Another Word for According To: 25 Useful Alternatives

Other words for “according to” include as stated by, based on, as reported by, in the words of, as per, following, in line with, and as indicated by.

“According to” is a common phrase in English. We use it to show where information comes from or what something is based on. For example, you might say, “According to my teacher, the test is tomorrow.” This tells the reader who provided the information. The phrase can also show agreement with a rule, plan, or standard. However, using the same phrase too often can make your writing sound repetitive. 

Learning other ways to say “according to” helps you express ideas clearly and naturally. It is useful for students, English learners, bloggers, and content writers. In this article, you will learn the meaning of “according to,” its pronunciation, grammar, examples, synonyms, antonyms, and word history. You will also discover which alternatives work best in different situations.

Meaning and Definition

“According to” is a prepositional phrase with two main uses.

1. Reporting information: It shows the source of a statement or claim.
   Example: According to the report, sales increased.
2. Following a rule or standard: It shows that something agrees with a rule, plan, or method.
   Example: We acted according to the rules.

Examples of According To in Sentences

1. According to the doctor, rest is important.
2. According to the news, the roads are closed.
3. We completed the work according to the plan.
4. According to the book, the event happened in 1947.
5. The students acted according to the instructions.

Connotative Meaning

“According to” usually has a neutral and factual tone. It points to a source, rule, or standard without necessarily showing that the speaker agrees with it.

For example, “According to the witness, the car was blue” reports what the witness said. It does not prove that the statement is true.

Etymology of According To

The phrase comes from the word “accord,” which is linked to agreement and harmony.

Old English: The word has roots connected to ideas of agreement and bringing things into harmony.

Middle English: Forms related to “accord” developed from Anglo French and Old French, with meanings linked to agreement.

Modern English: “According to” became a common phrase used to introduce information from a source or show that an action follows a rule or standard.

Pronunciation

According to: /əˈkɔːr.dɪŋ tuː/

Syllables: According has three syllables. To has one syllable. The full phrase has four syllables.

Affixation Pattern and Word Formation

“According to” is a phrase, not a single word. Its main word, “according,” comes from the verb “accord.”

1. Accord: A noun or verb related to agreement.
2. According: The present participle of “accord.”
3. According to: A phrase used to introduce a source, rule, or standard.

The word “accord” can also form words such as “accordance” and “accordingly.”

25 Alternatives to According To

Alternative	Meaning	Example
1. As stated by	Based on someone’s statement	As stated by the teacher, class begins at nine.
2. As reported by	Based on a report	As reported by the news, the road is closed.
3. In the words of	Using someone’s own words	In the words of the author, kindness matters.
4. As per	In line with a rule or request	As per your request, I sent the file.
5. Based on	Using something as a foundation	Based on the evidence, the claim seems reasonable.
6. In line with	Following a rule or idea	The decision was made in line with policy.
7. In accordance with	Following a rule or standard	The work was completed in accordance with the guidelines.
8. As indicated by	As shown by information	As indicated by the chart, prices rose.
9. As shown by	Supported by visible evidence	As shown by the results, the plan worked.
10. As described by	As explained by a source	As described by the guide, the trail is safe.
11. As explained by	Following someone’s explanation	As explained by the teacher, the answer is simple.
12. As noted by	As mentioned by someone	As noted by the author, practice improves skill.
13. As mentioned by	As referred to by someone	As mentioned by Sara, the meeting is today.
14. As claimed by	Based on someone’s claim	As claimed by the company, the product is reliable.
15. As suggested by	Based on an idea or clue	As suggested by the data, demand may rise.
16. As confirmed by	Supported by confirmation	As confirmed by the school, the event will happen.
17. As observed by	Based on someone’s observation	As observed by researchers, the pattern repeats.
18. In the view of	From someone’s opinion	In the view of the author, education is essential.
19. In the opinion of	Based on someone’s belief	In the opinion of the judge, the evidence was strong.
20. From the perspective of	From a particular viewpoint	From the perspective of students, the rule is helpful.
21. Following	In agreement with a rule or instruction	Following the guidelines, we checked every answer.
22. Consistent with	In agreement with information or a standard	The findings are consistent with earlier research.
23. As dictated by	As required by a rule or condition	The schedule changed as dictated by the weather.
24. As required by	As demanded by a rule	As required by law, the form was signed.
25. On the authority of	Based on an official source	The announcement was made on the authority of the committee.

Prototype Meaning

The prototype meaning of “according to” is information that comes from a particular source.

For example, “According to the teacher, the exam is on Friday” clearly shows that the teacher is the source of the information.

The phrase can also show that an action follows a rule, such as “according to the instructions.”

Prototype Categorization

“According to” belongs to the category of prepositional phrases. It connects information to its source or shows how an action follows a rule or standard.

Its main categories are:

1. Source: According to the report.
2. Opinion: According to my friend.
3. Rules: According to school policy.
4. Evidence: According to the results.
5. Instructions: According to the directions.

Antonyms of According To

“According to” does not have one exact antonym. Its opposite depends on the context.

1. Contrary to: In opposition to something.
2. Against: Not in agreement with a rule or idea.
3. In disagreement with: Not sharing the same view.
4. Regardless of: Without being affected by something.
5. Contradicting: Saying or showing the opposite.

Example: “Contrary to the report, the roads were open.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is another word for according to?

Common alternatives include “as stated by,” “based on,” “as reported by,” and “in accordance with.”

2. Is “as per” the same as “according to”?

They can have similar meanings, especially when referring to rules or requests. “As per” is often used in formal or business writing.

3. Can I use “based on” instead of “according to”?

Yes, when you mean that something relies on evidence, information, or a particular foundation. However, “based on” does not fit every use of “according to.”

4. Is “according to” formal or informal?

It works in both formal and informal English. It is common in conversations, schoolwork, news reports, and academic writing.

5. How can I avoid repeating “according to”?

Choose an alternative that matches your meaning. Use “as reported by” for news, “based on” for evidence, and “in accordance with” for rules.

Conclusion

“According to” is a useful phrase for introducing information, opinions, rules, and standards. However, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound less varied. Alternatives such as “as stated by,” “as reported by,” “based on,” and “in accordance with” can make your sentences clearer and more precise. The best choice depends on your meaning. 

Use source related phrases when reporting information and use rule related phrases when explaining how something follows a standard. Remember that these alternatives are not always interchangeable. Choosing the right phrase helps you write naturally and communicate your ideas with confidence. With practice, you can use a wider range of expressions in essays, articles, reports, and everyday conversations.