according to

USAGE SUMMARY

"according to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing someone's opinion, an idea, or a source of information. For example: "According to a recent survey, 86% of people would recommend this product to their friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But according to whom?

The New York Times

According to ABC, "G.M.A".

The New York Times

According to the L.S.E.

The New York Times

According to Mr.

The New York Times

According to a G.A.O.

The New York Times

According to the W.H.O.

The New York Times

According to an F.B.I.

The New York Times

According to P.S.G.

The New York Times

According to these B.G.F.

The New Yorker

According to an N.Y.U.

The New York Times

According to whom?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the source you are citing is reliable and relevant to your topic.

Common error

Avoid using "according to" loosely. Always verify that the source actually supports the claim you are making.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "according to" is to act as a prepositional phrase introducing a source of information or opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to attribute statements, data, or ideas to a specific origin. Examples show it preceding names, organizations, or documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "according to" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to attribute information to a source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science, offering a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to always cite your sources accurately and avoid misattributing information. Alternatives like "based on" and "as stated by" can provide subtle variations in meaning and emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "according to" to add credibility and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as stated by

Highlights the act of stating or declaring something.

as reported by

Emphasizes the act of reporting information, typically in news or research contexts.

based on

Focuses on the foundation of the information, rather than the source itself.

the source indicates

This phrase places more emphasis on the source as an active agent of communication.

in accordance with

Implies a stricter adherence to a set of rules or guidelines.

derived from

Suggests that the information is extracted or developed from a specific source.

drawing from

Similar to 'derived from', but can imply a more creative or interpretive use of the source material.

attributable to

Indicates the origin or cause of something, often used in formal writing.

with reference to

This is a formal and academic way of indicating that you are using information from a particular source.

if we believe

This alternative is less direct and introduces a degree of uncertainty or personal belief.

FAQs

How can I use "according to" in a sentence?

Use "according to" to introduce information or opinions that come from a specific source. For example, "According to the report, sales have increased."

What's a more formal alternative to "according to"?

For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "in accordance with" or "as stated by".

Is it necessary to always name the source after "according to"?

Yes, it is best practice to clearly identify the source you are citing. If the source is implied but not explicitly stated, it can lead to confusion or a lack of credibility.

How does "according to" differ from "based on"?

"According to" attributes information to a specific source, while "based on" indicates the foundation or evidence upon which something is formed. "Based on the data, we can conclude..." focuses on the information itself, whereas "According to the analyst, we can conclude..." highlights the source of the information.