according to a memo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to a memo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing information or directives that are stated in a memo. Example: "According to a memo from management, all employees are required to attend the meeting on Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The total amount of rent paid in the city is $9.9 billion a year, according to a memo to board members from the board's executive director.

The New York Times

Some items were taken, but the assistant refused to say who stole them, according to a memo rejecting the charges.

Independent

The subcommittee first invited Ms. O'Brien to testify voluntarily, according to a memo circulated among Congressional staff members.

The New York Times

Mr. McDermott, 48, is leaving "to pursue outside entrepreneurial opportunities," according to a memo sent to employees yesterday.

The New York Times

According to a memo distributed to Time employees, the company promoted Nora McAniff and John Squires to executive vice president.

The New York Times

Mr. Forst, 46, will run the division with Peter Kraus, according to a memo dated Sept. 25.

The New York Times

The Indian government, however, disagreed - at least according to a memo sent in April 1984 by the diplomat Ronald Nash.

The Guardian

After taking Sunday off, union negotiators began "high-level financial discussions" with Ford on Monday, according to a memo they posted online.

The New York Times

Morgan Stanley's vice chairman, Gary G. Lynch, is stepping down and leaving the firm, according to a memo obtained by DealBook on Friday.

The New York Times

A thorough FBI investigation, in 1954-55, yielded no hard evidence to contradict Bernstein's affidavit — only "hearsay," according to a memo dated August , 1955

The New Yorker

Doing so would generate $12 million for the state in the first year, and $24 million in subsequent years, according to a memo explaining the governor's proposal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing when attributing information to memos to avoid repetition. Use alternatives such as "as stated in the memo" or "the memo indicates".

Common error

Avoid presenting information solely "according to a memo" without providing any context or further details. Always offer additional background or analysis to support the memo's claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to a memo" functions as a prepositional phrase that serves as an attribution marker. It indicates that the information being presented is sourced from a specific memo. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to a memo" is a common and grammatically correct way to attribute information to a written memorandum. Ludwig examples highlight its use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. It's crucial to ensure the cited memo is credible and verifiable. While generally neutral to professional, consider using alternatives like "as the memo states" or "based on the memo" to prevent repetition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage, emphasizing its role in establishing source authority. When using this phrase, provide sufficient context to support the memo's claims and avoid over-reliance on unattributed information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the memo

Simple and direct way to say information relies on the memo.

as the memo states

Rephrases the attribution with a more direct and assertive tone.

the memo indicates

Uses a more neutral verb to convey the information provided in the memo.

in accordance with the memo

Emphasizes compliance or alignment with the memo's contents.

the memo reports

Highlights that the memo's purpose is to share info.

pursuant to the memo

A more formal and legalistic way of stating the memo as the source.

the memo details

Highlights the level of information given in the memo.

the memo specifies

Focuses on the precise nature of the information within the memo.

the memo outlines

Suggests that the memo provides a structured overview of the information.

as per the memo's contents

Highlights the memo's information as the origin of the assertion.

FAQs

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

Use "according to a memo" to attribute information or directives to a specific memo. For example, "According to a memo from the CEO, all employees will receive a bonus this year."

What are some alternatives to saying "according to a memo"?

You can use alternatives like "as the memo states", "based on the memo", or "the memo indicates" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "according to a memo" when citing internal communications?

While not always required, specifying "according to a memo" adds credibility and allows readers to verify the source of the information, especially in formal settings. Omitting it may be acceptable in informal internal communications where the source is implicitly understood.

What information should I include when citing "according to a memo"?

Whenever possible, include the date, author, and recipient of the memo to provide context and allow for easier verification. If the memo is not publicly available, summarize its key points accurately and transparently.