules or guidelines set by the source.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “according to” is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your writing and communication abilities. By understanding the different categories of alternatives and their appropriate contexts, you can express yourself more effectively and avoid repetition.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a professional report, or a casual email, the ability to vary your language will make your writing more engaging and sophisticated. Remember to always cite your sources accurately and choose alternatives that best convey your intended meaning and tone.
With practice, you’ll be able to seamlessly incorporate these alternatives into your vocabulary and elevate the quality of your writing.