according to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to attribute information or opinions to a source or authority. Example: "According to the latest research, climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The second essential number quantifies the thermal insulation of clothing according to something called the clo scale.

The New Yorker

This chapter is about looking at the analytics data for your website before and after a design change to determine the effectiveness of that change according to something that web analytics can measure.

Practical Web Analytics for User Experience How Analytics Can Help You Understand Your Users

And, according to something called the Batman Map Strike Zone (don't ask), the next location would be the big one: Yellowstone.

The New Yorker

Say it again, we want to rule out those Nash equilibria that instruct people way down the tree to play according to something which is not a Nash equilibrium.

Yale University

According to something Netflix calls the "binge scale", ranging from "savour" at one end to "devour" at the other, its original drama Narcos, about the rise to power of Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, was the platform's slowest-burning hit in the UK, with viewers "savouring" it over six days.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's no doubt that Bernstein was a smart man and a born musician, but he needed an editor even in his "West Side Story" days — when, according to something he told the conductor John DeMain before the 25th-anniversary production, Jerome Robbins kept him from having the entire dance in the gym and the final scene be entirely sung.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Nevertheless, according to Faber, something fundamental has changed.

The Guardian

According to Michael Gove, something remarkable happened to schools over the Christmas holiday.

The Guardian

According to Ellin, "something very mellow, maybe dinner and home by eleven" is their idea of a fun Saturday night.

The New Yorker

According to Do Something, more than 2.4 million people took action through the organization in response to 25 cause campaigns in 2012.

The New York Times

According to Deech, something about the building – so opulent, so optimistic, so deeply Victorian – makes her feel "a special obligation to do my best".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to something", clearly identify the 'something' to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "according to the study" or "according to the expert's opinion".

Common error

Avoid using "according to something" without specifying what the 'something' is. This can create confusion and weaken the credibility of your statement. Always provide a clear reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to something" functions as a prepositional phrase used to attribute information, opinions, or actions to a specified source or basis. Ludwig AI shows various examples where this phrase introduces a claim or a piece of information derived from a certain entity or concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to something" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to attribute information to a specific source. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct, it's important to clearly specify what the 'something' refers to in order to avoid vagueness. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media, followed by academic and wiki sources. For clarity and credibility, ensure you provide a clear reference when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on a certain source

Emphasizes the foundation or origin of the information.

relying on a specific claim

Highlights the dependence on a particular assertion or statement.

as stated by a given entity

Formal alternative, stressing the speaker and the act of stating.

following a particular guideline

Focuses on adherence to a set of rules or instructions.

in line with a certain principle

Indicates agreement or conformity to a standard.

informed by a specific finding

Highlights the influence of a research result or discovery.

drawing from a particular idea

Emphasizes the origin of the concept being discussed.

with reference to a certain detail

Highlights specific aspects that are being taken into account.

grounded in a particular rationale

Focuses on the logical basis or justification for a statement.

as per a certain indication

Suggests following a specific instruction or sign.

FAQs

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

Use "according to something" to introduce information or a statement that originates from a specific source. For instance, "According to the report, sales have increased."

What can I say instead of "according to something"?

You can use alternatives like "based on a certain source", "as stated by a given entity", or "relying on a specific claim" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "according to something" or to name the source directly?

Naming the source directly (e.g., "John Smith stated that...") is often stronger and more credible. Use "according to something" when you want to generalize the source or when the specific source is less important than the information itself.

What’s the difference between "according to something" and "in accordance with something"?

"According to something" is used to attribute information, while "in accordance with something" implies compliance or agreement with rules or guidelines. For example, "According to the law, this is illegal" versus "The project was completed in accordance with the regulations."