When writing or speaking in English, the phrase “according to” is commonly used to refer to a source of information. While it is correct and useful, repeating it too often can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging.
That is why learning other ways to say “according to” is important. Using different expressions helps you sound more natural, professional, and fluent. It also allows you to adjust your tone depending on the situation, whether you are writing an essay, preparing a research paper, or speaking in everyday conversations.
In this guide, you will learn a wide range of alternatives to “according to,” along with clear meanings, examples, and usage tips. By the end, you will be able to choose the right phrase for any context with confidence.
What Does “According To” Mean?
“According to” is used to show that information comes from a specific source. It tells the reader or listener that the statement is based on someone else’s opinion, report, or research.
How “According To” Works in a Sentence
The basic structure is:
According to + person, report, or source
Examples:
- According to the teacher, the exam will be next week.
- According to the report, sales increased this year.
Common Uses of “According To”
You can use “according to” in many situations:
- Essays and academic writing
- News and reports
- Research papers
- Daily conversations
Why Learn Other Ways to Say “According To ”?
Avoid Repetition in Writing
Using “according to” again and again can make your writing feel repetitive. Alternatives help improve flow and readability.
Improve Academic and Professional Tone
Some alternatives sound more formal and precise. These are useful in essays, reports, and research writing.
Sound More Natural in Spoken English
In everyday conversation, native speakers often use simpler or more relaxed phrases instead of “according to.”
Choose the Right Phrase for the Right Context
Different situations require different tones. For example:
- Essay: As stated by the author
- Conversation: From what I heard
25+ Other Ways to Say “According To”
This section includes the most useful alternatives, grouped by tone and context.
Formal Alternatives to “According To”
These phrases are best for professional and academic writing.
Common Phrases:
- Based on
- As stated by
- As reported by
- As noted by
- As outlined by
- As mentioned by
- As observed by
- In the words of
- As documented by
- As indicated by
Examples:
- As stated by the report, profits increased last year.
- Based on the data, customer satisfaction has improved.
- As reported by the news, the event was successful.
- In the words of the expert, practice is essential.
Best Use:
- Academic writing
- Business reports
- Formal presentations
Academic Alternatives to “According To”
These are especially useful in essays and research papers.
Common Phrases:
- Based on the findings of
- As discussed by
- As argued by
- As explained by
- As described in
- As found by
- In the view of
- As concluded by
Examples:
- As argued by Smith, language learning requires consistency.
- Based on the findings of the study, sleep affects memory.
- As explained by the researcher, this method is effective.
Here is Step 2 of the article.
Informal Alternatives to “According To”
These phrases are more relaxed and commonly used in everyday conversations. They help you sound natural and friendly.
Common Phrases:
- From what I heard
- From what I read
- Going by
- By the look of
- If what they say is true
Examples:
- From what I heard, the meeting was canceled.
- From what I read, the company is growing fast.
- Going by the weather report, it will rain tonight.
- By the look of the results, the team performed well.
Best Use:
- Conversations
- Social media
- Informal writing
Neutral Everyday Alternatives
These phrases work in both spoken and written English. They are simple and flexible.
Common Phrases:
- Based on
- As per
- In line with
- By
- From
Examples:
- Based on the schedule, the class starts at 9.
- As per the rules, students must wear uniforms.
- In line with the policy, changes were made.
- From the report, we can see clear progress.
Best Use:
- Emails
- Workplace communication
- General writing
Other Ways to Say “According To” With Examples
Here are detailed explanations of commonly used alternatives to help you understand their meaning and usage.
Based On
Meaning:
Shows that something is supported by facts or evidence
Best Use:
Formal writing and reports
Example:
Based on the data, the results are positive.
As Stated By
Meaning:
Used to refer directly to what someone said or wrote
Best Use:
Academic and formal writing
Example:
As stated by the author, education is essential.
As Reported By
Meaning:
Used when referring to news or reported information
Best Use:
News writing and formal content
Example:
As reported by the media, the event was successful.
As Mentioned By
Meaning:
Refers to something already said or written
Best Use:
Essays and discussions
Example:
As mentioned by the teacher, the test is tomorrow.
In the Words of
Meaning:
Introduces a direct quote or strong statement
Best Use:
Formal and expressive writing
Example:
In the words of the expert, practice makes perfect.
Going By
Meaning:
Based on available information or appearance
Best Use:
Informal conversations
Example:
Going by the results, the plan worked.
Based on the Findings of
Meaning:
Refers to conclusions from research or studies
Best Use:
Academic writing
Example:
Based on the findings of the study, exercise improves health.
As Explained By
Meaning:
Used to refer to a detailed explanation from a source
Best Use:
Educational and professional writing
Example:
As explained by the instructor, this method is effective.
Best Alternatives by Context
Choosing the right phrase depends on where and how you are using it.
In Essays
Use formal and clear alternatives:
- Based on
- As stated by
- As explained by
- As discussed by
Example:
As explained by the author, reading improves knowledge.
In Research Papers
Use precise and academic expressions:
- Based on the findings of
- As reported by
- As concluded by
- As documented by
Example:
Based on the findings of the research, sleep affects learning.
In Business Writing
Use professional and structured phrases:
- As outlined by
- In line with
- As indicated by
- Based on
Example:
In line with the policy, all employees must follow the rules.
In Everyday Conversation
Use simple and natural expressions:
- From what I heard
- From what I read
- Going by
Example:
From what I heard, the event was great.
Is “According To” Formal or Informal?
When It Sounds Formal
“According to” is commonly used in formal writing such as essays, reports, and academic work. It is clear and widely accepted.
Example:
According to the research, the results are accurate.
When It Sounds Natural in Daily English
It can also be used in everyday conversations when referring to simple sources.
Example:
According to my friend, the movie is great.
When You Should Replace It
You should consider using alternatives. when:
- You repeat it too often
- You need a more academic tone
- You want to sound more natural in speech
How to Use “According To” in an Essay
Using It to Introduce a Source
You can use it to mention authors, studies, or reports.
Examples:
- According to Smith, practice improves performance.
- According to the article, exercise benefits health.
Replacing It With More Formal Alternatives
To improve your writing, replace it with:
- As argued by
- Based on the findings of
- As discussed by
Sample Essay Sentences
- As argued by the researcher, consistency is important.
- Based on the findings of the study, sleep improves memory.
Can You Use “According to” in a Research Paper?
Is It Acceptable in Academic Writing?
Yes, it is correct and acceptable. However, using it too often can make your writing repetitive.
Better Academic Replacements
Use these alternatives for variety:
- As reported by
- As discussed by
- Based on the findings of
Tips for Stronger Citation Style
- Use different reporting phrases
- Match the tone to your subject
- Avoid repeating the same structure
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “According To” Without a Clear Source
Always mention a specific source.
Incorrect:
According to this, this is correct.
Correct:
According to the report, this is correct.
Repeating “According To” Too Many Times
Using it repeatedly makes writing dull. Use alternatives to improve flow.
Mixing Opinion With Source Information
Do not confuse your opinion with a source.
Incorrect:
According to me, this is good.
Correct:
In my opinion, this is good.
Using Informal Alternatives in Academic Writing
Avoid casual phrases like the following:
- From what I heard
- Going by
Use formal alternatives instead.
“According To” vs Similar Phrases
“According To” vs “Based On”
- “According to” refers to a source
- “Based on” refers to evidence or facts
Example:
According to the teacher, the exam is tomorrow.
Based on the data, the results are clear.
“According To” vs “As Per”
- According to = natural and common
- “As per” is more formal and often used in business English
“According To” vs “In the Words of”
- According to = neutral
- “In the words of” is used for direct quotes or emphasis
FAQs about “According To”
What can I say instead of “according to”?
You can use phrases like “based on,” “as stated by,” “as reported by,” or “from what I heard” depending on the context.
How do you write “according to” in an essay?
Use it to introduce a source or replace it with formal alternatives like “as argued by” or “as explained by.”
Can I say “according to” in a research paper?
Yes, but avoid repeating it. Use a variety of academic phrases.
What is a formal synonym for “according to”?
Formal alternatives include “as stated by,” “as reported by,” and “based on.”