The phrase according to appears frequently in everyday writing and conversation. People use it when they want to refer to a source, report information, cite an opinion, or explain where a statement came from. While it is a useful phrase, repeating it too often can make writing sound repetitive.
Many writers, students, professionals, and content creators search for other ways to say according to because they want more variety in essays, reports, emails, articles, and conversations. Choosing the right alternative can make your writing clearer, more natural, and more engaging.
This guide explains the meaning of the phrase, common alternatives, usage examples, tone differences, and when each option works best.
Quick Answer
The best alternative depends on whether you are referring to facts, opinions, research, professional communication, or casual conversation.
TL;DR
- Meaning: Refers to a source of information or opinion
- Tone: Usually neutral and informative
- Common Use: Essays, articles, reports, emails, and conversations
- Where It Appears: Academic, professional, journalistic, and everyday writing
- Formality: Can be formal or informal depending on the alternative used
- Best Purpose: Crediting information to a source
What Other Ways to Say According To Means
The phrase according to tells readers or listeners where information comes from.
For example:
According to the weather forecast, rain is expected tomorrow.
This tells us that the forecast is the source of the information.
Alternatives serve the same purpose while helping writers avoid repetition. Some alternatives sound formal and academic, while others fit casual conversations better.
Basic Explanation
When you use according to, you are connecting a statement to its source.
The source could be:
- A person
- A book
- A research study
- A report
- A website
- A news article
- An organization
For example:
According to the company report, sales increased last quarter.
The report is the source of the information.
Many alternatives allow you to express the same idea with a slightly different tone.
30 Other Ways to Say According To
Here are some useful alternatives:
- Based on
- As stated by
- As reported by
- As noted by
- As mentioned by
- As explained by
- In the opinion of
- In the words of
- Per
- As indicated by
- As outlined by
- As described by
- Following
- In accordance with
- As observed by
- As documented by
- As referenced by
- As cited by
- As revealed by
- As suggested by
- As found by
- As confirmed by
- As highlighted by
- As presented by
- As shared by
- Based upon
- In line with
- Under
- As recorded by
- As detailed by
Each option works best in specific situations.
How People Use It in Texting or Online Conversation
In texting and online conversation, people rarely use formal phrases. Instead, they often choose simpler alternatives.
Examples include:
- Based on what I heard
- From what I read
- From what they said
- According to the article
- Based on the report
In social media comments, people often reference information sources casually.
Example:
Based on the latest update, the event has been postponed.
In online discussions, clarity matters more than formality.
Tone and Emotional Meaning
The phrase itself carries a neutral tone.
However, alternatives can change how a sentence feels.
Formal Tone
- As stated by
- As documented by
- In accordance with
- As outlined by
These fit reports, academic papers, and business communication.
Neutral Tone
- Based on
- As noted by
- As mentioned by
- As indicated by
These work in most situations.
Opinion-Based Tone
- In the opinion of
- In the words of
- As suggested by
These emphasize interpretation rather than factual reporting.
Casual Tone
- From what I heard
- From what I read
- Based on what they said
These fit conversations and informal writing.
Common Situations Where It Appears
People use source-based phrases in many settings.
Academic Writing
- Research papers
- Essays
- Reports
- Literature reviews
Professional Communication
- Business reports
- Company emails
- Presentations
- Policy documents
Journalism
- News articles
- Interviews
- Press releases
Everyday Conversation
- Discussing news
- Sharing information
- Explaining opinions
Online Content
- Blog posts
- Social media updates
- Online discussions
- Educational content
Examples in Real Conversations
Situation
Discussing the weather.
Example
Based on the latest forecast, temperatures will drop tonight.
Meaning
The forecast is the source of the information.
Situation
Writing a school essay.
Example
As noted by the researcher, early intervention improves outcomes.
Meaning
The researcher provided the original information.
Situation
Talking about company performance.
Example
According to the annual report, revenue increased by 12 percent.
Meaning
The report serves as the source.
Situation
Referring to an expert opinion.
Example
In the opinion of many economists, interest rates may remain stable.
Meaning
The statement reflects expert viewpoints.
Situation
Discussing a news article.
Example
As reported by local media, the project will begin next month.
Meaning
The media source reported the information.
Similar Terms and Related Phrases
Many alternatives look similar but serve different purposes.
| Phrase | Main Use |
|---|---|
| According to | General source reference |
| Based on | Evidence or information source |
| As stated by | Formal citation |
| Per | Brief professional reference |
| In the opinion of | Personal viewpoint |
| As reported by | News and journalism |
| In accordance with | Rules and policies |
| As noted by | Academic and professional writing |
Understanding these differences helps improve clarity and style.
When You Should Use It
Use source-based phrases when:
- Citing information
- Referring to research
- Mentioning expert opinions
- Summarizing reports
- Discussing published findings
- Explaining where information came from
They help establish credibility and transparency.
Readers can better understand the origin of information when sources are clearly identified.
When You Should Avoid It
Sometimes using according to or similar phrases may not be necessary.
Avoid excessive repetition in:
- Short paragraphs
- Creative writing
- Personal storytelling
- Casual conversations
For example:
According to the report, sales increased. According to the manager, profits increased. According to employees, morale improved.
This repetition can sound awkward.
Instead:
The report showed increased sales. The manager reported higher profits, while employees noted improved morale.
Variety improves readability.
Is It Formal or Informal?
The answer depends on the alternative.
Formal Options
- As stated by
- In accordance with
- As documented by
- As outlined by
Semi-Formal Options
- Based on
- As noted by
- As mentioned by
Informal Options
- From what I heard
- From what I read
- Based on what they said
Most professional writing favors formal or semi-formal alternatives.
Common Misunderstandings
Some people assume all alternatives mean exactly the same thing.
They do not.
Based On
This often refers to evidence or information.
In The Opinion Of
This specifically introduces viewpoints.
Per
Many professionals use this in emails, but some readers find it too brief or overly corporate.
In Accordance With
This usually refers to rules, regulations, or procedures rather than information sources.
Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the most accurate phrase.
USA and Tier 1 Country Usage
Writers and speakers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand frequently use according to and its alternatives.
Common choices include:
- Based on
- As reported by
- As stated by
- Per
- As noted by
Academic institutions often prefer precise attribution, while workplaces commonly use shorter options such as per or based on.
News organizations frequently use as reported by and according to when citing sources.
These alternatives are widely understood across English-speaking countries.
Quick Reference Table
| Context | What It Means | Tone | Best Use | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Based on | Uses evidence or information | Neutral | Reports and articles | Source is unclear |
| As stated by | References a source directly | Formal | Academic writing | Casual texting |
| Per | Short source reference | Professional | Business emails | Very formal reports |
| As reported by | References news coverage | Neutral | Journalism | Personal opinions |
| In the opinion of | Introduces viewpoints | Neutral | Discussions and analysis | Stating facts |
| In accordance with | Follows rules or policies | Formal | Legal and policy documents | Casual conversation |
| As noted by | Mentions cited information | Professional | Academic work | Informal chats |
Why Using Alternatives Improves Writing
Repeating the same phrase throughout a document can make writing feel repetitive.
Using alternatives helps:
- Improve readability
- Create smoother flow
- Match the tone of the document
- Clarify the type of source
- Make writing more engaging
For example, a research paper may use as noted by, while a business email may use per. Choosing the right phrase helps readers understand both the information and the context.
Conclusion
Finding other ways to say according to can improve both professional and everyday writing. Alternatives such as based on, as stated by, as reported by, and in the opinion of help you reference information more naturally while avoiding repetition. The best choice depends on whether you are citing facts, summarizing research, discussing opinions, or communicating in a workplace setting. By understanding the tone and purpose of each option, you can make your writing clearer, more varied, and easier to read.
FAQs
What are the best other ways to say according to?
Popular alternatives include based on, as stated by, as reported by, as noted by, and in the opinion of.
Is according to formal or informal?
It is generally neutral and works in both formal and informal writing.
What is a professional alternative to according to?
Professional alternatives include as stated by, as documented by, per, and as outlined by.
Can I use based on instead of according to?
Yes. Based on is one of the most common substitutes, especially when referring to evidence or information.
What is the difference between according to and in the opinion of?
According to can refer to facts or information from a source, while in the opinion of specifically introduces a viewpoint.
Is per a good replacement?
Yes. Many professionals use per in emails and workplace communication, though it may sound too brief in academic writing.
Which alternative works best in academic writing?
As noted by, as stated by, as documented by, and as cited by are often suitable choices for academic work.