“According to” is used when you want to show where information comes from. It is useful in essays, reports, news writing, and research-based content.
Because it often appears before a source, repeating it too many times can make a paragraph sound mechanical. Alternatives like “as stated by,” “based on,” and “as reported by” can make your writing smoother.
Quick Answer
The best alternatives are “based on,” “as stated by,” and “as reported by.” These phrases help you refer to sources clearly without repeating the same wording.
Best Alternatives to “According To”
| Alternative Phrase | Best For | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Reports, research, and analysis | Professional |
| As stated by | Formal essays and source references | Formal |
| As reported by | News and formal writing | Formal |
| As mentioned by | Presentations and writing | Neutral |
| In the words of | Quotes and speeches | Literary |
| As explained by | Educational and analytical writing | Academic |
Other Ways to Say “According To”
1. Based on
Meaning: Using information from something.
Best use: Reports, research, and analysis.
Example: Based on the survey, most users prefer simple layouts.
2. As stated by
Meaning: Something was said or written by a source.
Best use: Formal essays and source references.
Example: As stated by the author, the rule has exceptions.
3. As reported by
Meaning: Information comes from a report or news source.
Best use: News and formal writing.
Example: As reported by the team, the launch was successful.
4. As mentioned by
Meaning: A source has already said something.
Best use: Presentations and writing.
Example: As mentioned by the manager, the deadline is Friday.
5. In the words of
Meaning: Repeating or referring to someone’s words.
Best use: Quotes and speeches.
Example: In the words of the speaker, practice builds confidence.
6. As explained by
Meaning: A source gives an explanation.
Best use: Educational and analytical writing.
Example: As explained by the guide, the process has three steps.
7. As noted by
Meaning: A source points out a detail.
Best use: Essays and formal writing.
Example: As noted by the researcher, the data is limited.
8. In line with
Meaning: Something agrees with a source or rule.
Best use: Professional writing.
Example: In line with the policy, all forms must be signed.
9. Per
Meaning: According to, often in business writing.
Best use: Short professional messages.
Example: Per your request, I have attached the file.
10. Following
Meaning: Based on or after something.
Best use: Instructions and procedures.
Example: Following the review, we updated the design.
11. Under
Meaning: According to a rule, law, or system.
Best use: Legal and policy writing.
Example: Under the new policy, employees must update passwords.
12. As per
Meaning: According to, often in formal or Indian English.
Best use: Business emails.
Example: As per your instructions, the file has been revised.
13. From
Meaning: Information comes from a source.
Best use: Simple source references.
Example: From the report, we can see a clear increase.
14. As shown in
Meaning: A source visually or clearly shows something.
Best use: Charts, tables, and reports.
Example: As shown in the chart, sales increased in June.
15. As indicated by
Meaning: A source suggests or shows something.
Best use: Formal analysis.
Example: As indicated by the results, the change was effective.
16. As suggested by
Meaning: A source gives an idea or recommendation.
Best use: Research and advice writing.
Example: As suggested by the data, users prefer short forms.
17. On the basis of
Meaning: Using something as the reason or evidence.
Best use: Formal writing.
Example: On the basis of these results, we made changes.
18. In accordance with
Meaning: Following a rule or standard.
Best use: Legal and official writing.
Example: In accordance with company policy, records must be saved.
19. Consistent with
Meaning: Matching or agreeing with something.
Best use: Academic and analytical writing.
Example: The results are consistent with earlier studies.
20. In keeping with
Meaning: Following the style or rule of something.
Best use: Formal writing.
Example: In keeping with tradition, the event began with a welcome note.
21. As described by
Meaning: A source gives details.
Best use: Reports and explanations.
Example: As described by the writer, the town was quiet.
22. As written in
Meaning: The information is written in a source.
Best use: Text-based analysis.
Example: As written in the passage, the character leaves early.
23. As listed in
Meaning: The information appears in a list or document.
Best use: Forms and reports.
Example: As listed in the schedule, the meeting starts at 9.
24. As confirmed by
Meaning: A source has verified something.
Best use: Professional updates.
Example: As confirmed by the client, the order is final.
25. As outlined in
Meaning: The information appears in an outline or plan.
Best use: Business documents.
Example: As outlined in the proposal, the work has three phases.
Professional Ways to Say “According To”
- Based on the report, the numbers improved.
- As stated by the author, the issue is complex.
- As confirmed by the client, the project can begin.
- In accordance with the policy, the form must be signed.
- As outlined in the plan, the first step is research.
Casual Ways to Say It
- From what I heard, it went well.
- As mentioned earlier, we can wait.
- Based on this, I agree.
- As listed here, the time is 6 p.m.
- Per your message, I updated it.
Related Phrases
You may also find these related guides helpful: Other Ways to Say For Example Other Ways to Say In the Text It States.
FAQs
What does “according to” mean?
It means the information comes from a person, source, rule, report, or document.
What is a formal alternative?
“As stated by,” “as reported by,” and “in accordance with” are formal alternatives.
Can I use “based on” instead of “according to”?
Yes, especially when you are using data, evidence, or results.
Is “as per” correct?
Yes, but it can sound very formal or business-like. In many cases, “according to” or “based on” sounds smoother.
What is best for academic writing?
“As stated by,” “as noted by,” and “as shown in” are useful in academic writing.
Final Words
Other ways to say according to can make source-based writing clearer and less repetitive. “Based on” is flexible, “as stated by” is formal, and “as shown in” works well when referring to charts, tables, or passages.
