15 Other Ways to Say “According To” (With Examples)

Finding other ways to say “according to” can enhance your writing and communication by adding variety and precision. Whether you’re drafting an academic paper, writing a news article, or engaging in everyday conversation, using these alternatives can make your message more engaging and clear. In this post, we’ll explore 15 alternatives to “according to,” complete with explanations and examples to help you incorporate them into your daily language. From the formal “As per” to the conversational “From what I’ve heard,” these expressions will expand your vocabulary and improve your communication skills.

What to Say Instead of “According To”?

Here are 15 ways to say “according to”:

As per
In accordance with
Based on
As reported by
In the words of
By the account of
As stated in
Following
In line with
On the authority of
As mentioned by
From
Citing
Referencing
From what I’ve heard

1. As per

“As per” is a formal expression used to reference something that has been previously stated or agreed upon. It implies adherence to a particular source or instruction and is commonly used in professional or legal contexts.

This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize that your actions or statements are in alignment with a specific guideline, document, or communication. It adds a level of formality and precision to your language.

Usage Examples:

In an email: “As per our last meeting, we will proceed with the project next Monday.”
In a contract: “Payments will be made monthly, as per the terms outlined above.”
In instructions: “Please submit your report by Friday, as per the manager’s request.”

2. In accordance with

“In accordance with” is a formal way to indicate that something is compliant with a rule, law, or request. It suggests strict adherence to a specified standard or directive.

This phrase is particularly useful in legal, academic, or official documents where precision and formality are required. It conveys respect for the authority of the source being referenced.

Usage Examples:

In a policy document: “All employees must act in accordance with the company’s code of conduct.”
In a legal context: “The decision was made in accordance with the applicable laws.”
In academic writing: “In accordance with previous research, our findings suggest a similar trend.”

3. Based on

“Based on” is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is derived from or founded upon specific information or evidence. It connects the subsequent statement directly to its source.

This expression is suitable for both formal and informal contexts and is especially handy when discussing conclusions, decisions, or opinions that stem from particular data or observations.

Usage Examples:

In a report: “Based on the survey results, customer satisfaction has improved.”
In a conversation: “I chose this route based on your recommendation.”
In decision-making: “The committee approved the plan based on its feasibility.”

4. As reported by

“As reported by” is used to attribute information to a specific source, often in journalism or academic writing. It signals that the following information comes from a particular report or news outlet.

This phrase adds credibility to your statement by showing that it is backed by a recognized source. It is effective in contexts where sourcing information accurately is important.

Usage Examples:

In the news: “As reported by the local newspaper, the festival was a great success.”
In research: “As reported by Smith et al. (2020), the experiment yielded positive results.”
In presentations: “As reported by industry analysts, market growth is expected to double.”

5. In the words of

“In the words of” is used to directly quote or closely paraphrase someone else’s statement. It brings authenticity and emphasis to the point being made.

This expression is effective when you want to highlight the original speaker’s exact phrasing or when their specific wording adds weight to your message.

Usage Examples:

In a speech: “In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'”
In writing: “In the words of the CEO, ‘Innovation is the key to our success.'”
In discussions: “In the words of my mentor, ‘Always stay curious.'”

6. By the account of

“By the account of” is used to attribute information to someone’s personal experience or testimony. It suggests that the information is as told by a particular person.

This phrase is useful when discussing events or stories where firsthand accounts are important. It adds a layer of authenticity and personal perspective.

Usage Examples:

In storytelling: “By the account of the witnesses, the event was unprecedented.”
In historical context: “By the account of ancient scholars, the civilization was highly advanced.”
In legal settings: “By the account of the defendant, he was elsewhere at the time.”

7. As stated in

“As stated in” is a formal way to reference specific information from a document, speech, or other source. It indicates that the following information is taken directly from that source.

This expression is appropriate in academic, legal, and professional contexts where precise sourcing is important. It underscores the authority of the original statement.

Usage Examples:

In academic papers: “As stated in the journal article, the results were inconclusive.”
In legal documents: “As stated in Section 4, the tenant must give 30 days’ notice.”
In presentations: “As stated in our annual report, profits have increased by 15%.”

8. Following

“Following” is used to indicate that something comes after or as a result of something else. When used as an alternative to “according to,” it suggests that the subsequent information is derived from a particular source.

This phrase is concise and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It smoothly transitions the reader or listener to the referenced information.

Usage Examples:

In instructions: “Following the guidelines, we implemented the new policy.”
In reports: “Following the data collected, we made several improvements.”
In conversations: “Following your advice, I updated my resume.”

9. In line with

“In line with” means in agreement or accordance with something. It suggests harmony or consistency between your statement and the referenced source.

This expression is suitable for professional and formal contexts, especially when aligning policies, opinions, or actions with established standards.

Usage Examples:

In business: “Our strategy is in line with current market trends.”
In policy statements: “In line with company values, we prioritize customer satisfaction.”
In academic writing: “The findings are in line with previous research.”

10. On the authority of

“On the authority of” is a formal way to attribute information to someone who has expertise or official power. It emphasizes the credibility and reliability of the source.

This phrase is effective when the authority of the source strengthens your statement, such as citing experts, officials, or authoritative texts.

Usage Examples:

In formal reports: “On the authority of the chief engineer, the structure is safe.”
In legal contexts: “On the authority of the Supreme Court, the law was deemed unconstitutional.”
In academic discussions: “On the authority of renowned scholars, the theory holds true.”

11. As mentioned by

“As mentioned by” is used to refer back to a point previously brought up by someone else. It helps to reinforce or build upon that point.

This phrase is appropriate in discussions, presentations, and writings where acknowledging others’ contributions adds depth to your message.

Usage Examples:

In meetings: “As Sarah mentioned earlier, we need to adjust our timeline.”
In essays: “As mentioned by the author, symbolism plays a key role.”
In conversations: “As mentioned by our tour guide, this site has historical significance.”

12. From

“From” is a simple and versatile preposition that can introduce the source of information. It is less formal but effective in everyday communication.

This expression is suitable when the context makes it clear that you’re referring to a source, and you prefer a more concise option.

Usage Examples:

In casual conversation: “From what John said, the event was fantastic.”
In reports: “From the data collected, we observed a significant trend.”
In storytelling: “From her perspective, the situation was unavoidable.”

13. Citing

“Citing” is used to reference or quote a source, especially in academic or formal writing. It indicates that you are drawing upon someone else’s work or statements.

This phrase is essential in contexts where proper attribution is necessary to avoid plagiarism and to support your points with credible sources.

Usage Examples:

In academic papers: “Citing Johnson (2019), we understand the importance of social dynamics.”
In research: “Citing recent studies, the report highlights emerging technologies.”
In presentations: “Citing customer feedback, we made the following improvements.”

14. Referencing

“Referencing” is similar to “citing” and is used to indicate that you are mentioning or alluding to a particular source or piece of information.

This expression is appropriate in academic, professional, and formal contexts where acknowledging the origin of information adds credibility.

Usage Examples:

In essays: “Referencing the novel’s themes, the essay explores human nature.”
In business: “Referencing last quarter’s results, we can see growth.”
In discussions: “Referencing your earlier point, I agree with the proposed changes.”

15. From what I’ve heard

“From what I’ve heard” is an informal way to indicate that you’re sharing information received from others. It suggests secondhand knowledge and is often used in casual conversations.

This phrase is useful when you want to share information without asserting it as an absolute fact, acknowledging that it’s based on hearsay.

Usage Examples:

In conversation: “From what I’ve heard, the new restaurant is excellent.”
In informal writing: “From what I’ve heard, the policy will change soon.”
In discussions: “From what I’ve heard, the team is working on a new project.”

Conclusion

Enhancing your vocabulary with other ways to say “according to” not only enriches your communication but also allows you to convey your message more precisely and engagingly. Whether you’re aiming for formality or keeping it casual, these expressions help tailor your language to suit different contexts and audiences.

By diversifying your language, you make your interactions more dynamic and relatable. Keep exploring new ways to express yourself, and you’ll find your communication becoming more effective and impactful.

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