According To: Meaning and Examples for Writing
When you write an essay, an email, or a report, you often need to show where your information comes from. The phrase “according to” is one of the most common linking words used for this purpose. It means “as stated by” or “as reported by.” You use it to introduce someone else’s opinion, data, or findings without directly quoting them. This guide explains exactly how to use “according to” correctly, where it fits in formal and informal writing, and what mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer: What Does “According To” Mean?
“According to” is a prepositional phrase that attributes information to a source. It tells the reader that the following statement comes from a person, a document, a study, or an organization. For example: “According to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.” The source is the weather report, not your own opinion. Use it when you want to give credit, show evidence, or distance yourself from the claim.
How to Use “According To” in Sentences
The structure is simple: According to + [source] + [statement]. The source can be a person’s name, a company, a book, a website, or a study. The statement is the information that comes from that source. Here are a few examples:
- According to the manager, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- According to a recent study, exercise improves memory.
- According to the company policy, all employees must wear ID badges.
Notice that the phrase usually comes at the beginning of the sentence, followed by a comma. You can also place it in the middle or at the end, but the beginning is most common in formal writing.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
“According to” works in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in formal writing. In academic essays, business reports, and news articles, it is the standard way to cite a source. In casual conversation or friendly emails, it can sound a little stiff. For example:
- Formal: According to the 2023 annual report, sales increased by 15%.
- Informal: My friend said the movie was great. (Instead of: According to my friend, the movie was great.)
In everyday speech, people often use “says” or “said” instead. But if you want to sound more precise or professional, “according to” is a good choice.
Email and Conversation Context
In professional emails, “according to” is very useful. You can use it to refer to a previous message, a policy document, or a client’s request. For example:
- According to your email, the deadline is next Tuesday.
- According to the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
In conversation, it is less common but still correct. You might hear it in a meeting or a presentation: “According to the latest data, customer satisfaction is high.” In casual chat, people usually say “based on what I heard” or “someone told me.”
Comparison Table: “According To” vs. Other Attribution Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to | As stated by a source | Formal writing, reports, essays | According to the study, coffee improves focus. |
| Based on | Using evidence or data | Academic or analytical writing | Based on the results, we need more testing. |
| As per | In accordance with | Business or legal documents | As per your request, I have attached the file. |
| In the words of | Quoting someone directly | Speeches, literary writing | In the words of Einstein, imagination is more important. |
| Per | According to (short form) | Informal notes, instructions | Per the manual, press the red button. |
Use this table to choose the right phrase for your context. “According to” is the safest choice for most formal situations.
Natural Examples of “According To”
Here are ten natural sentences that show how “according to” is used in real writing and speech. Read them aloud to get a feel for the rhythm.
- According to the news, the storm will hit the coast tonight.
- According to my professor, the exam covers chapters one through five.
- According to the recipe, you need to bake the cake for 30 minutes.
- According to the survey, 80% of customers prefer online shopping.
- According to the doctor, rest is the best medicine for a cold.
- According to the sign, the museum opens at 10 a.m.
- According to the instructions, insert the battery with the positive side up.
- According to the budget, we cannot afford a new computer this year.
- According to the witness, the car was speeding before the accident.
- According to the website, the product is currently out of stock.
Notice that the source is always a specific person, document, or organization. Avoid using vague sources like “according to people” or “according to everyone.”
Common Mistakes with “According To”
Even advanced English learners make mistakes with this phrase. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “According To” for Your Own Opinion
Incorrect: According to me, this is the best solution.
Correct: In my opinion, this is the best solution.
Why: “According to” should only introduce someone else’s view, not your own. Use “in my opinion” or “I think” for personal views.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Comma
Incorrect: According to the report sales are up.
Correct: According to the report, sales are up.
Why: A comma after the source makes the sentence easier to read.
Mistake 3: Using “According To” with a Verb
Incorrect: According to what she said, the meeting is canceled.
Correct: According to her, the meeting is canceled.
Why: Keep the source simple. Use a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause.
Mistake 4: Confusing “According To” with “Due To”
Incorrect: According to the rain, the game was postponed.
Correct: Due to the rain, the game was postponed.
Why: “Due to” means “because of,” while “according to” means “as stated by.” They are not interchangeable.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes “according to” is not the best choice. Here are three alternatives and the situations where they work better.
- As stated by – Use this in very formal writing, such as legal documents or academic papers. Example: As stated by the defendant, the contract was signed in 2020.
- Based on – Use this when you want to emphasize evidence or data. Example: Based on the test results, the drug is effective.
- Per – Use this in short, direct instructions or business notes. Example: Per your request, I have updated the file.
In most cases, “according to” is perfectly fine. But if you want to vary your writing, these alternatives can help.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct phrase: according to, in my opinion, or due to. Answers are below.
- ________ the schedule, the train leaves at 3 p.m.
- ________ the traffic, we arrived late.
- ________ the movie was boring, but my friend loved it.
- ________ the teacher, the homework is optional.
Answers:
1. According to
2. Due to
3. In my opinion
4. According to
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “according to” at the end of a sentence?
Yes, but it is less common. For example: The meeting is canceled, according to the manager. This works in informal writing or speech, but in formal writing, it is better to place the phrase at the beginning.
2. Is “according to” followed by a comma?
Yes, when it starts a sentence. If it appears in the middle, commas are usually placed around it. Example: The report, according to the editor, needs revision.
3. Can I use “according to” with a website or article title?
Yes. For example: According to the article “Climate Change,” temperatures are rising. Just make sure the source is clear and specific.
4. What is the difference between “according to” and “as per”?
“As per” is more formal and often used in business or legal contexts. It means “in accordance with.” For example: As per the agreement, payment is due monthly. “According to” is more general and can be used in everyday writing.
Final Tips for Using “According To”
To use “according to” like a careful writer, remember these three rules:
- Always name a specific source. Avoid vague references.
- Use a comma after the source when the phrase starts the sentence.
- Do not use it for your own opinion. Save it for facts, data, or statements from others.
For more help with linking words, visit our Transition Word Examples section. You can also explore Essay Starters for other useful phrases. If you have questions, check our FAQ page or contact us directly. Happy writing!
