According To in a Sentence: Simple Examples for Learners
If you want to say that something is based on what another person, source, or rule says, you use according to. It is a prepositional phrase that introduces the source of information. For example: According to the weather report, it will rain today. This article gives you clear, practical examples so you can use according to correctly in your own writing and speaking.
Quick Answer: How to Use According To
Use according to to show where information comes from. The structure is simple: According to + [source] + [statement]. The source can be a person, a document, a study, a rule, or a belief. Do not use it for your own opinion. For example:
- Correct: According to the manager, the meeting is at 3 PM.
- Incorrect: According to me, this is a good idea.
Formal and Informal Tone
According to is common in both formal and informal English, but the context changes.
Formal Use (Academic, Business, Official)
In formal writing, according to is used to cite research, reports, laws, or authorities. It adds credibility.
- According to the study, regular exercise improves memory.
- According to company policy, all employees must wear ID badges.
- According to the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
Informal Use (Conversation, Everyday Talk)
In casual conversation, according to often introduces what someone said or believes.
- According to Sarah, the movie starts at 8.
- According to my dad, this is the best pizza in town.
Comparison Table: According To vs. Other Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| According to | Based on what a source says | According to the news, the flight is delayed. |
| In my opinion | Personal belief | In my opinion, this book is boring. |
| As stated by | Very formal, often written | As stated by the author, the theory is flawed. |
| Based on | Using evidence or data | Based on the results, we need more testing. |
| Per | According to (formal, business) | Per your request, I have attached the file. |
Natural Examples in Context
Here are examples that show how according to works in real situations.
In Emails
- According to the schedule, the deadline is Friday.
- According to your email, you need the report by noon.
In Conversation
- According to Tom, the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
- According to the sign, parking is free after 6 PM.
In Academic Writing
- According to Smith (2020), climate change affects migration patterns.
- According to the textbook, photosynthesis requires sunlight.
In News and Media
- According to reports, the company is planning to expand.
- According to the police, no one was injured.
Common Mistakes with According To
Learners often make these errors. Avoid them to sound natural.
Mistake 1: Using it with your own opinion
Do not say According to me or According to my opinion. Use In my opinion or I think instead.
- Wrong: According to me, this is the best solution.
- Right: In my opinion, this is the best solution.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the source
According to always needs a source. Do not use it alone.
- Wrong: According to, the meeting is at 3.
- Right: According to the email, the meeting is at 3.
Mistake 3: Confusing it with because of
According to introduces a source, not a reason.
- Wrong: According to the rain, the game was cancelled. (Rain is not a source.)
- Right: Because of the rain, the game was cancelled.
- Right: According to the coach, the game was cancelled because of rain.
Mistake 4: Using it for general facts
If a fact is common knowledge, you do not need a source.
- Awkward: According to science, water boils at 100 degrees.
- Better: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes according to is not the best choice. Here are alternatives for different situations.
When you want to be more formal
- As per – Use in business emails. As per your instructions, I have updated the file.
- Pursuant to – Very formal, legal. Pursuant to the agreement, both parties must sign.
When you want to show evidence
- Based on – Use with data or research. Based on the survey, customers prefer online shopping.
When you want to quote someone
- As stated by – Use in reports or essays. As stated by the CEO, the company is profitable.
When to Use According To
Use according to when you need to:
- Cite a source in academic or professional writing.
- Report what someone else said or believes.
- Refer to rules, laws, or official documents.
- Share information from news, studies, or experts.
Do not use it for your own ideas, common knowledge, or reasons.
Mini Practice: 4 Questions
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
1. _____ the doctor, you should rest for two days.
A) According to
B) Because of
C) In my opinion
Answer: A) According to
2. _____ the traffic, we were late.
A) According to
B) Because of
C) As per
Answer: B) Because of
3. _____ the contract, the work must be finished by June.
A) According to
B) In my opinion
C) Based on
Answer: A) According to
4. _____ this is the best restaurant in the city.
A) According to me
B) In my opinion
C) According to the review
Answer: B) In my opinion (or C) According to the review, but B is more natural for personal opinion)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use according to with a person’s name?
Yes. For example: According to Maria, the store closes at 9 PM. This is common in both speaking and writing.
2. Is according to always followed by a noun?
Yes, or a noun phrase. The source must be a noun or pronoun. For example: According to the report (noun) or According to him (pronoun).
3. Can I start a sentence with according to?
Yes, it is very common. For example: According to the rules, you cannot park here. You can also put it later: The rules say, according to the handbook, you cannot park here.
4. What is the difference between according to and based on?
According to introduces a source (a person, document, or rule). Based on introduces evidence or data. Compare: According to the teacher, the test is easy. (The teacher said it.) Based on the test scores, the test is easy. (The scores show it.)
Final Tips for Learners
To master according to, practice by reading news articles or listening to reports. Notice how journalists use it to cite sources. In your own writing, always check that the source is clear and that you are not using it for your own opinion. With these examples and rules, you can use according to confidently in daily English sentences.
For more help with sentence structure, visit our Daily English Sentences section or explore Simple Sentence Examples. If you have questions, see our FAQ page or contact us.
