Whether you’re writing an academic paper, business email, blog post, or casual message, the phrase “according to” is one of the most common ways to cite information or refer to a source. While it is useful and correct, repeating it too often can make your writing sound repetitive.
Learning other ways to say according to can improve your vocabulary, make your communication more natural, and help you adjust your tone for different situations. Some alternatives sound more professional, while others work better in everyday conversation.
In this guide, you’ll discover 36+ synonyms for according to, along with meanings, examples, and tips for using them correctly. By the end, you’ll have a variety of alternatives to according to that can make your English sound more fluent and polished.
What Does “According To” Mean?
The phrase “according to” means based on information provided by a person, source, report, authority, or document.
It is commonly used when referencing facts, opinions, statistics, research, or statements from another source.
Grammar Explanation
According to + noun/source
Examples:
- According to the report, sales increased.
- According to my teacher, the test will be difficult.
- According to experts, regular exercise improves health.
The phrase acts as a preposition and introduces the source of information.
When to Use “According To”
You can use according to in many situations:
Formal Writing
- Academic essays
- Research papers
- Business reports
- Professional emails
Informal Conversations
- Sharing information
- Referring to someone’s opinion
- Discussing news or events
Spoken English
- Presentations
- Meetings
- Discussions
Written English
- Articles
- Blogs
- Reports
- Emails
Because it clearly identifies the source of information, it is useful in almost every communication setting.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “According To”?
Yes, “according to” is both professional and polite.
It is widely accepted in:
- Corporate communication
- Academic writing
- Journalism
- Government documents
- Professional presentations
Using it helps you show where information comes from and adds credibility to your message.
However, using the same phrase repeatedly can make writing sound repetitive. That’s why learning formal ways to say according to and other alternatives can improve style and readability.
Pros and Cons of Using “According To”
Pros
- Clear and easy to understand
- Suitable for formal writing
- Works in business communication
- Adds credibility to statements
- Commonly accepted in academic writing
Cons
- Can become repetitive
- May sound basic if overused
- Some alternatives provide more nuance
- Less engaging when used repeatedly in long documents
36+ Other Ways to Say “According To”
1. Based On
Meaning: Using information as a foundation.
Explanation: Common in reports and professional writing.
Example Sentence: Based on recent data, customer satisfaction has improved.
Best Use: Business, Formal
Worst Use: Very casual conversations
Tone: Formal
2. As Reported By
Meaning: Information coming from a reported source.
Explanation: Often used in journalism.
Example Sentence: As reported by local media, the event attracted thousands.
Best Use: News, Formal
Worst Use: Personal conversations
Tone: Formal
3. As Stated By
Meaning: Information directly expressed by someone.
Explanation: Useful for quotations and official statements.
Example Sentence: As stated by the CEO, expansion plans are underway.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual chatting
Tone: Formal
4. As Indicated By
Meaning: Suggested or shown by a source.
Explanation: Common in analytical writing.
Example Sentence: As indicated by the survey, most employees prefer remote work.
Best Use: Research
Worst Use: Informal texting
Tone: Formal
5. As Mentioned By
Meaning: Previously referenced by someone.
Explanation: Useful in conversations and reports.
Example Sentence: As mentioned by our manager, the deadline has changed.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Legal documents
Tone: Neutral
6. As Noted By
Meaning: Pointed out by a source.
Explanation: Frequently used in academic writing.
Example Sentence: As noted by researchers, sleep affects memory.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
7. As Observed By
Meaning: Seen or recorded by someone.
Explanation: Useful for research findings.
Example Sentence: As observed by scientists, the species is adapting quickly.
Best Use: Scientific writing
Worst Use: Everyday conversation
Tone: Formal
8. As Documented By
Meaning: Recorded in official records.
Explanation: Emphasizes evidence.
Example Sentence: As documented by historical records, the city was founded centuries ago.
Best Use: Research
Worst Use: Informal situations
Tone: Formal
9. In the Words of
Meaning: Using someone’s exact or similar words.
Explanation: Great for quotations.
Example Sentence: In the words of the author, success requires persistence.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Data reports
Tone: Formal
10. Per
Meaning: According to.
Explanation: Short and common in business communication.
Example Sentence: Per company policy, all visitors must register.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Tone: Professional
11. Per the Statement of
Meaning: Based on someone’s statement.
Explanation: Formal alternative.
Example Sentence: Per the statement of the spokesperson, investigations continue.
Best Use: Official documents
Worst Use: Friendly conversations
Tone: Formal
12. In Line With
Meaning: Consistent with.
Explanation: Common in corporate communication.
Example Sentence: In line with company guidelines, employees must complete training.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Personal discussions
Tone: Professional
13. Consistent With
Meaning: Matching information from a source.
Explanation: Often used in research.
Example Sentence: The findings are consistent with previous studies.
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual texting
Tone: Formal
14. As Cited By
Meaning: Referenced by a source.
Explanation: Academic and scholarly use.
Example Sentence: As cited by the journal, the theory remains influential.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal
15. As Referenced By
Meaning: Mentioned as a source.
Explanation: Similar to academic citation language.
Example Sentence: As referenced by the report, market growth continues.
Best Use: Professional writing
Worst Use: Everyday speech
Tone: Formal
16. On the Authority of
Meaning: Based on an expert source.
Explanation: Highlights credibility.
Example Sentence: On the authority of medical experts, the treatment is effective.
Best Use: Formal reports
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Formal
17. In Agreement With
Meaning: Matching another source’s view.
Explanation: Useful for comparing opinions.
Example Sentence: In agreement with previous findings, the study showed positive results.
Best Use: Research
Worst Use: Informal chat
Tone: Formal
18. As Explained By
Meaning: Clarified by someone.
Explanation: Useful when discussing reasons.
Example Sentence: As explained by the teacher, the formula is easy to apply.
Best Use: Educational contexts
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Neutral
19. As Described By
Meaning: Presented or portrayed by someone.
Explanation: Common in storytelling and reporting.
Example Sentence: As described by witnesses, the event happened quickly.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Technical documents
Tone: Neutral
20. As Claimed By
Meaning: Asserted by someone.
Explanation: Suggests the statement may not be fully verified.
Example Sentence: As claimed by the company, the product lasts longer.
Best Use: Journalism
Worst Use: Proven facts
Tone: Neutral
21. As Asserted By
Meaning: Strongly stated by someone.
Explanation: Adds emphasis.
Example Sentence: As asserted by the lawyer, the evidence is compelling.
Best Use: Formal discussions
Worst Use: Friendly chats
Tone: Formal
22. As Presented By
Meaning: Shown or introduced by a source.
Explanation: Useful for reports and presentations.
Example Sentence: As presented by the committee, the proposal has several benefits.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Informal use
Tone: Formal
23. From the Perspective of
Meaning: Viewed through someone’s opinion.
Explanation: Focuses on viewpoint rather than fact.
Example Sentence: From the perspective of customers, faster service is important.
Best Use: Discussions
Worst Use: Statistical reporting
Tone: Neutral
24. From the Viewpoint of
Meaning: According to a particular perspective.
Explanation: Similar to the previous phrase.
Example Sentence: From the viewpoint of investors, growth remains promising.
Best Use: Analysis
Worst Use: Casual texting
Tone: Neutral
25. Judging By
Meaning: Based on observed evidence.
Explanation: Often used informally.
Example Sentence: Judging by the crowd, the event was successful.
Best Use: Conversation
Worst Use: Academic papers
Tone: Informal
26. Going By
Meaning: Using available information.
Explanation: Common in spoken English.
Example Sentence: Going by recent trends, demand will increase.
Best Use: Casual discussion
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Informal
27. If We Follow
Meaning: Using a source as guidance.
Explanation: Helpful when discussing theories.
Example Sentence: If we follow expert recommendations, the project should succeed.
Best Use: Discussions
Worst Use: Direct quotations
Tone: Neutral
28. Drawing From
Meaning: Taking information from a source.
Explanation: Common in academic writing.
Example Sentence: Drawing from recent studies, researchers developed a new model.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal
29. Derived From
Meaning: Obtained from.
Explanation: Highlights origin.
Example Sentence: The conclusion was derived from extensive research.
Best Use: Research
Worst Use: Informal speech
Tone: Formal
30. Supported By
Meaning: Backed by evidence.
Explanation: Emphasizes proof.
Example Sentence: The recommendation is supported by survey results.
Best Use: Business and academic writing
Worst Use: Personal opinions
Tone: Formal
31. As Revealed By
Meaning: Shown through evidence.
Explanation: Creates emphasis.
Example Sentence: As revealed by the audit, improvements are needed.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal
32. As Shown By
Meaning: Demonstrated by evidence.
Explanation: Common in reports and presentations.
Example Sentence: As shown by the chart, sales increased steadily.
Best Use: Professional writing
Worst Use: Friendly chats
Tone: Neutral
33. As Evidenced By
Meaning: Proven through evidence.
Explanation: Strong formal phrase.
Example Sentence: As evidenced by the results, the strategy worked.
Best Use: Academic and business writing
Worst Use: Informal communication
Tone: Formal
34. Based Upon
Meaning: Formal version of based on.
Explanation: Slightly more traditional style.
Example Sentence: Based upon available records, the claim is accurate.
Best Use: Formal documents
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
35. By the Account of
Meaning: According to someone’s version.
Explanation: Often used in storytelling.
Example Sentence: By the account of witnesses, the incident was unexpected.
Best Use: Reports and narratives
Worst Use: Technical writing
Tone: Neutral
36. Under the Findings of
Meaning: According to research findings.
Explanation: Useful in reports.
Example Sentence: Under the findings of the study, productivity increased significantly.
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Formal
37. Per Reports
Meaning: According to reports.
Explanation: Common in journalism and business updates.
Example Sentence: Per reports, the merger will be finalized next month.
Best Use: News and business
Worst Use: Personal conversations
Tone: Professional
38. Per Experts
Meaning: According to experts.
Explanation: Quick and concise alternative.
Example Sentence: Per experts, early intervention improves outcomes.
Best Use: Professional communication
Worst Use: Informal texting
Tone: Professional
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives to “According To”
| Alternative | Tone | Best For | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based On | Professional | Reports, Business | High |
| As Stated By | Formal | Official Communication | High |
| Per | Professional | Corporate Emails | High |
| As Mentioned By | Neutral | Workplace Communication | Medium |
| In the Words of | Friendly Formal | Speeches, Quotes | Medium |
| Going By | Casual | Conversation | Low |
| Judging By | Informal | Spoken English | Low |
FAQs
1. What is the best formal alternative to “according to”?
Based on, as stated by, and per are among the best formal alternatives used in professional and academic writing.
2. Is “per” a professional synonym for “according to”?
Yes. Per is widely used in business emails, corporate policies, and workplace communication.
3. Which alternative is best for academic writing?
As noted by, as cited by, drawing from, and based on work especially well in academic contexts.
4. What informal phrases can replace “according to”?
Going by and judging by are common informal alternatives used in everyday conversation.
5. Can I use different alternatives in the same document?
Yes. Using different phrases helps avoid repetition and makes your writing more engaging and professional.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say according to can make your English sound more natural, fluent, and professional. While according to remains a useful and widely accepted phrase, relying on it too often can make writing repetitive.
By using alternatives such as based on, per, as stated by, drawing from, and going by, you can match the right tone for every situation. Practice these expressions in emails, reports, conversations, and essays to build confidence and improve your communication skills over time.
I’m Justin Harper, an English grammar enthusiast and content writer passionate about helping learners improve vocabulary, writing, and communication skills through simple, accurate, and engaging educational content at EnglishBlasts.
