Other Ways to Say According To: 30+ Examples In 2026

Last Updated on April 7, 2026

Quick Answer
Other ways to say according to include: based on, as per, in accordance with, as stated by, in line with.

The phrase “according to” is widely used in English to refer to a source of information, opinion, or authority. Whether you’re citing facts, referencing someone’s statement, or supporting an argument, it’s a useful and common expression.

However, repeating the same phrase can make your writing feel monotonous. Learning alternatives to “according to” helps you diversify your language and sound more fluent and professional.

Exploring other ways to say “according to” also helps you refine tone and clarity, especially in academic, professional, and conversational contexts—and even helps you express excitement in English when presenting information dynamically.

Table of Contents

Quick Categories Section

Formal Alternatives to “According To”

In accordance with
As per
In line with
As stated by

Pro Tip: Use these in reports, academic writing, or legal contexts.

Casual Alternatives

Based on
From what I heard
Going by
According to what

Pro Tip: These are natural in everyday conversations.

Professional Alternatives

As reported by
As indicated by
In reference to
As outlined by

Pro Tip: Ideal for workplace emails, presentations, and reports.

Informal Expressions

From what I know
As someone said
What I’ve heard is
Going off

Pro Tip: Use these only in casual conversations.

“Strong communication comes from choosing the right words for the right context.”

Common Mistakes Section

Overusing “according to” repeatedly
Example: According to the report, according to the manager…
Using it without a clear source
Example: According to, the data shows growth. ❌
Incorrect grammar placement
Example: The report according to shows growth. ❌
Using informal alternatives in formal writing
Example: Going by the report, profits increased.
Confusing it with personal opinion
Example: According to me, this is correct. (Use “in my opinion”)

What Does “According To” Mean?

Definition:
It means based on information from a specific source, person, or authority.

Grammar Note:
Usually followed by a noun or source.

Example:
According to the report, sales have increased.

When to Use “According To”

Citing sources
Reporting information
Supporting arguments
Referencing authority

Spoken vs Written: Used in both
Formal vs Informal: Neutral

Is It Professional or Polite to Say “According To”?

Polite? ✔️ Yes
Professional? ✔️ Yes

It is widely accepted in professional and academic communication but should be varied for better style.

Business Example:
According to the latest data, revenue has increased.

Pros and Cons of Using “According To”

Pros

Clear and direct
Widely understood
Suitable for all contexts
Easy to use

Cons

Overused
Repetitive in writing
Limited stylistic variation
Can sound basic

“Variety in expression makes your writing more engaging and professional.”

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

These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations.
Use them based on tone, context, and audience to improve your professional reaction phrases and informal expressions in English.

1. Phrase: Based on

Meaning: Using information as a foundation
Explanation: One of the most common alternatives
Example Sentence: Based on the data, the results are positive.
Best Use: General
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: casual / professional

2. Phrase: As per

Meaning: In accordance with
Explanation: Formal and widely used in business
Example Sentence: As per your request, I’ve updated the file.
Best Use: Professional
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

3. Phrase: In accordance with

Meaning: Following rules or guidelines
Explanation: Very formal
Example Sentence: The policy was updated in accordance with regulations.
Best Use: Legal
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

4. Phrase: As stated by

Meaning: As mentioned by someone
Explanation: Good for citations
Example Sentence: As stated by the author, the theory is valid.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

5. Phrase: In line with

Meaning: Consistent with
Explanation: Common in business
Example Sentence: The strategy is in line with company goals.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

“Using precise alternatives improves clarity and credibility.”

6. Phrase: As reported by

Meaning: Based on a report
Explanation: Used in news and writing
Example Sentence: As reported by the media, the event was successful.
Best Use: News
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

7. Phrase: As indicated by

Meaning: As shown by data
Explanation: Analytical tone
Example Sentence: As indicated by the results, growth is steady.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

8. Phrase: In reference to

Meaning: Related to
Explanation: Formal and structured
Example Sentence: In reference to your query, here is the update.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

9. Phrase: As outlined by

Meaning: As described
Explanation: Formal and clear
Example Sentence: As outlined by the policy, employees must comply.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

10. Phrase: Going by

Meaning: Based on
Explanation: Informal alternative
Example Sentence: Going by the results, we did well.
Best Use: Casual
Worst Use: Formal
Tone: Informal
Context Variability: spoken

“The right phrase strengthens your message and builds trust.”

11. Phrase: As mentioned by

Meaning: As previously said
Explanation: Useful in writing
Example Sentence: As mentioned by the speaker, change is necessary.
Best Use: Writing
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional

12. Phrase: According to the view of

Meaning: Based on opinion
Explanation: Formal structure
Example Sentence: According to the view of experts, the plan will succeed.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

13. Phrase: In the opinion of

Meaning: Based on someone’s opinion
Explanation: Clear and formal
Example Sentence: In the opinion of analysts, the market is stable.
Best Use: Professional
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

14. Phrase: As observed by

Meaning: As noticed
Explanation: Analytical tone
Example Sentence: As observed by researchers, behavior changed.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

15. Phrase: As noted by

Meaning: As recorded
Explanation: Concise alternative
Example Sentence: As noted by the report, improvements are needed.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

16. Phrase: In keeping with

Meaning: Consistent with
Explanation: Formal tone
Example Sentence: The changes are in keeping with policy.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

17. Phrase: As detailed by

Meaning: As explained
Explanation: Formal and specific
Example Sentence: As detailed by the guidelines, follow procedures.
Best Use: Documents
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

18. Phrase: As expressed by

Meaning: As communicated
Explanation: Focuses on expression
Example Sentence: As expressed by the manager, priorities have shifted.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

19. Phrase: As conveyed by

Meaning: As communicated
Explanation: Slightly formal
Example Sentence: As conveyed by the email, the meeting is canceled.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

20. Phrase: As documented by

Meaning: Recorded formally
Explanation: Formal usage
Example Sentence: As documented by records, the trend continues.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

“Precise language builds authority in both writing and speaking.”

21. Phrase: From what I understand

Meaning: Based on personal understanding
Explanation: Informal tone
Example Sentence: From what I understand, the project is complete.
Best Use: Casual
Worst Use: Formal
Tone: Informal
Context Variability: spoken

22. Phrase: From what I’ve heard

Meaning: Based on information heard
Explanation: Conversational
Example Sentence: From what I’ve heard, the event was great.
Best Use: Casual
Worst Use: Professional
Tone: Informal
Context Variability: spoken

23. Phrase: As explained by

Meaning: As clarified
Explanation: Clear and simple
Example Sentence: As explained by the teacher, the concept is easy.
Best Use: General
Worst Use: Legal
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: mixed

24. Phrase: As described by

Meaning: As detailed
Explanation: Flexible usage
Example Sentence: As described by the article, the process is simple.
Best Use: Writing
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: written

25. Phrase: As presented by

Meaning: As shown
Explanation: Formal tone
Example Sentence: As presented by the report, results improved.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional

26. Phrase: In terms of

Meaning: Regarding
Explanation: Broader meaning
Example Sentence: In terms of growth, the company is strong.
Best Use: General
Worst Use: Exact citation
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: mixed

27. Phrase: As shared by

Meaning: As communicated
Explanation: Modern tone
Example Sentence: As shared by the team, progress is steady.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Semi-formal
Context Variability: professional

28. Phrase: As revealed by

Meaning: As shown clearly
Explanation: Emphasizes discovery
Example Sentence: As revealed by the data, trends are changing.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

29. Phrase: In view of

Meaning: Considering
Explanation: Formal alternative
Example Sentence: In view of recent events, plans changed.
Best Use: Formal
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: written

30. Phrase: As interpreted by

Meaning: Based on interpretation
Explanation: Analytical usage
Example Sentence: As interpreted by experts, the results vary.
Best Use: Academic
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional

Mini Quiz / Self-Check

1. Best formal alternative?
A. Going by
B. In accordance with
C. From what I heard

2. Best casual option?
A. As per
B. Going by
C. In reference to

3. Best for reports?
A. As indicated by
B. From what I know
C. That I heard

Comparison Table: Top Alternatives

Phrase	Tone	Best Use
Based on	Neutral	General
As per	Formal	Business
In accordance with	Formal	Legal
As stated by	Formal	Academic
In line with	Professional	Workplace
As reported by	Formal	News
As indicated by	Professional	Reports
As outlined by	Professional	Documents
Going by	Informal	Casual
In reference to	Formal	Emails

FAQs

1. What are the best alternatives to “according to”?

Common options include based on, as per, and in line with.

2. Is “according to” formal?

It is neutral and works in both formal and informal contexts.

3. What is best for business writing?

As per and in line with are commonly used.

4. Can I use informal alternatives?

Yes, but only in casual conversations.

5. Why learn alternatives?

To improve fluency, avoid repetition, and sound more professional.

Conclusion

Learning other ways to say “according to” helps you improve clarity, tone, and variety in communication. It allows you to express ideas more precisely across different contexts.

Practice these alternatives regularly. Over time, you’ll naturally select the best phrase and communicate with greater confidence and professionalism.

CTA: Try replacing “according to” with three new alternatives in your next piece of writing.