according to a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a source of information or an opinion. For example: "According to a recent study, more than 80% of Americans have access to the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to a G.A.O.

The New York Times

According to a recent C.B.O.

The New York Times

Papuans stink, according to a common prejudice.

The Economist

Sausages are produced according to a recipe.

The New York Times

According to a St.

The Guardian - Sport

According to a W.T.O.

The New York Times - Magazine

According to a Which?

The Guardian - Travel

Maybe, according to a photograph by Dennis Oppenheim.

The New York Times

CNN.com, according to a second.

The New York Times

According to a recent G.M.A.C.

The New York Times

According to a recent G.A.O.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to a", ensure the source is credible and relevant to your point. Providing context about the source (e.g., "According to a recent study by the National Institute of Health...") enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid stating opinions as facts by incorrectly attributing them to a source with "according to a". Always verify that the source genuinely supports the claim you are making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to a" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces information or statements derived from a specific source. Ludwig shows its common usage in attributing claims to reports, studies, spokespersons, and other authoritative entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "according to a" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase for attributing information to a source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and formal communication. When using "according to a", it's crucial to cite credible sources to strengthen your writing. While versatile, avoid misattributing information and always ensure the source genuinely supports your claim. Consider alternatives like "based on a" or "as stated in a" for slight variations in emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "according to a" to enhance the credibility and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on a

Focuses on the foundation or origin of the information.

as stated in a

Emphasizes the explicit declaration within a source.

in line with a

Highlights agreement or consistency with a particular source.

drawing from a

Implies the information is extracted or derived from a source.

referencing a

Directly points to the act of citing a source.

following a

Indicates a sequence or adherence to a source's information.

as per a

More formal way of saying "according to a".

considering a

Suggests taking a particular source into account.

relying on a

Emphasizes the dependence on a source for information.

informed by a

Indicates influence or shaping of understanding by a specific source.

FAQs

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

Use "according to a" to introduce information or a statement that comes from a specific source. For example, "According to a recent study, exercise improves cognitive function."

What are some alternatives to "according to a"?

You can use phrases like "based on a", "as stated in a", or "in line with a" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to always cite the source after using "according to a"?

Yes, it's best practice to clearly identify the source immediately after using "according to a" to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism. For example, "According to a report by the World Health Organization, air pollution is a major health risk."

What type of sources are appropriate to introduce with "according to a"?

You can use "according to a" with various sources, including reports, studies, articles, experts, or official statements. Ensure the source is reliable and relevant to your topic.