Last updated: September 20, 2026
If you’ve written more than a handful of essays, reports, or emails, you’ve probably typed “according to” so many times it starts to feel like a tic. It’s a useful phrase, but repeating it in every paragraph makes your writing sound flat and mechanical. This guide gives you 14+ natural alternatives to “according to”, sorted by formal, informal, academic, and workplace use, so you can attribute information without sounding like a broken record.
I edit student papers and business emails for a living, and “according to” is one of the most overused attribution phrases I see. Learners lean on it because it’s safe. But native speakers switch it up constantly, depending on whether they’re citing a study, quoting a colleague, or just repeating what a friend told them. This article shows you exactly which alternative fits which situation, with real examples you can copy into your own writing today.
By the end, you’ll know the difference between a phrase that fits a legal contract and one that fits a group chat, plus the small grammar traps (like tense and preposition mix-ups) that trip up even confident writers.
What Does “According To” Mean?
“According to” is a preposition phrase used to show where a piece of information came from. It tells the reader, “I’m not making this up — here’s my source.”
You’ll usually see it followed by a person, a document, or an organization: according to the report, according to my manager, according to the CDC. Grammatically, it’s neutral and safe, which is exactly why it gets overused — it works almost everywhere, so writers stop reaching for anything else.
The problem isn’t that “according to” is wrong. It’s that using the same attribution phrase five times in one document flattens your tone and makes even interesting information sound like a list of citations. A skilled writer varies the phrase to match the type of source: a formal report needs different wording than a text from a friend.
Why You Should Learn Alternatives to “According To”
Here’s the direct answer: varying your attribution phrases makes your writing sound more confident, more precise, and less repetitive, which matters for grades, professional credibility, and reader engagement.
There are three practical reasons to build this vocabulary:
- Clarity of source type. “As reported by Reuters” signals a news source. “In my manager’s view” signals opinion. “Per the manual” signals a rulebook. “According to” blurs all of these together.
- Tone control. Academic writing, business emails, and casual texts all call for different registers. Using “as per” in a text to a friend sounds stiff. Using “she reckons” in a research paper sounds unprofessional.
- Reader engagement. Repetition is one of the fastest ways to lose a reader’s attention, whether that reader is a professor, a hiring manager, or someone scrolling your blog post.
I once edited a five-page business proposal that used “according to” eleven times. Swapping half of those for phrases like “as outlined in” and “based on” made the document read like it was written by a person, not a template.
Formal Alternatives to “According To”
Formal alternatives work best in academic papers, legal writing, official reports, and any document where precision and credibility matter most.
The direct answer: for formal writing, phrases like “as stated in,” “as reported by,” and “in accordance with” carry the same authority as “according to” but signal a more polished, professional register.
As Stated In
Use this when you’re citing something written down word-for-word, such as a document, contract, or official record.
As stated in the annual report, revenue grew by 12% last quarter.
This phrase works well in business and legal writing because it implies the information is documented, not just spoken or assumed.
As Reported By
This is the go-to phrase for journalism and news writing, where you’re attributing a fact to a media outlet or investigative source.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the merger talks stalled last week.
Use “as reported by” specifically for news and investigative sources — it sounds odd applied to a textbook or a friend’s opinion.
In Accordance With
This phrase leans legal and procedural. It shows that something follows a rule, standard, or agreement rather than just repeating a fact.
The refund was processed in accordance with our return policy.
Grammar note: “in accordance with” almost always pairs with rules, laws, policies, or standards — not with people. You wouldn’t say “in accordance with my professor,” but you would say “in accordance with university guidelines.”
As Indicated By
This alternative works well for data, charts, statistics, or research findings.
As indicated by the survey results, most employees prefer remote work on Fridays.
It’s a strong fit for academic and scientific writing because it implies evidence, not just opinion.
Per
Short, formal, and common in business emails and technical documentation.
Per company policy, all expense reports are due by the 5th of each month.
I see “per” used constantly in workplace emails because it’s efficient — one word instead of three. Just be careful: overusing “per” (especially “as per”) in casual writing can sound cold or passive-aggressive.
In Line With
This phrase shows agreement or consistency with a standard, trend, or expectation, rather than a direct quote.
The new pricing is in line with industry standards.
Informal Alternatives to “According To”
Informal alternatives fit conversations, texts, casual blog posts, and everyday spoken English.
The direct answer: in casual speech, native speakers usually swap “according to” for “X said,” “I heard,” or “X thinks” because it sounds more natural and less like a citation.
X Said
The simplest, most common informal swap. It’s how most people actually talk.
My sister said the new café downtown is amazing.
I Heard
Perfect for secondhand information you can’t fully confirm — gossip, rumors, or casual news.
I heard the concert got postponed to next month.
This phrase carries a built-in sense of “I’m not 100% sure, but this is what I picked up.”
From What X Said/Told Me
A slightly more detailed version of “X said,” often used when explaining someone’s reasoning or perspective.
From what my landlord told me, the rent increase kicks in next January.
X Thinks/Believes
Use this when you’re attributing an opinion, not a fact.
My coworker thinks the meeting will get pushed to Friday.
This is one place where a lot of learners make a small but noticeable mistake: using “according to” for someone’s personal opinion. Native speakers reserve “according to” more for facts or reported statements, and switch to “thinks” or “believes” for pure opinion. It’s not a hard grammar rule, but it’s a habit worth picking up — it makes your English sound more natural.
Based On What X Says
A flexible, everyday phrase that works for both facts and opinions.
Based on what my doctor says, I should cut back on caffeine.
Professional & Workplace Alternatives to “According To”
Business writing needs phrases that sound confident and clear without becoming stiff or overly academic.
The direct answer: in workplace emails and reports, “based on,” “as outlined in,” and “in line with” are the most natural professional substitutes for “according to” because they sound polished without sounding like a formal essay.
Based On
One of the most versatile professional alternatives. It fits data, feedback, reports, or conversations.
Based on the client’s feedback, we’re revising the proposal timeline.
As Outlined In
Great for referring to plans, contracts, or structured documents.
As outlined in the project brief, the deadline moves to March 15th.
As Per Our Discussion
A common (if slightly overused) email phrase for referencing a previous conversation or meeting.
As per our discussion, I’ve attached the updated budget.
Fair warning: “as per” can sound curt or even passive-aggressive in emails if it’s not paired with friendly phrasing. I always tell clients to soften it with a follow-up sentence, not just drop it as a standalone line.
In Response To
Useful when your message is directly answering a request, complaint, or question.
In response to your email, the shipment will arrive by Thursday.
Drawing On
Slightly more polished, often used in reports or presentations that combine multiple sources.
Drawing on last quarter’s sales data, we’re adjusting our marketing strategy.
Academic & Research Alternatives to “According To”
Academic writing rewards precision. The direct answer: for research papers and essays, phrases like “as noted by,” “as argued by,” and “in the words of” let you show exactly how a source is contributing to your argument, not just where the information came from.
As Noted By
Best for referencing a scholar’s observation or a study’s finding.
As noted by Dr. Chen, sleep deprivation significantly affects memory retention.
As Argued By
Use this when a source is making a claim or position, not just stating a fact.
As argued by the author, economic growth alone doesn’t guarantee well-being.
In the Words Of
Ideal when you’re leading into a direct quote.
In the words of the lead researcher, “the results exceeded every projection.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even confident writers slip up when swapping out “according to.” Here are the errors I catch most often when editing student papers and workplace drafts.
- Mixing tense incorrectly. “According to the report, sales rose” pairs naturally with “as reported by,” but not always with phrases that imply an ongoing opinion, like “X believes.”
- Using formal phrases in casual writing. “In accordance with my friend’s advice” sounds stiff and unnatural — save that structure for policies and rules.
- Dropping the preposition. “According to” needs “to.” Similarly, “as stated in” needs “in,” not “by.” Mixing these up (“as stated by the document”) is a small but common error.
- Overusing “as per.” It’s grammatically fine, but using it repeatedly in emails can come off as terse.
Another Word for According to in an Essay
“According to” is commonly used in essays to introduce information, ideas, opinions, research findings, or statements from another person or source. However, repeating the same phrase too often can make academic writing feel predictable. Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as as stated by, as noted by, as reported by, as explained by, based on, in the view of, according to the findings of, as indicated by, and as demonstrated by.
For example, instead of writing, “According to the researcher, communication is essential,” you could write, “As noted by the researcher, communication is essential.” For research-based writing, “The study indicates that…” or “Research findings suggest that…” may sound more natural and academic.
The best alternative depends on what you are referring to. Use “as stated by” when presenting someone’s words or position, “as reported by” when referring to reported information, and “research indicates” when discussing evidence or findings. Choosing the right expression helps your essay sound varied, precise, and professional.
Other Ways to Say According To: Synonyms and Alternatives
There are many ways to replace “according to,” but each alternative has a slightly different purpose. Some expressions work well in academic essays, while others are better suited to professional, conversational, or informal writing.
Common alternatives include:
- As stated by
- As noted by
- As mentioned by
- As explained by
- As reported by
- As described by
- As indicated by
- As suggested by
- As demonstrated by
- Based on
- In the view of
- From the perspective of
- Research shows that
- Research indicates that
- Studies suggest that
- The evidence suggests that
For example, “According to experts, regular reading improves vocabulary” can become “Research suggests that regular reading improves vocabulary.” Similarly, “According to the author” can become “As stated by the author” or “In the author’s view.”
When writing an essay, avoid replacing “according to” with a synonym simply for the sake of variety. The alternative should accurately match the meaning and source of the information.
Other Ways to Say According To: Examples
The best way to understand alternatives to “according to” is to see how they work in real sentences. Different situations call for different expressions.
According to the study, exercise can improve concentration.
→ The study indicates that exercise can improve concentration.
According to the author, education plays an important role in society.
→ As stated by the author, education plays an important role in society.
According to experts, effective communication reduces misunderstandings.
→ Experts suggest that effective communication reduces misunderstandings.
According to the report, employee satisfaction increased during the year.
→ As reported in the study, employee satisfaction increased during the year.
According to recent research, sleep is important for memory.
→ Recent research indicates that sleep is important for memory.
According to the evidence, the situation requires further investigation.
→ The evidence suggests that the situation requires further investigation.
These examples show that you do not always need a direct synonym. Sometimes restructuring the sentence makes your writing smoother and more natural.
According To: Another Term for Research
When “according to” introduces research, academic studies, statistics, or evidence, stronger research-focused expressions can make your writing more precise. Useful alternatives include research indicates, research suggests, studies show, evidence suggests, findings reveal, data indicates, and research findings demonstrate.
For example:
According to research, regular physical activity may support overall well-being.
This can be rewritten as:
Research indicates that regular physical activity may support overall well-being.
Or:
Studies suggest that regular physical activity may support overall well-being.
In academic writing, it is important to choose wording that matches the strength of the evidence. “Research proves” can sound too absolute unless the evidence genuinely supports such certainty. Expressions such as “research suggests” or “studies indicate” are often more appropriate when findings show an association or provide evidence without establishing absolute certainty.
According To Synonym Informal
In informal conversations, “according to” can often be replaced with simpler expressions such as as they said, as he said, as she mentioned, from what I heard, based on what you said, or in their words.
For example:
According to John, the meeting starts at nine.
In casual conversation, you could say:
John said the meeting starts at nine.
Similarly:
According to what you told me, the plan has changed.
can become:
From what you told me, the plan has changed.
For everyday communication, simple sentence structures are often more natural than formal alternatives. Expressions such as “from what I understand” and “as you mentioned” are also useful when you want to refer to information someone previously shared.
According To in a Sentence
“According to” is used to introduce information that comes from a particular person, source, document, study, report, or viewpoint. It is especially common when you want to show where information originated.
Here are some examples:
According to the teacher, the assignment is due tomorrow.
According to the report, customer satisfaction has increased.
According to recent studies, regular practice can improve language skills.
According to my manager, the meeting has been postponed.
According to the author, language influences how people communicate.
The phrase is usually followed by the person, source, or document providing the information. In academic writing, it helps readers understand that the statement comes from an external source rather than being presented as the writer’s own idea.
According To Him: Synonyms
If you want to replace “according to him,” the best alternative depends on the tone and context. Common options include he says, he stated, he explained, in his view, from his perspective, as he mentioned, as he noted, and in his opinion.
For example:
According to him, the project will be completed soon.
You could write:
He says that the project will be completed soon.
Or:
In his view, the project will be completed soon.
For formal writing, “as he stated” or “in his view” can work well. For casual communication, “he says” or “he mentioned” usually sounds more natural.
It is also useful to distinguish between factual information and personal opinion. “He stated” generally introduces a statement, while “in his opinion” clearly shows that the idea represents his personal viewpoint.
According Synonym and Antonym
“According” does not have one simple antonym that works in every situation because its meaning changes depending on how it is used. In the expression “according to,” it means that information is consistent with or comes from a particular source, viewpoint, or authority.
Possible alternatives to “according to” include as stated by, as reported by, as noted by, based on, in the view of, and as indicated by.
For the opposite idea, the appropriate expression depends on the sentence. Words such as contrary to, unlike, regardless of, against, or in opposition to may express contrast in suitable contexts.
For example:
According to the report, sales increased.
A contrasting statement might be:
Contrary to the report, sales actually declined.
However, “contrary to” is not a direct dictionary antonym of “according to” in every situation. The correct contrasting phrase should be selected based on the intended meaning of the sentence.
I Had a Great Time With You: Meaning
“I had a great time with you” means that you enjoyed spending time with someone and appreciated the experience you shared together. It is a warm and friendly expression that can be used after a date, meeting, trip, conversation, dinner, party, or other enjoyable activity.
For example, after spending an afternoon with a friend, you might say, “I had a great time with you today.” This tells the person that you enjoyed their company and the time you spent together.
The phrase can also have a romantic meaning when used between two people who are dating or interested in each other. In that context, it can communicate affection and appreciation without sounding overly intense.
Other natural expressions include “I really enjoyed spending time with you,” “I had such a wonderful time with you,” “I enjoyed your company,” and “It was great spending time with you.” The best choice depends on how warm, friendly, romantic, or formal you want to sound.
Have a Great Time: Phrases and Alternatives
“Have a great time” is a friendly expression used to wish someone an enjoyable experience. It can be used before a trip, party, vacation, dinner, event, celebration, or any activity the person is looking forward to.
Some natural alternatives include:
- Enjoy yourself!
- Have fun!
- Enjoy your time!
- Hope you have a wonderful time!
- Have an amazing time!
- Enjoy every moment!
- Hope you enjoy it!
- Have a fantastic time!
- Make the most of it!
- Enjoy your trip!
- Have a wonderful experience!
- Wishing you a great time!
For casual situations, “Have fun!” and “Enjoy yourself!” are simple and natural. For a warmer message, “I hope you have a wonderful time!” works well. In professional communication, “I hope you enjoy the event” or “I hope you have a pleasant trip” can sound more appropriate.
The important thing is to match the phrase with the situation. A short expression may be perfect for a friend, while a more polished sentence may be better for a colleague, client, or professional email.
What Is the Difference Between “According To” and “Based On”?
“According to” credits a statement to a source, while “based on” shows what a conclusion, decision, or recommendation is built on. This is why the two phrases are not always interchangeable.
- According to attributes information to someone or something else: According to the report, sales fell by 8%. The writer is only passing along what the source says.
- Based on explains the foundation of your own reasoning: Based on the report, we should reduce our budget. The writer is drawing a conclusion from the source.
A simple test: if you are reporting what a source says, use “according to.” If you are using a source to support your own decision or argument, use “based on.”
One common mistake is writing “according to me.” Native speakers avoid it because “according to” points to an outside source. Use “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective” instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use Instead of Saying “According to the Text”?
Instead of “according to the text,” you can say “the text states,” “the passage explains,” “the author notes,” or “as described in the text.” These alternatives make your writing sound more natural and polished while clearly showing that the information comes from a specific passage.
What Is a Formal Word for “According To”?
Formal alternatives to “according to” include “as stated by,” “as noted by,” “as reported by,” “as indicated by,” and “as described by.” The best choice depends on whether you are referring to an author, source, study, report, or piece of evidence.
What Is Another Way to Say “According To” in Research?
In research writing, you can use phrases such as “the study indicates,” “the research suggests,” “the authors report,” or “the findings show.” These expressions sound academic and help connect a claim directly to the research evidence supporting it.
What Is a Synonym for “According To” When Citing?
When citing a source, useful alternatives include “as noted by,” “as stated by,” “as reported by,” “as observed by,” and “as explained by.” These phrases can make citations less repetitive while maintaining a clear connection between the source and the information being presented.
Final Takeaway
“According to” isn’t wrong — it’s just overused. The real skill is matching your attribution phrase to your source and your audience: as stated in for documents, as reported by for news, based on for workplace writing, and X said for casual conversation. Once you start noticing which phrase fits which context, you’ll stop defaulting to the same three words in every paragraph, and your writing will sound sharper because of it.
Riaz Ahmad is the founder and writer at DefineGrammar.com, dedicated to simplifying English grammar for students and writers worldwide. With a passion for language, he breaks down complex grammar rules into clear, practical lessons, helping readers write with confidence and clarity every day.
