If you are looking for other ways to say according to, the best alternative depends on your sentence, audience, and level of formality. You might want a more natural phrase for everyday conversation, a professional option for an email, or a stronger expression for academic writing.
Common alternatives include as stated by, as reported by, based on, as noted by, in the view of, as explained by, according to the information from, and as per. Some work almost exactly like according to, while others slightly change the meaning.
Quick Answer
The best alternatives to according to include:
- As stated by for formal writing
- As reported by when referring to news or a reported claim
- As noted by for professional and academic writing
- As explained by when referring to someone’s explanation
- Based on when referring to information or evidence
- In the view of when expressing someone’s opinion
- As per for formal or business communication
- From the perspective of when discussing someone’s viewpoint
- As described by when referring to a description or account
- In the words of when emphasizing someone’s exact viewpoint or wording
The right choice depends on whether you are referring to a source, opinion, statement, explanation, evidence, or personal perspective.
TL;DR
- Meaning: According to introduces information attributed to a person, source, report, rule, or viewpoint.
- Tone: Neutral and flexible, ranging from casual to highly formal depending on the alternative.
- Common use: Essays, reports, news writing, workplace communication, conversations, and research.
- Formal options: As stated by, as noted by, as reported by, as per, and based on.
- Casual options: As I understand it, from what I hear, and from what they said.
- Best approach: Choose an alternative that matches what the source actually did, such as reporting, explaining, claiming, suggesting, or stating something.
What Does According To Mean?
According to means that information comes from a particular person, source, document, organization, or point of view.
For example:
According to the report, sales increased in June.
This tells the reader that the information comes from the report rather than presenting it as the writer’s own observation.
You can also use the phrase when discussing someone’s opinion:
According to Sarah, the meeting starts at nine.
Here, the writer is making it clear that Sarah provided the information.
The phrase can introduce facts, opinions, claims, explanations, rules, statistics, or statements.
50+ Other Ways to Say According To
Here are useful alternatives, grouped by meaning and context.
Formal and Professional Alternatives
- As stated by
- As noted by
- As reported by
- As explained by
- As described by
- As indicated by
- As outlined by
- As mentioned by
- As identified by
- As documented by
- As confirmed by
- As observed by
- As established by
- As specified by
- As determined by
- As per
- Based on
- In accordance with
- In line with
- In the view of
Academic and Research Alternatives
- Research indicates that
- The study found that
- The research suggests that
- The evidence indicates that
- The report states that
- The findings show that
- The data suggests that
- The source indicates that
- The literature suggests that
- Scholars argue that
- Researchers note that
- The study reports that
- The evidence suggests that
- Previous research has found that
- The available data indicates that
Casual Alternatives
- As I understand it
- From what I understand
- From what I hear
- From what they said
- As far as I know
- From their perspective
- In their view
- They say that
- They believe that
- They suggest that
Opinion and Perspective Alternatives
- In the view of
- From the perspective of
- From the standpoint of
- In the opinion of
- In the eyes of
- As they see it
- From their point of view
- They argue that
- They maintain that
- They believe that
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Not every replacement works in every sentence.
For example, as reported by suggests that someone or something reported information. It would sound strange if you were simply referring to a personal opinion.
Compare:
According to James, the project is finished.
As reported by James, the project is finished.
The second sentence suggests that James formally reported the information. If James simply told you his opinion, as stated by James or in James’s view may work better.
Think about what the source is doing:
- Stating information: as stated by
- Reporting information: as reported by
- Explaining something: as explained by
- Describing something: as described by
- Providing evidence: based on
- Expressing an opinion: in the view of
- Providing a rule: in accordance with
- Providing data: the data indicates
- Sharing an understanding: as I understand it
This small distinction makes your writing more precise.
Other Ways to Say According To in Formal Writing
For formal writing, choose language that clearly identifies the source without sounding unnecessarily complicated.
As stated by
This is a direct and professional alternative.
According to the company, the policy will change next month.
Can become:
As stated by the company, the policy will change next month.
It works well in reports, professional documents, and formal correspondence.
As noted by
Use this when a person or source has already pointed something out.
As noted by the researcher, the results require further analysis.
This sounds natural in academic and professional writing.
As reported by
Use this when referring to news, reports, investigations, or information that someone has reported.
As reported by the local newspaper, the road will remain closed.
It is especially useful when the source is a news organization or reporting body.
As explained by
Use this when the source has provided an explanation.
As explained by the instructor, the process requires three steps.
This is more specific than simply saying according to.
As described by
Use this when discussing someone’s description of an event, process, person, or situation.
As described by the author, the town had changed considerably.
As outlined by
This works particularly well for plans, policies, procedures, strategies, and proposals.
As outlined by the management team, the new procedure will begin in September.
As specified by
Use this when referring to requirements, instructions, standards, or rules.
As specified by the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
Other Ways to Say According To in Academic Writing
Academic writing often requires precise source attribution. Instead of repeating according to throughout an essay or research paper, vary your wording according to the meaning.
Research indicates that
Use this when referring to research findings.
Research indicates that regular exercise can support overall well-being.
The study found that
This is useful when discussing a particular study and its findings.
The study found that participants performed better after additional training.
The evidence suggests that
Use this when evidence supports a conclusion but does not necessarily prove it.
The evidence suggests that the policy had a measurable effect.
The findings show that
This works when referring to results from a study, survey, experiment, or investigation.
The findings show that customer satisfaction improved after the changes.
Researchers note that
This is useful when several researchers or a research source have highlighted a point.
Researchers note that environmental factors can affect the results.
Previous research has found that
This works well when connecting a current discussion with earlier studies.
Previous research has found that sleep can influence concentration and memory.
Other Ways to Say According To in Professional Messages
In workplace communication, you usually want to sound clear rather than overly formal.
Good choices include:
- As noted by the team
- As discussed earlier
- As mentioned by the manager
- Based on the latest report
- As outlined in the email
- As stated in the policy
- As confirmed by the supplier
- In line with the agreement
- Based on the information available
- As I understand it
For example:
According to our records, the payment is still pending.
You could write:
Based on our records, the payment is still pending.
Or:
As noted in our records, the payment is still pending.
The first alternative sounds particularly natural in business communication.
Other Ways to Say According To in Casual Conversation
Everyday conversation does not always need formal source-attribution language.
You can use:
- As I understand it
- From what I understand
- From what I hear
- As far as I know
- From what they said
- They said that
- They told me that
- In their view
- As they see it
Examples:
According to Mark, the store closes at eight.
Natural alternatives include:
Mark said the store closes at eight.
From what Mark said, the store closes at eight.
As far as Mark knows, the store closes at eight.
The simplest option is often the most natural in casual speech.
According To vs Based On
These phrases are related but not identical.
According to identifies the source of information.
Based on identifies the information, evidence, facts, or reasoning used to reach a conclusion.
Compare:
According to the doctor, the treatment is working.
This means the doctor provided the information.
Based on the test results, the treatment is working.
This means the conclusion comes from the test results.
Use according to when the source matters. Use based on when the evidence or foundation matters.
According To vs As Per
As per can replace according to in some formal situations, but the two phrases are not always interchangeable.
According to the policy, employees must submit the form by Friday.
As per the policy, employees must submit the form by Friday.
Both can work, especially in business communication.
However, as per can sound more bureaucratic or formal than necessary. In ordinary conversation, according to or based on often sounds more natural.
According To vs In Accordance With
In accordance with is generally used for rules, laws, policies, agreements, standards, or instructions.
In accordance with company policy, all employees must complete the training.
This is more formal than:
According to company policy, all employees must complete the training.
If you are writing a formal policy, legal document, or official report, in accordance with may be appropriate. For ordinary communication, according to usually sounds more natural.
Tone and Emotional Meaning
According to is generally neutral. It does not automatically sound rude, friendly, sarcastic, or emotional.
However, the surrounding words can change the tone.
For example:
According to the report, the project is behind schedule.
This sounds neutral and professional.
According to you, everything is fine.
This can sound skeptical or confrontational depending on context.
In spoken English, stress can also affect the meaning. A speaker may emphasize according to you to show disagreement.
The phrase itself is not rude. Context determines whether the sentence feels polite, neutral, or critical.
Common Situations Where These Alternatives Appear
You may need an alternative to according to in many situations:
- Academic essays
- Research papers
- Business emails
- Workplace reports
- News writing
- Presentations
- Customer communication
- Casual text messages
- Social media posts
- School assignments
- Policy documents
- Legal or administrative writing
- Conversations about someone else’s opinion
- Reports based on statistics or research
The best alternative depends on the source and purpose.
Examples in Real Conversations
Situation: Workplace update
Example: Based on the latest report, production is back on schedule.
Meaning: The information comes from the latest report.
Situation: Referring to a manager
Example: As stated by the manager, the deadline remains Friday.
Meaning: The manager provided the information.
Situation: News report
Example: As reported by the BBC, the event attracted thousands of visitors.
Meaning: The information comes from a news report.
Situation: Academic writing
Example: Research indicates that regular practice can improve performance.
Meaning: Research provides support for the statement.
Situation: Personal opinion
Example: In her view, the proposal needs more work.
Meaning: The statement reflects her opinion.
Situation: Casual conversation
Example: From what I understand, they are moving next month.
Meaning: This is based on the speaker’s understanding.
Situation: Company policy
Example: In accordance with company policy, employees must complete the form.
Meaning: The statement refers to an established rule or policy.
Situation: A friend’s information
Example: From what Daniel said, the restaurant is open until midnight.
Meaning: Daniel provided the information.
Situation: A research finding
Example: The study found that customer satisfaction increased after the redesign.
Meaning: The study produced this finding.
Situation: A personal perspective
Example: From her perspective, the decision was reasonable.
Meaning: The statement represents her point of view.
Similar Terms and Related Phrases
| Phrase | Main Meaning | Typical Use |
| According to | Information comes from a source | General use |
| As stated by | Someone directly stated something | Formal writing |
| As reported by | Someone reported information | News and reports |
| As noted by | Someone pointed something out | Academic and professional |
| As explained by | Someone provided an explanation | Teaching and discussion |
| Based on | Information or evidence supports something | Research and business |
| As per | In line with a rule or source | Business and formal writing |
| In accordance with | Following a rule or requirement | Formal and official writing |
| In the view of | Represents someone’s opinion | Opinion and analysis |
| As I understand it | Based on the speaker’s understanding | Casual conversation |
| From what I hear | Based on information received | Informal conversation |
| Research indicates | Research provides evidence | Academic writing |
When You Should Use These Alternatives
Choose an alternative when it makes your sentence more precise or avoids unnecessary repetition.
For example, if your paragraph uses according to several times, you can vary the wording:
According to the report, sales increased. According to the researchers, customer interest also increased. According to the survey, customers preferred the new design.
A more natural version could be:
The report states that sales increased. Researchers also noted a rise in customer interest. Survey results showed that customers preferred the new design.
The second version gives each source a clearer role.
You should also choose the alternative based on the source:
- Use as reported by for reported information.
- Use as explained by for explanations.
- Use as stated by for statements.
- Use in the view of for opinions.
- Use based on for evidence.
- Use in accordance with for rules.
- Use research indicates for research evidence.
When You Should Avoid Certain Alternatives
Some expressions can sound unnatural if you use them in the wrong setting.
Avoid overly formal language in casual messages
A text such as:
In accordance with your previous statement, I will arrive at seven.
sounds unnecessarily formal.
A natural version would be:
Based on what you said, I will arrive at seven.
Or simply:
You said seven, so I will be there at seven.
Avoid as reported by for personal opinions
If a friend casually tells you what they think, as reported by may make the conversation sound like a news article.
Use:
In their view
or:
They said
instead.
Avoid research language without research
Do not write:
Research indicates that this restaurant is the best in town.
unless you actually have research supporting that statement.
For a personal opinion, say:
In my opinion, this restaurant is one of the best in town.
Is According To Formal or Informal?
According to works in both formal and informal English.
It is suitable for:
- Academic writing
- Professional emails
- Business reports
- News articles
- School assignments
- Presentations
- Everyday conversation
- Text messages
- Social media discussions
Its flexibility makes it one of the most useful source-attribution phrases in English.
The alternatives can have more specific levels of formality.
More formal:
- In accordance with
- As specified by
- As documented by
- As established by
Neutral and professional:
- According to
- As stated by
- As noted by
- Based on
- As explained by
More casual:
- They said
- From what I understand
- As far as I know
- From what I hear
Common Misunderstandings
One common mistake is assuming that every alternative means exactly the same thing.
They do not.
According to simply attributes information to a source.
Based on suggests that information, evidence, or reasoning forms the basis for a conclusion.
In the view of specifically highlights an opinion or perspective.
As reported by suggests that information has been reported.
In accordance with refers more directly to following a rule, policy, agreement, or standard.
Another issue involves source reliability. Saying according to the report does not automatically mean the information is true. It tells the reader where the claim comes from.
That distinction matters in academic, professional, and journalistic writing.
USA and Tier 1 Country Usage
According to is widely understood across major English-speaking varieties, including American, Canadian, British, and Australian English.
The phrase itself does not create a major regional difference in meaning.
Some alternatives may feel more natural in particular contexts. For example, as per appears frequently in business and administrative writing, while everyday American English often favors simpler expressions such as based on, as stated by, or from what I understand.
British, Canadian, Australian, and American readers will generally understand these expressions without difficulty. The main consideration is tone rather than regional meaning.
For international readers, the safest choice is usually a clear phrase such as according to, based on, or as stated by.
Quick Reference Table
| Context | What It Means | Tone | Best Use | Avoid If |
| Academic essay | Source provides information | Formal | Research and essays | Writing casually |
| Business email | Source or document provides information | Professional | Workplace communication | A very casual conversation |
| News writing | A source reported information | Formal | Journalism and reports | Referring to a personal opinion |
| Casual conversation | Someone provided information | Neutral | Everyday speech | Formal research |
| Personal opinion | Represents someone’s viewpoint | Neutral | Discussion and analysis | Presenting objective evidence |
| Policy or rule | Refers to a requirement | Formal | Workplace and official documents | Casual texting |
| Research | Evidence supports a conclusion | Academic | Studies and reports | Unsupported personal claims |
| Text message | Someone gave information | Casual | Friends and family | Formal reports |
| Social media | Source or person provides information | Flexible | Posts and comments | Unclear source attribution |
| Formal report | Information comes from a documented source | Professional | Reports and presentations | Casual conversation |
FAQs
What does according to mean in text?
According to means that the information comes from a particular person, source, document, organization, or viewpoint. It helps show where a statement or claim originated.
What are the best alternatives to according to?
Some of the most useful alternatives are as stated by, as noted by, as reported by, based on, as explained by, in the view of, and as per.
Is according to formal or informal?
According to is neutral and works in both formal and informal English. You can use it in academic papers, business emails, conversations, and casual messages.
Is according to rude?
No. According to is normally neutral and polite. However, a sentence such as according to you can sound skeptical or challenging depending on the context and tone.
Can I use according to in a professional message?
Yes. It is appropriate in professional emails, reports, workplace chats, and other business communication.
What is the difference between according to and based on?
According to identifies the source of information, while based on usually identifies the evidence, information, or reasoning behind a conclusion.
What is a casual way to say according to?
In casual conversation, you can often use they said, from what I understand, from what I hear, as far as I know, or from what they told me.
Conclusion
There are many useful other ways to say according to, but the best option depends on what you mean.
Use as stated by when someone made a statement, as reported by when information was reported, as explained by when someone provided an explanation, and based on when evidence or information supports a conclusion. For opinions, in the view of or from their perspective usually works better.
In casual communication, simpler choices such as they said, from what I understand, or as far as I know often sound more natural. In professional and academic writing, precise alternatives help you avoid repetition while making the relationship between the source and your statement clearer.
