According to many writing experts, the ability to express ideas with varied phrases can enhance communication and make your writing more dynamic. When you rely too heavily on one term, your writing may feel repetitive, losing its effectiveness. One such phrase that often gets overused is “according to.” Whether you’re writing in formal contexts like academic papers, business emails, or professional reports, finding alternative phrases is key to improving writing and maintaining reader engagement.
By mastering different expressions of the same idea, you will refine communication and strengthen your message. In this article, we will explore 20 synonyms for “according to,” each with an explanation of its best use and a practical example to help you integrate these phrases into your writing. With this approach, you can boost clarity and elevate communication across various settings.
Alternative Ways to Say “According To”
You can use these ways instead to say “According To”:
- As Stated By
- As Per
- In the Words Of
- Based On
- As Noted By
- Per Guidelines
- In Line With
- As Pointed Out
- Following Protocol
- As Mentioned By
- Consistent With
- In Accordance With
- As Observed By
- Aligned With
- As Remarked By
- As Commented By
- Per Regulations
- Conforming to Standards
- As Per Regulations
- In Agreement With
As Stated By
This phrase is often used when citing expert opinion or referencing someone’s exact words. It works well in formal writing, such as academic essays or business reports, where you need to credit an authoritative source.
Best Use: This is ideal in academic contexts when referencing an expert or study.
Example: As stated by Dr. Williams, the findings of the study significantly impact modern medicine.
As Per
“As per” is a more concise version of “according to” that fits well in professional settings, such as business emails or official documents. It conveys the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.
Best Use: Common in structured environments like law or compliance documents.
Example: As per the contract, all deliverables must be submitted by Friday.
In the Words Of
This phrase adds a conversational tone to your writing and is great when you want to attribute a quote or personal insight to someone. It can be used in both casual and professional settings.
Best Use: Use this in presentations or essays when directly quoting someone’s speech.
Example: In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
Based On
“Based on” is a flexible term that allows you to reference data-driven results, empirical evidence, or study outcomes. It’s often used when citing research findings or scientific conclusions.
Best Use: Best for technical reports or academic research.
Example: Based on the recent study, remote work has increased productivity by 20%.
As Noted By
This phrase is commonly used in official settings where you need to emphasize that a point has been previously mentioned by an authority or expert analysis.
Best Use: Works well in presentations, academic papers, or business reports.
Example: As noted by the CEO in yesterday’s meeting, we need to prioritize customer satisfaction.
Per Guidelines
This is a more formal way of saying “according to,” and is typically used in official documents or professional advice. It refers to compliance or adherence to a specific set of rules or protocols.
Best Use: Useful in compliance-related writing or corporate communication.
Example: Per guidelines issued by the HR department, all employees must complete the safety training.
In Line With
“In line with” is a polished phrase often used to indicate that something conforms to certain standards or in accordance with previously established rules. It’s frequently used in academic contexts or formal writing.
Best Use: Suitable for legal or procedural documents.
Example: In line with the new regulations, the company has updated its privacy policy.
As Pointed Out
When you want to highlight that someone has made an important remark, “as pointed out” is an ideal substitute for “according to.” It keeps your writing concise and clear while attributing the source of the remark.
Best Use: Ideal for reports or formal meetings.
Example: As pointed out by John, the marketing campaign’s success hinges on targeting the right audience.
Following Protocol
This phrase is a great substitute when referencing procedures or systems in place. It’s particularly useful when writing in structured environments that demand strict adherence to protocols.
Best Use: Effective in professional settings like law, medicine, or business operations.
Example: Following protocol, all team members must submit their weekly reports by Friday.
As Mentioned By
“As mentioned by” is an elegant phrase to use when referring back to a previously stated point. It helps to maintain clarity and flow in your writing.
Best Use: Excellent for academic essays, research papers, and business meetings.
Example: As mentioned by Sarah earlier, we will need to revise the marketing strategy for the next quarter.
Is it Professional to Say “According To”?
It is professional to say “according to”, especially in formal writing or professional settings, as it accurately attributes information to a source. However, overusing the phrase can make your writing feel repetitive. To maintain a high level of language proficiency and boost clarity, it’s recommended to use varied phrases such as “as stated by” or “based on” in professional contexts. This can help refine communication and ensure your message is clear and engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we use “according to”?
“According to” is used to attribute statements, information, or opinions to a specific source, such as a person, document, or study. It’s commonly used in formal writing to introduce research findings or expert opinion.
What can I say instead of “according to”?
You can use alternative phrases like “as stated by,” “based on,” “in line with,” or “per guidelines” to replace “according to” and vary your language in professional settings.
What is the meaning of “according to”?
“According to” means that something is being reported or explained based on the source being referenced, indicating that the information is attributed to someone or something else.
Is “according to” a preposition?
Yes, “according to” is a prepositional phrase that introduces a source or authority from which the information or statement originates.
Conclusion
Choosing the right words can significantly improve your writing and enhance communication. By using these 20 alternative phrases, you can avoid redundancy and make your work more engaging and polished. Whether you’re drafting a business email, writing a report, or preparing an academic paper, these varied expressions will help you convey ideas clearly and effectively.
To truly elevate communication and boost clarity, it’s essential to practice using these alternative wording options regularly. With time, you’ll find that your ability to choose the right expression at the right time becomes a natural part of your communication skills, strengthening your message and ensuring a greater impact.
William Henry is a writer for Grammar Max, a blog that focuses on synonyms and phrases. He loves exploring the quirks of the English language and enjoys helping readers improve their vocabulary. William’s articles are easy to read, fun, and full of useful tips for anyone looking to better understand and use English. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone interested in language, William’s writing on Grammar Max makes learning about words and their meanings simple and enjoyable.
