Have you ever noticed how often you type or say “according to” in a single email, essay, or presentation? It happens to everyone. You start a sentence, reach for that familiar phrase, and suddenly realize you have used it five times in one paragraph. Your writing starts to feel repetitive and flat.
This guide solves that problem. You will discover powerful synonyms for “according to” that match any situation. Whether you are writing a business report, an academic paper, a social media caption, or a casual text message, you will find the perfect alternative.
The right word choice changes everything. It makes your writing more precise, your arguments more convincing, and your communication more professional. Let us explore the best synonyms for “according to” and learn exactly when to use each one.
What Does “According To” Mean?
“According to” is a prepositional phrase that attributes information to a source or indicates agreement with a rule or standard. The best synonym depends on context. Use “per” for professional writing, “as stated by” for formal situations, “based on” for evidence driven content, and “from” for casual conversation.
Meaning, Tone and Context
Simple Definition
“According to” means as stated by someone or something, or in agreement with a particular rule or standard. It attributes information to its source.
Part of Speech
Prepositional phrase.
Tone
Neutral. The phrase itself does not carry strong emotion. The tone comes from the context and the source you are citing.
Formality Level
Neutral to formal. This phrase works in most situations, but overuse can make writing feel stiff or robotic.
Common Use Cases
You use “according to” when citing sources in academic writing, referencing experts in professional documents, quoting people in news articles, following rules or instructions, and sharing information you learned from someone else.
Important Word Forms
The root word “accord” means agreement or harmony. Related forms include “accordance” as a noun and “accordant” as an adjective. You rarely use these in everyday writing, but they appear in formal or legal language.
When and How to Use “According To”
Use “according to” when you need to attribute information to a specific source. This could be a person, a document, a study, or an organization. The phrase signals to your reader that you are reporting someone else’s words or findings rather than your own opinion.
Here are realistic examples showing different contexts.
Professional
According to the quarterly report, our sales increased by 15 percent last month.
Academic
According to recent studies, exercise improves cognitive function in older adults.
Personal
According to my mother, the best pasta comes from a small restaurant in Rome.
Creative
According to the old legend, the forest comes alive at midnight.
Social Media
According to the brand’s announcement, the new product launches next week.
Email
According to the client’s feedback, we need to revise the proposal before the meeting.
Casual Conversation
According to the weather app, it will rain all weekend.
Another Word for “According To”
Finding the best single replacement for “according to” depends entirely on your writing situation. No single synonym works everywhere. You need to match the word to the context.
Here are direct suggestions for specific situations.
Professional Writing
Use “per” or “as per.” These words sound confident and businesslike. They work well in emails, reports, and internal communications.
Academic Writing
Use “as stated by” or “based on.” These phrases maintain the formal tone academic readers expect while varying your sentence structure.
Casual Conversation
Use “from” or “going by.” These are shorter, more natural alternatives for everyday speech and informal writing.
Emotional Writing
Use “in the view of” or “as believed by.” These phrases can carry personal or emotional weight when you discuss someone’s perspective.
Creative Writing
Use “as told by” or “through the eyes of.” These alternatives add narrative depth and storytelling quality.
Resume or Workplace Use
Use “per” or “as indicated by.” These sound professional and precise.
Social Media Captions
Use “based on” or “from.” Keep it short and conversational.
Stronger Meaning
Use “as asserted by.” This implies more confidence in the source.
Softer Meaning
Use “according to roughly” or “based on estimates of.” This suggests the information is approximate.
When Not to Use “According To”
Avoid “according to” when you are stating your own opinion or widely known facts. The phrase attributes information to an external source, so it sounds odd when you use it for your own thoughts.
Here is a weak sentence using the original phrase.
Weak: According to me, the movie was better than the book.
This sounds awkward and self important. Your opinion does not need attribution.
Better: In my opinion, the movie was better than the book.
Another weak example uses “according to” for a common fact.
Weak: According to scientists, water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Better: Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fact is common knowledge and does not require a source citation.
Consider this situation where “according to” is too vague.
Weak: According to the data, we should change our strategy.
The reader cannot verify the data source. A more precise synonym would help.
Better: Based on the quarterly sales data, we should change our strategy.
The revised version specifies what data supports the decision.
Words Commonly Confused With “According To”
Several phrases are often confused with “according to.” Understanding the differences helps you choose the right word for your sentence.
According to vs. In accordance with
“According to” means as stated by someone. “In accordance with” means in compliance with a rule or law.
Use “according to” for sources of information. Use “in accordance with” for rules and regulations.
Example: According to the CEO, we need to reduce costs.
Example: In accordance with company policy, we reduced costs.
According to vs. As per
“As per” is more formal and often used in business writing. “According to” is more common in general writing.
Use “as per” in professional emails and documents. Use “according to” in most other situations.
Example: As per your request, I have attached the file.
Example: According to your request, I have attached the file.
According to vs. Based on
“Based on” emphasizes that information comes from evidence or data. “According to” emphasizes the source of the information.
Use “based on” when the focus is on evidence. Use “according to” when the focus is on who said it.
Example: Based on the evidence, we made a decision.
Example: According to the witness, we made a decision.
According to vs. By
“By” is a shorter alternative for casual or formal contexts. It emphasizes the agent or source more directly.
Use “by” to attribute information directly to an author or source.
Example: As stated by the author, the theory is flawed.
Example: By the author’s own admission, the theory is flawed.
According to vs. With respect to
“With respect to” means concerning or regarding a topic. It does not attribute information to a source.
Use “with respect to” to introduce a topic. Use “according to” to cite a source.
Example: With respect to the budget, we need more time.
Example: According to the budget report, we need more time.
According to vs. As stated by
“As stated by” is a direct and more formal way to attribute information. It sounds official.
Use “as stated by” in formal reports and official communications.
Example: As stated by the committee, the project is approved.
Example: According to the committee, the project is approved.
Best Synonym by Context for “According To”
| Context | Best Synonym | Why It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | As stated by | Sounds official and authoritative | As stated by the board, the merger is final. |
| Academic Writing | Based on | Emphasizes evidence and research | Based on the data, the hypothesis is correct. |
| Professional Business | Per | Concise and businesslike | Per the client’s request, we extended the deadline. |
| Resume | As indicated by | Shows attention to detail | As indicated by my performance reviews, I exceeded goals. |
| Casual Conversation | From | Simple and natural | From what I heard, the party was fun. |
| Creative Writing | As told by | Adds narrative flair | As told by the villagers, the ghost haunts the bridge. |
| Emotional Tone | In the view of | Carries personal weight | In the view of my grandmother, kindness matters most. |
| Strong Intensity | As asserted by | Implies strong confidence | As asserted by the expert, the results are conclusive. |
| Soft Moderate Tone | Based on roughly | Suggests approximation | Based on roughly my calculations, we have enough. |
| Social Media Captions | Based on | Short and modern | Based on the trend, this is the next big thing. |
| US Usage | According to | Standard American English | According to the CDC, cases are declining. |
| UK Usage | According to | Standard British English too | According to the BBC, the election is close. |
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Choosing the right synonym for “according to” depends on four factors: your audience, your purpose, the source, and the tone you want to achieve.
Consider your audience first. Are you writing for colleagues, professors, friends, or the public? Professional audiences expect more formal alternatives like “per” or “as stated by.” Casual audiences appreciate simpler options like “from” or “based on.”
Think about your purpose. Are you citing evidence, sharing a story, or following instructions? Evidence based writing benefits from phrases like “based on” or “as demonstrated by.” Storytelling works better with “as told by” or “in the words of.”
Evaluate your source. Is it an expert, a document, a personal experience, or a rumor? Expert sources deserve “according to the study by” or “as asserted by.” Personal sources are better served with “from” or “based on what I heard.”
Match your tone. Strong claims need confident language like “as asserted by.” Tentative claims work better with “based on the available information.” Formal reports demand precise attribution. Creative writing allows more flexibility.
The best strategy is to vary your word choice throughout your document. Use different synonyms to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
Real Life Examples of “According To” in Sentences
Here are examples showing how to use “according to” and its synonyms across different real life situations.
School Assignment
Original: According to my textbook, photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts.
Better: As stated by my biology textbook, photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts.
Workplace Email
Original: According to the HR policy, all leave requests must be submitted online.
Better: Per HR policy, all leave requests must be submitted online.
Blog Writing
Original: According to health experts, drinking water boosts energy.
Better: Based on advice from health experts, drinking water boosts energy.
Everyday Conversation
Original: According to my friend, the new cafe has great coffee.
Better: From what my friend said, the new cafe has great coffee.
Social Media Caption
Original: According to the brand, these sneakers are the most comfortable.
Better: Based on the brand’s claim, these sneakers are the most comfortable.
Resume Bullet Point
Original: According to my performance reviews, I consistently exceeded targets.
Better: As indicated by my performance reviews, I consistently exceeded targets.
Storytelling
Original: According to my grandfather, he walked five miles to school each day.
Better: As told by my grandfather, he walked five miles to school each day.
Formal Report
Original: According to the environmental study, emissions decreased last year.
Better: As demonstrated by the environmental study, emissions decreased last year.
25 Synonyms for “According To”
| Synonym | Simple Meaning | Best Used For | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| As stated by | Reported by someone | Formal attribution | As stated by the professor, the exam covers chapters one through six. |
| Based on | Founded on evidence | Academic and professional | Based on the latest research, the treatment is effective. |
| Per | As stated by | Business communication | Per the manager’s instructions, we closed the store early. |
| From | Coming from a source | Casual conversation | From the neighbors, the street party starts at noon. |
| In accordance with | In compliance with | Legal and official | In accordance with the law, all cars must have insurance. |
| As per | Following the instructions | Professional emails | As per your request, I have updated the schedule. |
| As reported by | Given in a report | News and journalism | As reported by the news agency, the storm is approaching. |
| As indicated by | Shown by | Data driven writing | As indicated by the charts, sales increased this quarter. |
| In the words of | Quoting someone | Creative and storytelling | In the words of my mentor, patience is a virtue. |
| By | Done by | Simple attribution | By the author’s account, the journey was difficult. |
| As demonstrated by | Proven by | Scientific writing | As demonstrated by the experiment, the hypothesis holds true. |
| On the authority of | Trusting a source | Formal and strong | On the authority of the board, we can proceed. |
| As claimed by | Alleged by | Cautious attribution | As claimed by the witness, the suspect ran away. |
| Following | After and according to | Instructions | Following the recipe, I added two cups of flour. |
| As mentioned by | Referenced by | Professional writing | As mentioned by the CEO, the company is growing. |
| Using | Employing as a source | Methodological | Using the survey data, we identified key trends. |
| As per the guidance of | Following advice | Professional | As per the guidance of the consultant, we restructured. |
| In line with | Consistent with | Formal comparisons | In line with the forecast, temperatures will drop. |
| As suggested by | Recommended by | Professional | As suggested by the editor, I revised the article. |
| With reference to | Referring to | Official correspondence | With reference to your email, the meeting is confirmed. |
| As told by | Narrated by | Storytelling | As told by the elders, the river was once sacred. |
| In view of | Considering | Formal reasoning | In view of the evidence, the judge made her decision. |
| According to the source of | From a specific origin | General use | According to the source of the rumor, it might be true. |
| As authored by | Written by | Citing publications | As authored by Smith, the book is a classic. |
| Pursuant to | Following a rule | Legal language | Pursuant to the contract, we must deliver by Friday. |
Synonym Groups and Usage Differences
Professional vs. Personal Synonyms
Professional synonyms are concise and businesslike. They include “per,” “as per,” and “as indicated by.” These words sound confident and direct. They work in emails, reports, and presentations.
Personal synonyms are warmer and more conversational. They include “from,” “based on what,” and “according to my.” These phrases feel natural in everyday conversation and personal writing.
Use professional synonyms in workplace communication. Use personal synonyms with friends and family.
Formal vs. Conversational Synonyms
Formal synonyms sound official and precise. They include “in accordance with,” “on the authority of,” and “pursuant to.” These phrases appear in legal documents, official reports, and academic papers.
Conversational synonyms are simple and natural. They include “from,” “by,” and “based on.” These words are easy to understand and feel casual.
Use formal synonyms in official writing. Use conversational synonyms in everyday speaking and writing.
Academic Synonyms
Academic writing requires precise attribution to sources. The best synonyms are “based on,” “as demonstrated by,” and “as reported by.” These phrases emphasize evidence and research.
Academic synonyms show you have done your homework. They add credibility to your arguments. Use them in essays, research papers, and scholarly articles.
Professional and Business Synonyms
Business communication needs concise and confident language. The best synonyms are “per,” “as per,” and “as indicated by.” These words are short and direct.
Professional synonyms save space in emails and reports. They sound competent and efficient. Use them in workplace communication.
Creative or Literary Synonyms
Creative writing benefits from vivid and descriptive language. The best synonyms are “as told by,” “in the words of,” and “through the eyes of.” These phrases add narrative depth.
Creative synonyms make your writing more engaging. They help tell stories and build atmosphere. Use them in fiction, personal essays, and narrative writing.
Strongest vs. Weaker Synonyms
Intensity Scale from Mild to Strong
Mild: From
Mild: Based on roughly
Medium: Based on
Medium: According to
Strong: As stated by
Stronger: As asserted by
Strongest: On the authority of
Use milder synonyms when the information is approximate or uncertain. Use stronger synonyms when the source is authoritative and confident.
Emotional vs. Neutral Synonyms
Neutral synonyms stick to the facts. They include “according to,” “based on,” and “as reported by.” These phrases do not add emotion.
Emotional synonyms carry personal weight. They include “in the view of,” “as believed by,” and “in the words of.” These phrases imply feeling or personal perspective.
Use neutral synonyms for objective writing. Use emotional synonyms for personal or persuasive writing.
Antonyms of “According To”
| Antonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Contrary to | Opposing what was said | Contrary to the forecast, the sun came out. |
| Despite | Without being affected by | Despite the warnings, we went ahead. |
| In opposition to | Against a source | In opposition to the report, we found no issues. |
| Regardless of | Without consideration | Regardless of the rules, we made an exception. |
| In spite of | Even though something exists | In spite of the evidence, he denied everything. |
| Against | Opposing something | Against the advice of my doctor, I ate the cake. |
| Despite what | Without considering what was said | Despite what you heard, I am telling the truth. |
| Counter to | In the opposite direction | Counter to my expectations, the movie was great. |
| Disregarding | Ignoring something | Disregarding the manual, I assembled it myself. |
| Irrespective of | Without regard to | Irrespective of the cost, we bought the house. |
| In defiance of | Openly ignoring | In defiance of the rule, he wore a hat indoors. |
| Without regard to | Not considering | Without regard to the risks, she traveled alone. |
| Even so | Nevertheless | Even so, the team continued working. |
| Although | Despite the fact that | Although the source said otherwise, we believed her. |
| Nonconforming to | Not following | Nonconforming to the standard, the product failed. |
Comparison: “According To” vs. Similar Words
“According To” vs. “In Accordance With”
Main Difference
“According to” attributes information to a source. “In accordance with” indicates compliance with rules or standards.
Which One Is Stronger
“In accordance with” is stronger for legal and regulatory contexts.
Which One Is More Formal
“In accordance with” is significantly more formal.
Example Sentence for “According To”
According to the manager, we must wear uniforms.
Example Sentence for “In Accordance With”
In accordance with the dress code, we must wear uniforms.
“According To” vs. “Per”
Main Difference
“Per” is a concise business synonym. “According to” is more general.
Which One Is Stronger
“Per” is stronger in professional contexts.
Which One Is More Formal
“Per” is less formal than “in accordance with” but more formal than general “according to.”
Example Sentence for “According To”
According to the guidelines, the report must be short.
Example Sentence for “Per”
Per the guidelines, the report must be short.
“According To” vs. “Based On”
Main Difference
“According to” focuses on the source. “Based on” focuses on the evidence.
Which One Is Stronger
“Based on” is stronger when you have solid data.
Which One Is More Formal
Both are acceptable in formal writing.
Example Sentence for “According To”
According to the data, we need more staff.
Example Sentence for “Based On”
Based on the data, we need more staff.
“According To” vs. “As Stated By”
Main Difference
“As stated by” is a direct attribution phrase. “According to” is more general.
Which One Is Stronger
“As stated by” is more direct and official.
Which One Is More Formal
“As stated by” is more formal.
Example Sentence for “According To”
According to the author, the war started in 1914.
Example Sentence for “As Stated By”
As stated by the author, the war started in 1914.
“According To” vs. “From”
Main Difference
“From” is shorter and more conversational. “According to” is more formal.
Which One Is Stronger
Both are neutral in strength.
Which One Is More Formal
“According to” is more formal.
Example Sentence for “According To”
According to my sister, the movie is hilarious.
Example Sentence for “From”
From my sister, the movie is hilarious.
“According To” vs. “As Reported By”
Main Difference
“As reported by” is specific to news and journalism. “According to” is general.
Which One Is Stronger
“As reported by” is stronger for journalistic credibility.
Which One Is More Formal
“As reported by” is more formal.
Example Sentence for “According To”
According to the news, the president will speak today.
Example Sentence for “As Reported By”
As reported by the news, the president will speak today.
Common Phrases and Expressions with “According To”
1. According to plan
Meaning: Happening as intended.
Example: The project proceeded according to plan with no major delays.
2. According to all accounts
Meaning: Based on everything people have said.
Example: According to all accounts, the concert was a huge success.
3. According to schedule
Meaning: On time as planned.
Example: The train arrived according to schedule at exactly 3 PM.
4. According to law
Meaning: Following legal requirements.
Example: According to law, all businesses must file taxes annually.
5. According to custom
Meaning: Following traditional practices.
Example: According to custom, the bride wears white at the wedding.
6. According to the rules
Meaning: Following established regulations.
Example: According to the rules, players must wear safety equipment.
7. According to what I heard
Meaning: Based on information from others.
Example: According to what I heard, the company is hiring new staff.
8. According to the source
Meaning: Based on where the information came from.
Example: According to the source, the meeting has been postponed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using “according to” for personal opinions
This sounds strange and overly formal. Your opinion does not need attribution.
Incorrect: According to me, the pizza is delicious.
Correct: In my opinion, the pizza is delicious.
Mistake 2: Confusing “according to” with “in accordance with”
“According to” is for sources. “In accordance with” is for rules.
Incorrect: According to the policy, we must wear helmets.
Correct: In accordance with the policy, we must wear helmets.
Mistake 3: Using a casual synonym in formal writing
“From” feels too informal in academic papers.
Incorrect: From the study, the results are clear.
Correct: Based on the study, the results are clear.
Mistake 4: Using an overly dramatic synonym for a simple situation
“As asserted by” is too strong for everyday facts.
Incorrect: As asserted by the weather app, it is sunny.
Correct: From the weather app, it is sunny.
Mistake 5: Repeating the same synonym too often
Variety keeps your writing engaging.
Weak: According to the report, sales are up. According to the manager, we should celebrate. According to the data, we can grow more.
Better: According to the report, sales are up. The manager believes we should celebrate. The data suggests we can grow more.
Mistake 6: Choosing a synonym with the wrong emotional tone
Neutral words can feel cold in emotional contexts.
Weak: According to my grandmother, I am talented.
Better: As my grandmother believes, I am talented.
Mistake 7: Using slang in academic writing
Slang destroys credibility in formal contexts.
Incorrect: Based on the prof’s lecture, the exam is hard.
Correct: Based on the professor’s lecture, the exam is challenging.
FAQs
1. What is the best synonym for “according to”?
The best synonym depends on context. Use “per” for professional writing, “based on” for academic work, and “from” for casual conversation.
2. What is a formal synonym for “according to”?
Formal synonyms include “as stated by,” “on the authority of,” and “in accordance with.” These work well in reports and legal documents.
3. What is an informal synonym for “according to”?
Informal synonyms include “from,” “based on what,” and “going by.” These are perfect for everyday conversation and casual writing.
4. What is another word for “according to” in professional writing?
“Per” and “as per” are excellent professional alternatives. They sound confident and businesslike in emails and reports.
5. What is the difference between “according to” and “based on”?
“According to” attributes information to a source. “Based on” emphasizes that information comes from evidence or data.
6. What is the opposite of “according to”?
Common antonyms include “contrary to,” “despite,” and “in opposition to.” These express disagreement or contradiction.
Conclusion
“According to” is a useful phrase for attributing information to sources. It helps you give credit, show evidence, and follow rules. But overusing it makes your writing repetitive and dull.
The key is choosing the right synonym for your context. Use “per” for professional situations. “based on” for academic writing. Use “from” for casual conversation. Match your word to your audience and purpose.
Remember to vary your word choice. Strong writing uses different synonyms to keep the reader engaged. Practice using these alternatives in your next email, essay, or social media post. Your writing will become more precise, professional, and interesting.
Take one synonym from this guide and use it today. Small changes make a big difference in how people perceive your communication.
