Common Mistakes When Using ‘According to’ in a Sentence
The phrase “according to” is used to attribute information to a source, meaning “as stated by” or “based on what someone or something says.” The most common mistake learners make is using it to state their own opinion or fact they personally know, which creates a confusing or incorrect sentence. For example, saying “According to me, the movie was good” is grammatically awkward and unnatural in standard English. This guide will show you exactly how to use “according to” correctly, highlight frequent errors, and provide clear alternatives for everyday writing and conversation.
Quick Answer: When and How to Use ‘According to’
Use “according to” only when you are reporting information from a specific source, such as a person, a report, a study, a news article, or an organization. Do not use it for your own opinions, beliefs, or direct observations. The structure is simple: “According to [source], [information].” For example: “According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.” If you want to express your own view, use phrases like “In my opinion” or “I think.”
Why ‘According to’ Is Often Misused
The main reason for misuse is that learners try to sound formal or academic, but they apply the phrase to personal statements. In formal writing and speech, “according to” signals that you are citing evidence or a third party. In informal conversation, it can sound stiff or even sarcastic if used incorrectly. Understanding the difference between reporting someone else’s words and sharing your own thoughts is key to using this phrase naturally.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
- Formal (academic, business, news): “According to the 2023 report, sales increased by 15%.” This is correct because you are citing a document.
- Informal (conversation, casual email): “According to my friend, the restaurant is great.” This is acceptable if you are reporting what your friend said, but it can sound a bit formal. A more natural alternative is “My friend says the restaurant is great.”
Email vs. Conversation
- Email (professional): “According to the client’s feedback, we need to revise the proposal.” This is appropriate because you are referencing a source.
- Conversation (casual): “According to the news, the game was canceled.” This works, but in everyday talk, people often say “The news said the game was canceled.”
Comparison Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
| Incorrect Sentence | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| According to me, this is the best option. | “According to” should not be used for personal opinion. | In my opinion, this is the best option. |
| According to my view, the plan is flawed. | Same reason; “my view” is not an external source. | I believe the plan is flawed. |
| According to the teacher, she said we have homework. | Redundant; “the teacher” is the source, but “she said” repeats it. | According to the teacher, we have homework. |
| According to what I think, we should leave now. | Mixes personal thought with a citation phrase. | I think we should leave now. |
| According to the internet, cats are popular. | Vague source; “the internet” is too broad. | According to a recent survey, cats are popular. |
Natural Examples of ‘According to’ in Sentences
Here are examples that sound natural in different contexts. Notice how the source is always clear and external.
- Academic writing: “According to Smith (2020), climate change affects migration patterns.”
- News report: “According to the BBC, the election results will be announced tonight.”
- Everyday conversation: “According to my mom, the store closes at 9 PM.”
- Business email: “According to the quarterly review, our team met all targets.”
- Study context: “According to the textbook, photosynthesis requires sunlight.”
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Using ‘According to’ for Personal Opinions
This is the most frequent error. Learners write “According to me” or “According to my opinion.” This is incorrect because “according to” implies an objective source, not a subjective one.
Fix: Use “In my opinion,” “I think,” “I believe,” or “From my perspective.”
Example of error: “According to me, the movie was boring.”
Corrected: “In my opinion, the movie was boring.”
Mistake 2: Using ‘According to’ with Vague or Unclear Sources
Phrases like “according to everyone” or “according to what I heard” are too vague. The source should be specific or at least identifiable.
Fix: Name the source or use a more precise phrase like “I heard that” or “It is said that.”
Example of error: “According to people, the restaurant is expensive.”
Corrected: “People say the restaurant is expensive.”
Mistake 3: Redundancy with ‘According to’ and ‘Said’
Do not say “According to John, he said that…” because “according to John” already means “John said.”
Fix: Remove the extra “said.”
Example of error: “According to the report, it stated that sales are up.”
Corrected: “According to the report, sales are up.”
Mistake 4: Using ‘According to’ for Facts You Know Personally
If you are stating a fact you know from your own experience, do not use “according to.” For example, “According to my eyes, the sky is blue” is unnatural.
Fix: State the fact directly.
Example of error: “According to my memory, we met in 2019.”
Corrected: “I remember we met in 2019.”
Better Alternatives to ‘According to’
Depending on your context, you can replace “according to” with more natural phrases. Here are some options:
- For personal opinion: “In my opinion,” “I think,” “I believe,” “It seems to me.”
- For reported speech: “[Source] says/said that,” “As [source] stated,” “Based on [source].”
- For general knowledge: “It is widely believed that,” “Many people think that.”
- For evidence: “Based on the data,” “Research shows that.”
When to Use ‘According to’
Use “according to” when you want to give credit to a specific source, especially in formal writing, reports, or when citing evidence. It is also useful in academic essays, news articles, and professional emails where you need to show that your information comes from a reliable third party. Avoid it in casual conversation unless you are directly quoting someone, and even then, a simpler phrase like “[Name] said” often sounds more natural.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- __________, the best way to learn is through practice.
a) According to me
b) In my opinion - __________ the study, exercise improves memory.
a) According to
b) According to my view - __________ the manager, the meeting is at 3 PM.
a) According to
b) According to what I think - __________, the weather will be sunny tomorrow.
a) According to the forecast
b) According to my guess
Answers: 1. b, 2. a, 3. a, 4. a
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “according to” with a person’s name?
Yes, if you are reporting what that person said. For example: “According to Dr. Lee, the treatment is effective.” This is correct because you are citing a specific person as your source.
2. Is “according to me” ever correct?
No, it is not standard in any context. Use “in my opinion” or “I think” instead. “According to me” sounds unnatural and is considered a mistake by most English teachers.
3. What is the difference between “according to” and “based on”?
“According to” means “as stated by” and focuses on the source of information. “Based on” means “using as a foundation” and focuses on evidence or data. For example: “According to the report, sales are up” (the report states this). “Based on the report, we will increase production” (the report is the reason for the decision).
4. Can I use “according to” in informal writing?
Yes, but it can sound formal. In informal writing like text messages or casual emails, it is better to use simpler phrases like “[Name] said” or “I heard that.” For example, instead of “According to my friend, the party was fun,” you can write “My friend said the party was fun.”
Final Tips for Using ‘According to’ Correctly
To avoid mistakes, always ask yourself: “Am I reporting someone else’s words or information from a specific source?” If yes, “according to” is appropriate. If you are sharing your own opinion, observation, or memory, choose a different phrase. Practice by writing a few sentences each day using “according to” with real sources like news articles, books, or people you know. Over time, the correct usage will become natural.
For more help with common English errors, visit our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also explore Simple Sentence Examples and Writing Sentence Examples to improve your overall sentence structure. If you have questions, check our FAQ page or contact us directly.
