according to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that the sentence that follows is based on information from a reliable source, such as a book, website, or person. For example: "According to the latest national census, the population of the United States is over 330 million people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to the L.S.E.

The New York Times

According to the W.H.O.

The New York Times

According to the N.Y.U.

The New York Times

According to the O.S.F.

The New Yorker

According to the G.A.O.

The New York Times

According to the I.M.F.

The New York Times

According to the latest I.M.F.

The New Yorker

Wrong, according to the Canadians.

The Economist

That's according to the numbers.

The New York Times

Not according to the police.

The Economist

according to the Wilshire website.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always cite your sources when using the phrase "according to the" to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism. Ensure the source is reliable and relevant to your content.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on one source when using "according to the". Consult multiple sources to provide a balanced and comprehensive view. This strengthens your argument and demonstrates thorough research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to the" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces information or a statement attributed to a specific source. It signals that the following information is not the writer's own assertion but is derived from an external authority. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "according to the" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to attribute information to a specific source. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears frequently in wikis and scientific publications. To ensure credibility, it's crucial to cite sources properly and consult multiple sources for a balanced perspective. By following these practices, you can effectively use the phrase to enhance the validity and trustworthiness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as stated by

Focuses on the act of stating, emphasizing the source's explicit declaration.

based on the

Highlights the foundation or basis of information, suggesting a derivation.

in accordance with the

Emphasizes compliance or agreement with a standard or rule.

following the

Indicates a sequence or adherence to a particular method or guideline.

drawing from the

Implies a selective use of information from a source.

referring to the

Highlights the act of making reference to a source.

on the authority of

Emphasizes the credibility and power of the source.

attributing to the

Specifically assigns the information or idea to a particular source.

informed by the

Suggests that the information has shaped or influenced an understanding.

as per the

A more concise and direct way of indicating adherence to instructions or guidelines.

FAQs

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

Use "according to the" to introduce information or data obtained from a specific source. For example, "According to the New York Times, the economy is improving."

What are some alternatives to "according to the"?

You can use alternatives like "as stated by", "based on the", or "in accordance with the" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to always specify the source when using "according to the"?

Yes, specifying the source is crucial for transparency and to give credit to the original source of the information. This adds credibility to your writing.

How does the formality of "according to the" compare to its alternatives?

"According to the" is generally neutral. Alternatives like "as per the" can be more formal, while others like "drawing from the" can imply a more interpretive use of the source material.