The phrase “according to” is commonly used in writing and conversation to attribute information, reference a source, or show alignment with a viewpoint. While clear and useful, repeating it too often can make your communication feel repetitive or dull. Fortunately, there are many alternatives that let you vary tone, formality, and precision depending on the context.
In this article, you’ll discover 25 smart alternatives to “according to,” each explained with meaning, usage, examples, best context, and tone. Whether you’re drafting an academic paper, business report, or casual explanation, these expressions will help you cite sources and express viewpoints more effectively.
1. As Stated By
Meaning: Refers to something mentioned or declared by a person or source.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly more formal than according to, this phrase highlights authority or credibility.
Scenario Example: As stated by the World Health Organization, vaccination is key to public health.
Best Use: Academic, professional reports.
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
2. As Reported By
Meaning: Cites information from a news or official source.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in journalism or factual writing.
Scenario Example: As reported by Reuters, inflation has reached record highs.
Best Use: News articles, reports.
Tone: Neutral, factual.
3. As Per
Meaning: Indicates compliance or alignment with instructions or standards.
Detailed Explanation: Common in business and legal writing.
Scenario Example: As per company policy, employees must submit leave requests two weeks in advance.
Best Use: Legal, corporate, formal documents.
Tone: Formal, technical.
4. Based On
Meaning: Refers to the foundation of an argument, decision, or fact.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights reasoning rather than direct quotation.
Scenario Example: Based on recent studies, remote work increases productivity.
Best Use: Analysis, business communication.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
5. In Line With
Meaning: Shows consistency with a standard, rule, or trend.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes agreement rather than citation.
Scenario Example: In line with market trends, we are shifting toward sustainable packaging.
Best Use: Business, policy writing.
Tone: Professional, formal.
6. As Mentioned By
Meaning: Refers to something previously noted by someone or in a source.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when reiterating an earlier point.
Scenario Example: As mentioned by the speaker, preparation is the key to success.
Best Use: Speeches, academic work.
Tone: Neutral, respectful.
7. Citing
Meaning: Indicates direct reference to a source.
Detailed Explanation: Strongly academic, used when giving credit.
Scenario Example: Citing NASA’s research, scientists confirmed the presence of water on Mars.
Best Use: Academic writing, research.
Tone: Formal, scholarly.
8. In the Words Of
Meaning: Directly quotes or refers to someone’s expression.
Detailed Explanation: Adds emphasis by using original phrasing.
Scenario Example: In the words of Albert Einstein, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Best Use: Speeches, essays, inspirational writing.
Tone: Quoted, respectful.
9. Following
Meaning: Indicates that something comes after or is guided by a rule or source.
Detailed Explanation: Practical and concise.
Scenario Example: Following the manual, we assembled the machine in under an hour.
Best Use: Instructions, technical writing.
Tone: Practical, neutral.
10. Per
Meaning: A shorter form of as per.
Detailed Explanation: Efficient in business and technical communication.
Scenario Example: Per your request, we’ve updated the document.
Best Use: Memos, emails, contracts.
Tone: Formal, concise.
11. In Accordance With
Meaning: Suggests compliance with laws, rules, or standards.
Detailed Explanation: Very formal, often legal.
Scenario Example: In accordance with GDPR, customer data will remain confidential.
Best Use: Legal, government, formal business.
Tone: Legal, precise.
12. As Observed By
Meaning: Refers to an observation made by someone.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights credibility of the observer.
Scenario Example: As observed by historians, trade shaped early civilizations.
Best Use: Academic, analytical writing.
Tone: Formal, reflective.
13. As Found In
Meaning: Indicates location of information in a text or source.
Detailed Explanation: Directs the reader to a reference point.
Scenario Example: As found in the latest journal issue, climate change effects are accelerating.
Best Use: Academic writing, citations.
Tone: Formal, clear.
14. On the Authority Of
Meaning: Relies on the credibility of a source.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests endorsement by an expert or institution.
Scenario Example: On the authority of the Supreme Court, the law was enforced nationwide.
Best Use: Legal, academic, official contexts.
Tone: Strong, formal.
15. Referring To
Meaning: Draws attention to a particular source or subject.
Detailed Explanation: Flexible and widely applicable.
Scenario Example: Referring to last quarter’s data, sales increased by 12%.
Best Use: Business, academic, general communication.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
16. Consistent With
Meaning: Shows agreement or harmony with information.
Detailed Explanation: Useful in analysis or comparisons.
Scenario Example: Consistent with forecasts, the stock market showed growth.
Best Use: Reports, research.
Tone: Analytical, professional.
17. By the Account Of
Meaning: Refers to a personal perspective or testimony.
Detailed Explanation: Good for storytelling and firsthand references.
Scenario Example: By the account of witnesses, the event was chaotic.
Best Use: Narrative writing, journalism.
Tone: Informative, descriptive.
18. In Reference To
Meaning: Indicates connection to a subject or source.
Detailed Explanation: Formal but adaptable.
Scenario Example: In reference to your email, we’ve scheduled the meeting.
Best Use: Business, academic.
Tone: Professional, polite.
19. As Indicated By
Meaning: Points to information given by a source.
Detailed Explanation: Smooth way to attribute data or facts.
Scenario Example: As indicated by the survey, customer satisfaction has improved.
Best Use: Reports, presentations.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
20. As Suggested By
Meaning: Credits a recommendation or proposal.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when noting advice or guidance.
Scenario Example: As suggested by our consultant, we revised the strategy.
Best Use: Business, advisory settings.
Tone: Respectful, professional.
21. As Recorded In
Meaning: Refers to documented evidence.
Detailed Explanation: Stresses reliability of written records.
Scenario Example: As recorded in the archives, the treaty was signed in 1856.
Best Use: Historical, legal, academic.
Tone: Formal, factual.
22. From the Perspective Of
Meaning: Presents a viewpoint or interpretation.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on angle rather than fact.
Scenario Example: From the perspective of investors, this move is risky.
Best Use: Analysis, opinion writing.
Tone: Analytical, reflective.
23. In Compliance With
Meaning: Indicates following rules or standards.
Detailed Explanation: Similar to in accordance with, but common in policies.
Scenario Example: In compliance with safety regulations, helmets are mandatory.
Best Use: Legal, workplace policies.
Tone: Formal, precise.
24. As Explained By
Meaning: Gives credit for clarification or reasoning.
Detailed Explanation: More explanatory than factual.
Scenario Example: As explained by the instructor, the formula applies in all cases.
Best Use: Teaching, reports.
Tone: Clear, informative.
25. In Agreement With
Meaning: Shows harmony with a rule, idea, or finding.
Detailed Explanation: Indicates support or consistency.
Scenario Example: In agreement with earlier studies, the new research confirms the hypothesis.
Best Use: Academic, analytical, formal writing.
Tone: Formal, scholarly.
Conclusion
While “according to” is versatile and widely understood, overuse can weaken your writing or make it sound repetitive. By choosing alternatives such as “as stated by,” “in line with,” or “in accordance with,” you can match the tone and context of your communication—whether formal, academic, or casual. With these 25 alternatives, you’ll have the flexibility to express attribution in a precise, professional, and engaging way.
