Sentences with ‘according to’ for Better Writing
If you want to cite a source, report someone else’s opinion, or explain why something is true in formal writing, the phrase ‘according to’ is one of the most useful tools in English. This guide shows you exactly how to use it correctly in sentences, emails, and academic work. You will learn the difference between formal and informal uses, see common mistakes, and practice writing your own sentences.
Quick Answer: What Does ‘According to’ Mean?
‘According to’ means “as stated by” or “in the opinion of.” You use it to introduce information that comes from another person, a document, a study, or a rule. It does not mean “in my opinion.” Always use it when you want to show where your information comes from.
- Correct: According to the report, sales increased by 20%.
- Incorrect: According to me, this is a good idea.
How to Use ‘According to’ in Writing
‘According to’ is most common in formal writing, such as essays, research papers, business emails, and news articles. It can also be used in everyday conversation, but it sounds more neutral or official than phrases like “someone said.”
Formal Tone (Academic and Professional)
In formal contexts, ‘according to’ is the standard way to cite a source. It shows that you are reporting facts or opinions from a reliable reference.
- According to the study, regular exercise reduces stress.
- According to the company policy, all employees must wear ID badges.
- According to the author, climate change is the biggest challenge of our time.
Informal Tone (Conversation and Casual Writing)
In everyday speech, ‘according to’ is less common. People usually say “someone said” or “I heard that.” But you can still use it to sound more precise or to emphasize the source.
- According to my friend, the new restaurant is amazing.
- According to the weather app, it will rain this afternoon.
Comparison Table: ‘According to’ vs. Other Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to | As stated by | Formal / Neutral | According to the teacher, the test is next week. |
| Based on | Using evidence | Formal | Based on the data, we need more research. |
| As per | In accordance with | Very formal | As per your request, I have attached the file. |
| Someone said | Reported speech | Informal | My boss said the meeting is at 3 p.m. |
| In my opinion | Personal view | Informal / Neutral | In my opinion, this plan is risky. |
Natural Examples of ‘According to’ in Context
Here are real-life sentences that show how ‘according to’ works in different situations.
- Academic writing: According to Smith (2020), language learning improves cognitive function.
- Business email: According to the quarterly report, our revenue grew by 15%.
- News article: According to officials, the storm will hit the coast tonight.
- Everyday conversation: According to the recipe, you need two cups of flour.
- Instructions: According to the manual, press the red button to start.
Common Mistakes with ‘According to’
Even advanced learners make errors with this phrase. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using ‘According to’ with Yourself
You cannot say “according to me” because it is not a source outside yourself. Use “in my opinion” instead.
- Wrong: According to me, this is the best solution.
- Right: In my opinion, this is the best solution.
Mistake 2: Confusing ‘According to’ with ‘Because of’
‘According to’ introduces a source, not a reason. ‘Because of’ introduces a cause.
- Wrong: According to the rain, the game was canceled.
- Right: Because of the rain, the game was canceled.
- Right: According to the coach, the game was canceled due to rain.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the Comma
When ‘according to’ starts a sentence, put a comma after the source.
- Wrong: According to the doctor you should rest.
- Right: According to the doctor, you should rest.
Mistake 4: Using It for General Knowledge
Do not use ‘according to’ for facts that everyone knows. It sounds unnatural.
- Awkward: According to science, water freezes at 0°C.
- Natural: Water freezes at 0°C.
Better Alternatives to ‘According to’
Sometimes you want to vary your language. Here are strong alternatives for different contexts.
- As stated by: As stated by the professor, the deadline is Friday.
- In the words of: In the words of the CEO, “Innovation is key.”
- Based on: Based on the survey, customers prefer online shopping.
- As reported by: As reported by the news, the economy is improving.
- Per: Per the instructions, save the file as a PDF.
When to Use ‘According to’ (and When Not To)
Use ‘according to’ when you need to show the source of information. This is essential in academic writing, professional reports, and any situation where credibility matters. Do not use it for your own opinions, general facts, or reasons. If you are unsure, ask yourself: “Am I reporting what someone else said or wrote?” If yes, ‘according to’ is a good choice.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct phrase: according to, in my opinion, or because of.
- ______ the manager, the meeting has been moved to Tuesday.
- ______ the traffic, I arrived late to work.
- ______ this is the best movie of the year.
- ______ the study, students who sleep more perform better.
Answers
- According to
- Because of
- In my opinion
- According to
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘according to’ in an email?
Yes. It is common in professional emails, especially when referring to a document, policy, or previous message. For example: “According to the contract, payment is due within 30 days.”
2. Is ‘according to’ formal or informal?
It is neutral to formal. It is safe for academic and business writing. In casual conversation, people often use simpler phrases like “someone said.”
3. What is the difference between ‘according to’ and ‘as per’?
‘As per’ is more formal and often used in legal or bureaucratic language. ‘According to’ is more common in everyday formal writing. Both mean the same thing, but ‘as per’ can sound stiff.
4. Can I start a sentence with ‘according to’?
Yes. Starting a sentence with ‘according to’ is very common and correct. Just remember to add a comma after the source. Example: “According to the guidelines, all reports must be submitted online.”
Final Tips for Better Writing
Using ‘according to’ correctly makes your writing more credible and professional. Always check that you are citing a real source, not your own opinion. Practice with the examples above, and soon you will use this phrase naturally. For more help with sentence structure, visit our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions, feel free to contact us. You can also read our FAQ for common English questions.
