According To is a common phrase for referencing sources and attributing information in clear, natural writing and speaking.
It shows where information comes from and remains clear and widely understood in everyday communication. Using it repeatedly can become a habit, making writing repetitive or monotonous. A blog post might say, “According to the report, sales increased,” to connect a claim with its sources. Writers can use alternative expressions to enriches their language and develop a stronger writing style that feels engaging and varied. Finding different expressions expands your vocabulary and helps diversify your wording. Other ways can introduce facts, opinions, and evidence while keeping key points easy to follow.
Useful options include “the report states,” “research shows,” and “as noted by.” These choices can improve the flow of writing without changing the meaning. My experience with editing shows that choosing the right expression for each context makes communication sound more natural and less repetitive.
What Does “According To” Mean?
“According to” is a phrase used to identify the source of information, an opinion, a statement, or a rule. For example, “According to the report, sales increased” tells the reader that the report is the source of the information. It can also refer to what a person says or believes, as in “According to Maria, the meeting starts at nine.”
The phrase can also mean in agreement with or following something, especially when discussing rules, instructions, or established information. For example, “According to company policy, employees must submit the form by Friday” means the requirement comes from the company’s policy. The exact meaning depends on context, so not every alternative works in every sentence.
Common Situations Where “According To” Is Used
People use “according to” in everyday conversation, professional communication, academic writing, journalism, reports, emails, and formal documents. It is especially useful when you want to make clear that information comes from a specific person, source, document, rule, or authority.
For example, you might say “According to the weather forecast” when discussing tomorrow’s weather, “According to my manager” when explaining workplace information, or “According to the instructions” when describing how something should be done. Writers often look for alternatives when they want to avoid repetition or make the source relationship more precise.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “According To”?
Yes. “According to” is generally professional, neutral, and polite. It works well in emails, reports, essays, presentations, articles, and everyday conversations. It doesn’t sound overly formal, which makes it flexible across different settings.
However, the wording that follows it matters. “According to the customer” simply identifies a source, while “According to the policy” points to a rule or requirement. In more formal writing, alternatives such as “as stated by,” “as reported by,” or “in accordance with” may provide a more specific relationship between the source and the information.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Saying “According To”
Advantages
The main advantage of “according to” is its versatility. You can use it with a person, organization, report, study, policy, document, or other source. It also helps you distinguish information from your own statement, which can make writing clearer and more responsible. Because it is familiar to most English speakers, readers usually understand it immediately.
Disadvantages
The phrase can become repetitive when it appears several times in the same article, report, or paragraph. It can also be less precise when the relationship between the source and the statement matters. For instance, a source may have reported something, stated something, or simply provided data. Choosing a more specific expression can make your wording more accurate.
15 Alternatives to “According To”
- As stated by
- As reported by
- As noted by
- As mentioned by
- As described by
- As outlined by
- As per
- Per
- As indicated by
- As suggested by
- As explained by
- In the words of
- Based on
- In accordance with
- In the view of
1. As stated by
Meaning
“As stated by” introduces information that someone has explicitly said, written, or declared.
Definition
As stated by means as directly expressed or declared by a particular person or source.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is more specific than “according to” because it suggests that the source actually made a clear statement. It works especially well when referring to official comments, written statements, policies, or formal declarations. Compared with the original phrase, it has a slightly more formal and precise feel. Use it when the exact wording or position of the source matters.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A manager sends an official announcement about office hours.
Example: “As stated by the manager, the office will close at 4 p.m. on Friday.”
Scenario: A government document explains a requirement.
Example: “As stated by the regulations, applications must be submitted online.”
Best Use
Best for formal writing, reports, official statements, academic work, and professional communication.
Tone
Tone: Formal, precise, authoritative. It emphasizes that the information was explicitly stated.
2. As reported by
Meaning
“As reported by” identifies a source that has reported or published information, particularly news, findings, events, or developments.
Definition
As reported by means as communicated or published by a particular source.
Detailed Explanation
This phrase is particularly natural when the source is a news organization, journalist, publication, research outlet, or reporting body. It focuses on the act of reporting rather than simply presenting someone’s opinion. It shouldn’t replace “according to” when the source hasn’t actually reported the information. That distinction makes it useful for precise writing.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A journalist discusses a recent event.
Example: “As reported by the local newspaper, the bridge reopened Monday morning.”
Scenario: You are summarizing information from a publication.
Example: “As reported by the magazine, the company plans to expand its services.”
Best Use
Best for journalism, news writing, articles, reports, and references to published information.
Tone
Tone: Professional, factual, journalistic. It highlights the source’s reporting role.
3. As noted by
Meaning
“As noted by” introduces an observation or point that someone has noticed, recorded, or highlighted.
Definition
As noted by means as observed, mentioned, or highlighted by a particular source.
Detailed Explanation
This expression has a thoughtful and relatively formal quality. It works well when a writer wants to draw attention to an observation rather than a dramatic declaration. It is often useful in essays, reports, research discussions, and professional documents. Compared with “according to,” it can subtly emphasize that the source called attention to a particular detail.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A report identifies a problem with a process.
Example: “As noted by the audit team, several records were incomplete.”
Scenario: An author highlights an important point in a book.
Example: “As noted by the author, small changes can produce significant results.”
Best Use
Best for reports, academic writing, professional documents, and analytical discussions.
Tone
Tone: Professional, measured, thoughtful. It works well when highlighting an observation.
4. As mentioned by
Meaning
“As mentioned by” refers to something a person or source has already brought up or talked about.
Definition
As mentioned by means as previously brought up or referred to by someone.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is more conversational than some of the formal alternatives on this list. It works naturally when you’re referring back to information someone has already mentioned. Unlike “as reported by,” it doesn’t suggest that the person formally reported the information. It is a good choice when the source simply brought up a point during a conversation, meeting, message, or discussion.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A colleague already discussed a deadline.
Example: “As mentioned by Daniel, the deadline has been moved to Thursday.”
Scenario: You’re referring back to a point from a previous conversation.
Example: “As mentioned by Sarah earlier, we still need approval from the client.”
Best Use
Best for emails, meetings, conversations, follow-ups, and everyday professional communication.
Tone
Tone: Neutral, polite, conversational. It sounds natural without being overly formal.
5. As described by
Meaning
“As described by” introduces information based on the way a person or source described something.
Definition
As described by means in the manner or terms used to describe something by a particular source.
Detailed Explanation
This expression works best when the source has provided a description of a person, place, event, process, or experience. It is not always interchangeable with “according to,” because it specifically focuses on description. It can be useful when summarizing someone’s account without presenting the description as an independently verified fact. The phrase fits both formal and ordinary writing.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A witness gives an account of an event.
Example: “As described by the witness, the storm arrived shortly after sunset.”
Scenario: A product guide explains how a device works.
Example: “As described by the manufacturer, the device is designed for outdoor use.”
Best Use
Best for reports, articles, product descriptions, narratives, and factual summaries.
Tone
Tone: Neutral, descriptive, careful. It keeps attention on the source’s account.
6. As outlined by
Meaning
“As outlined by” refers to information, plans, steps, or ideas that a source has presented in an organized way.
Definition
As outlined by means as presented or summarized by a particular source.
Detailed Explanation
This phrase is especially useful for plans, proposals, strategies, policies, procedures, and frameworks. It suggests that the source has laid out several points or elements rather than simply making one statement. It therefore has a more structured feel than “according to.” Choose it when you’re referring to the main points of something that has already been organized.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A company publishes a new business strategy.
Example: “As outlined by the director, the new strategy has three main goals.”
Scenario: A school provides a project plan.
Example: “As outlined by the course guide, students must complete two presentations.”
Best Use
Best for business plans, policies, reports, academic writing, proposals, and presentations.
Tone
Tone: Professional, structured, formal. It suggests organized information.
7. As per
Meaning
“As per” means in accordance with or as stated by something.
Definition
As per means according to a particular instruction, request, agreement, or source.
Detailed Explanation
“As per” is common in business and workplace communication, especially when referring to instructions, requests, schedules, or agreements. It can sound more formal or bureaucratic than everyday “according to.” In some contexts, plain “according to” or “as requested” may sound more natural. Use “as per” when it fits the professional style of the message rather than inserting it simply to sound formal.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A client requested a change.
Example: “As per your request, we have updated the invoice.”
Scenario: A team is following an agreed schedule.
Example: “As per the agreed schedule, the installation will begin Monday.”
Best Use
Best for business emails, workplace communication, instructions, schedules, and formal requests.
Tone
Tone: Professional, formal, businesslike. It can sound somewhat administrative.
8. Per
Meaning
“Per” can mean according to or in accordance with, especially when referring to a rule, instruction, agreement, or established arrangement.
Definition
Per means in accordance with a particular source, rule, or instruction.
Detailed Explanation
“Per” is a compact alternative that often appears in professional and formal writing. It is particularly natural before nouns such as policy, agreement, instructions, contract, schedule, or request. It is less conversational than “according to,” so it may feel stiff in casual speech. The meaning also changes in other contexts, such as “per hour,” so the surrounding wording matters.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A workplace policy determines a requirement.
Example: “Per company policy, all visitors must sign in.”
Scenario: A contract specifies a payment date.
Example: “Per the agreement, payment is due within 30 days.”
Best Use
Best for business writing, contracts, policies, formal notices, and concise professional communication.
Tone
Tone: Formal, concise, administrative. It is efficient but less conversational.
9. As indicated by
Meaning
“As indicated by” introduces a conclusion, condition, or piece of information that is shown or signaled by evidence or a source.
Definition
As indicated by means as shown, suggested, or signaled by something.
Detailed Explanation
This phrase is often more evidence-focused than “according to.” It works naturally with data, results, signs, records, charts, reports, and observations. It does not necessarily mean that someone directly said the information. That makes it an important distinction from “as stated by.” Use it when the source points toward a conclusion or provides an indication.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A company reviews sales data.
Example: “As indicated by the latest figures, customer demand has increased.”
Scenario: A test produces a particular result.
Example: “As indicated by the results, the new method performed better.”
Best Use
Best for research, reports, data analysis, business writing, and evidence-based explanations.
Tone
Tone: Analytical, professional, objective. It emphasizes evidence or signals.
10. As suggested by
Meaning
“As suggested by” refers to an idea or conclusion that a source suggests without necessarily stating it directly.
Definition
As suggested by means as implied, proposed, or indicated by a source or piece of evidence.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is useful when the source does not make a direct statement but points toward an idea or possibility. It is therefore weaker and more cautious than “as stated by.” That makes it valuable in analytical writing, where you don’t want to turn an implication into a definite claim. Use it when the evidence supports an interpretation rather than an explicit declaration.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: Survey results point toward a trend.
Example: “As suggested by the survey responses, customers prefer shorter delivery times.”
Scenario: A conversation hints at someone’s plans.
Example: “As suggested by her comments, she may accept the new position.”
Best Use
Best for analysis, research, reports, discussions, and cautious interpretations.
Tone
Tone: Cautious, analytical, thoughtful. It avoids overstating what the source proves.
11. As explained by
Meaning
“As explained by” introduces information that someone has explained or clarified.
Definition
As explained by means as clarified or made understandable by a particular person or source.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is more specific than “according to” because it focuses on an explanation or clarification. It works especially well when discussing technical subjects, instructions, concepts, or processes. It suggests that the source has helped explain why or how something works. Because of that, it is useful when summarizing an expert’s explanation without claiming the explanation is your own.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A teacher explains a grammar rule.
Example: “As explained by the instructor, the two forms have different uses.”
Scenario: A technical manual clarifies a process.
Example: “As explained by the manual, the system restarts automatically after an update.”
Best Use
Best for educational writing, technical explanations, guides, reports, and professional communication.
Tone
Tone: Clear, informative, professional. It highlights explanation and understanding.
12. In the words of
Meaning
“In the words of” introduces an idea using the language or perspective of a particular person.
Definition
In the words of means expressed using or closely reflecting the words of a particular person.
Detailed Explanation
This phrase has a more personal and literary quality than “according to.” It is especially effective when someone’s wording is important or memorable. Unlike a general source reference, it draws attention to the speaker’s own expression or perspective. Because it can introduce a quotation or close paraphrase, make sure the wording accurately represents the source.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A writer introduces a notable statement.
Example: “In the words of the coach, the team needed patience more than speed.”
Scenario: You summarize someone’s personal perspective.
Example: “In the words of Maya, the experience was difficult but worthwhile.”
Best Use
Best for speeches, essays, articles, storytelling, quotations, interviews, and reflective writing.
Tone
Tone: Personal, expressive, literary. It gives prominence to the speaker’s voice.
13. Based on
Meaning
“Based on” means that a statement, decision, or conclusion is formed from information, evidence, facts, or circumstances.
Definition
Based on means formed or developed using particular information or evidence.
Detailed Explanation
“Based on” is related to “according to,” but it isn’t a universal replacement. According to identifies a source, while “based on” often emphasizes the evidence or information used to reach a conclusion. For example, “According to the report” identifies the report as the source, whereas “Based on the report” suggests that a conclusion was formed using the report. That difference makes this phrase particularly useful in analytical writing.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A manager makes a decision after reviewing sales figures.
Example: “Based on the latest sales figures, we should adjust our inventory.”
Scenario: A conclusion comes from several pieces of evidence.
Example: “Based on the available evidence, the timeline appears realistic.”
Best Use
Best for analysis, decisions, research, reports, recommendations, and professional writing.
Tone
Tone: Analytical, neutral, reasoned. It emphasizes the foundation for an idea or decision.
14. In accordance with
Meaning
“In accordance with” means following or complying with a rule, policy, instruction, agreement, or established standard.
Definition
In accordance with means in agreement with or following a particular rule, requirement, or standard.
Detailed Explanation
This is not a general synonym for every use of “according to.” It works when “according to” means following a rule or requirement, rather than simply identifying a source. It is noticeably more formal and is common in official, legal, regulatory, and business language. Choose it when you want to emphasize compliance or conformity.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: Employees must follow a workplace policy.
Example: “All records must be stored in accordance with company policy.”
Scenario: A process follows a formal standard.
Example: “The equipment was installed in accordance with safety requirements.”
Best Use
Best for formal documents, policies, regulations, contracts, legal writing, and official communication.
Tone
Tone: Formal, official, precise. It emphasizes compliance with a rule or standard.
15. In the view of
Meaning
“In the view of” introduces someone’s opinion, judgment, or perspective.
Definition
In the view of means from the perspective or opinion of a particular person or group.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is useful when “according to” introduces an opinion rather than a factual source. It clearly signals that the following idea represents someone’s perspective. Compared with “according to,” it places greater emphasis on viewpoint and judgment. It is especially appropriate when different people or groups may reasonably hold different opinions.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: An analyst discusses a company’s strategy.
Example: “In the view of the analyst, the expansion plan carries several risks.”
Scenario: A writer presents a scholar’s interpretation.
Example: “In the view of the historian, the decision had long-term consequences.”
Best Use
Best for essays, analysis, academic writing, opinion discussions, and formal commentary.
Tone
Tone: Formal, thoughtful, analytical. It clearly separates a viewpoint from an established fact.
See also: 15 Other Ways to Say “You Look Handsome” (With Examples)
FAQs:
What is another way to say “according to”?
Natural alternatives include “as stated by,” “as reported by,” “as noted by,” “as per,” “per,” and “based on.” The best choice depends on what follows the phrase. For example, “as reported by” suits a news source, while “in accordance with” works better for rules and policies.
What does “according to” mean?
“According to” identifies the source of information, an opinion, statement, or rule. It can mean that something was said by a person, reported by a source, or required by a rule. Its exact use depends on the context.
Is “according to” professional?
Yes. “According to” is neutral and professional and works well in business emails, reports, academic writing, and everyday communication. It is also common enough to sound natural rather than unnecessarily formal.
What is a more polite way to say “according to”?
In most situations, “according to” is already polite and neutral. If you want a softer or more specific expression, you might use “as noted by,” “as mentioned by,” or “as explained by,” depending on what the source actually did.
Which alternative works best in formal communication?
For formal communication, the best expression depends on the intended meaning. “As stated by” works for explicit statements, “as reported by” for published reports, and “in accordance with” for rules or requirements. Choosing the phrase that accurately describes the source is more important than simply choosing the most formal wording.
Conclusion:
Choosing an alternative to “according to” isn’t simply about finding a different phrase. The right wording should show exactly how your information connects to its source. “As stated by” points to an explicit statement, while “as reported by” emphasizes published reporting. “Based on” focuses on evidence, and “in accordance with” signals compliance with a rule or standard. Other expressions highlight observations, explanations, viewpoints, or organized information.When you choose among these alternatives, consider the meaning, context, formality, and relationship between the source and your statement. Sometimes the familiar “according to” is still the clearest choice.
