The phrase “according to” is very common in English. We use it to show where information comes from or who said something.
For example, “According to the teacher, the test is tomorrow.” While this phrase is clear and useful, using it too often can make your writing sound repetitive.
Learning other ways to say “according to” helps you sound more natural, fluent, and confident. It also helps you adjust your tone.
Some alternatives sound more formal, while others feel friendly or casual.
Choosing the right phrase can make a big difference in how people understand you.
In this guide, you will learn 16+ synonyms for “according to”, when to use them, and how to use them correctly in real sentences.
What Does “According To” Mean?
The phrase “according to” means based on what someone says, believes, or reports. It shows the source of information.
Grammar Tip:
- It is usually followed by a person, source, or report
Example:- According to the news
- According to my manager
It helps make your statement more reliable by showing where the idea comes from.
When to Use “According To”
You can use “according to” in many situations:
- Formal writing: Reports, essays, research papers
- Business communication: Emails, presentations
- Daily conversation: Sharing information from others
- News and storytelling: Reporting facts or opinions
It is useful when:
- You want to cite a source
- You want to avoid taking full responsibility for a statement
- You want to sound neutral and factual
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “According To”?
Yes, “according to” is both professional and polite.
It is widely used in:
- Academic writing
- Corporate communication
- Journalism
However, using it too much can sound repetitive. In professional settings, it is better to mix it with formal alternatives to “according to” to sound more polished.
Pros and Cons of Using “According To”
✅ Pros
- Clear and easy to understand
- Works in both formal and informal settings
- Shows the source of information
- Helps avoid confusion
❌ Cons
- Can sound repetitive if overused
- May feel basic in advanced writing
- Not always the best choice for strong opinions
16+ Other Ways to Say “According To”
1. Based on
Meaning: Using something as a foundation
Explanation: Common and versatile alternative
Example Sentence: Based on the report, sales increased.
Best Use: Formal, Business
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Neutral
2. As per
Meaning: Following rules or instructions
Explanation: Often used in business English
Example Sentence: As per your request, I sent the file.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal
3. In accordance with
Meaning: In agreement with rules or facts
Explanation: Very formal phrase
Example Sentence: The work was done in accordance with the guidelines.
Best Use: Legal, Formal writing
Worst Use: Everyday speech
Tone: Very Formal
4. As stated by
Meaning: As someone has said
Explanation: Useful in academic or formal writing
Example Sentence: As stated by the author, the theory is correct.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Formal
5. As reported by
Meaning: As shared in a report or news
Explanation: Common in journalism
Example Sentence: As reported by the media, the event was a success.
Best Use: News, Formal
Worst Use: Personal conversations
Tone: Formal
6. In the words of
Meaning: Using someone’s exact words
Explanation: Adds emphasis and personality
Example Sentence: In the words of the CEO, “We will grow stronger.”
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Technical writing
Tone: Emphatic
7. As mentioned by
Meaning: As someone said earlier
Explanation: Good for referencing
Example Sentence: As mentioned by the teacher, homework is important.
Best Use: General
Worst Use: None specific
Tone: Neutral
8. As noted by
Meaning: As someone observed
Explanation: Slightly formal
Example Sentence: As noted by experts, this method works well.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Formal
9. In line with
Meaning: In agreement with
Explanation: Used in business contexts
Example Sentence: In line with company policy, we updated the rules.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Informal chat
Tone: Formal
10. Per
Meaning: According to (short form)
Explanation: Very common in business emails
Example Sentence: Per your instructions, I completed the task.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Academic essays
Tone: Semi-formal
11. As indicated by
Meaning: As shown or suggested
Explanation: Useful in reports
Example Sentence: As indicated by the data, profits increased.
Best Use: Formal
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
12. As claimed by
Meaning: As someone says (not always proven)
Explanation: Shows doubt
Example Sentence: As claimed by the company, the product is safe.
Best Use: Critical writing
Worst Use: Neutral reporting
Tone: Slightly skeptical
13. As believed by
Meaning: Based on belief
Explanation: Shows opinion, not fact
Example Sentence: As believed by many, hard work leads to success.
Best Use: Opinion writing
Worst Use: Scientific writing
Tone: Neutral
14. As explained by
Meaning: As someone clarified
Explanation: Good for teaching contexts
Example Sentence: As explained by the trainer, practice is key.
Best Use: Educational
Worst Use: None
Tone: Neutral
15. From the perspective of
Meaning: From someone’s point of view
Explanation: Adds depth
Example Sentence: From the perspective of students, exams are stressful.
Best Use: Essays
Worst Use: Short casual speech
Tone: Formal
16. In the opinion of
Meaning: Based on someone’s opinion
Explanation: Makes it clear it’s not a fact
Example Sentence: In the opinion of experts, this is the best option.
Best Use: Formal
Worst Use: Scientific facts
Tone: Formal
17. According to reports
Meaning: Based on reports
Explanation: Similar but more specific
Example Sentence: According to reports, the market is improving.
Best Use: News
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Neutral
Comparison Table of Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Neutral | General |
| As per | Formal | Business |
| In accordance with | Very Formal | Legal/Official |
| As stated by | Formal | Academic |
| Per | Semi-formal | Emails |
| In line with | Formal | Corporate |
| In the opinion of | Formal | Essays |
FAQs
What is the best formal alternative to “according to”?
“In accordance with” and “as stated by” are strong formal choices.
Can I use “as per” in emails?
Yes, “as per” is common in professional emails.
Is “per” too informal?
No, but it is semi-formal, best for business communication.
What should I use in casual conversation?
Use “based on” or “as mentioned by.”
Why should I avoid repeating “according to”?
Repeating it makes your writing sound boring and less professional.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “according to” helps you improve your English quickly.
It makes your writing more interesting and your speech more natural.
Different phrases help you sound formal, friendly, or confident depending on the situation.
Try using these alternatives to “according to” in your daily communication. With practice, you will sound more fluent and professional.
Robert Evans is a passionate English language educator dedicated to helping learners improve their vocabulary and communication skills in a simple and effective way.
