Sometimes, using the same phrase over and over can make writing feel flat or repetitive. One common example? “According to.” It’s a helpful phrase, sure—but if you use it too much, it starts to stand out in a bad way. Whether you’re writing a report, an essay, or just trying to sound more natural in your emails, switching things up can make a big difference. There are plenty of other ways to say “according to” that feel smoother, clearer, or just plain better suited to the tone you’re going for. Let’s look at 35+ simple and useful alternatives.
What Does “According To” Really Mean?
“According to” is one of those phrases that gets tossed around constantly, but rarely do we stop to think about it. At its core, it simply means: as stated by, as reported by, or in the opinion of. You’ll see it in research papers, news articles, casual conversations—pretty much everywhere. It lends authority, attributes information, and, sometimes, distances the speaker from the source.
But let’s be honest—it can feel a little bland or repetitive if overused. Whether you’re writing something professional or just want to sound a little more polished, shaking things up with some creative alternatives is a smart move.
35+ Alternative Expressions for “According To”
- As reported by
- As stated by
- Based on
- In the words of
- Per
- As claimed by
- According to the data
- As highlighted by
- Citing
- From the perspective of
- As observed by
- As noted by
- Echoing the words of
- Quoting
- As detailed in
- As documented in
- According to findings
- In line with
- As per the report
- From what [source] says
- If you go by
- Referring to
- On the authority of
- As evidenced by
- Testimony from
- As put by
- In reference to
- Drawing from
- Based upon insights from
- As conveyed by
- Per testimony from
- By the account of
- According to records
- Judging by
- From the account of
- So-and-so says
1. As reported by
Meaning: Indicates that a source has officially communicated or documented the info
Example: As reported by CNN, the storm is expected to make landfall tonight.
Best Use: News, journalism, formal writing
Tone: Neutral, professional
2. As stated by
Meaning: Directly references someone’s spoken or written statement
Example: As stated by the CEO, the launch will be delayed.
Best Use: Business communications, academic reports
Tone: Formal, clear
3. Based on
Meaning: Refers to underlying data, evidence, or framework
Example: Based on recent surveys, most people prefer remote work.
Best Use: Analytical or data-driven content
Tone: Neutral, technical
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4. In the words of
Meaning: Direct quote or paraphrased sentiment from a specific person
Example: In the words of Maya Angelou, “People will never forget how you made them feel.”
Best Use: Speeches, essays, inspirational writing
Tone: Personal, reflective
5. Per
Meaning: A compact, formal way to say “according to”
Example: Per the contract, you’re entitled to a full refund.
Best Use: Legal, corporate, or formal documents
Tone: Concise, authoritative
6. As claimed by
Meaning: Indicates assertion or belief by the subject, may imply skepticism
Example: As claimed by the manufacturer, the product can last ten years.
Best Use: Reviews, analysis
Tone: Slightly skeptical or questioning
7. According to the data
Meaning: Focuses on empirical or measurable evidence
Example: According to the data, the trend has reversed since 2023.
Best Use: Research, academic, or business reports
Tone: Factual, precise
8. As highlighted by
Meaning: Emphasizes what the source is drawing attention to
Example: As highlighted by the audit, there are several discrepancies.
Best Use: Reports, critiques
Tone: Observational, formal
9. Citing
Meaning: Introducing a source for reference
Example: Citing recent findings, the article suggests a change in policy.
Best Use: Academic, journalistic
Tone: Neutral, informed
10. From the perspective of
Meaning: Acknowledges the source’s unique viewpoint
Example: From the perspective of small business owners, the new law is burdensome.
Best Use: Opinion pieces, analysis
Tone: Considerate, contextual
11. As observed by
Meaning: Reflects the source’s noted findings or real-world observations
Example: As observed by teachers, students are more engaged post-pandemic.
Best Use: Qualitative discussions
Tone: Analytical, semi-formal
12. As noted by
Meaning: The source has mentioned something noteworthy
Example: As noted by historians, the document predates the Revolution.
Best Use: Historical, educational, or research content
Tone: Informed, formal
13. Echoing the words of
Meaning: Emphasizes agreement or repetition of a source’s point
Example: Echoing the words of the late professor, “Context matters.”
Best Use: Essays, persuasive writing
Tone: Emphatic, reflective
14. Quoting
Meaning: Direct use of someone else’s words
Example: Quoting Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see.”
Best Use: Articles, speeches, storytelling
Tone: Authentic, literary
15. As detailed in
Meaning: Refers to a source that provides in-depth information
Example: As detailed in the manual, installation takes about 30 minutes.
Best Use: Instructional, technical writing
Tone: Clear, structured
16. As documented in
Meaning: References an official or archived source
Example: As documented in the archives, the event occurred in 1865.
Best Use: Historical, legal, or academic writing
Tone: Authoritative, formal
17. According to findings
Meaning: Based on results of studies or analysis
Example: According to findings, people sleep better without screens.
Best Use: Research reports, studies
Tone: Scientific, precise
18. In line with
Meaning: Matches or supports a previous claim or idea
Example: In line with previous research, the theory holds.
Best Use: Academic, scientific papers
Tone: Corroborative, formal
19. As per the report
Meaning: Similar to “per,” but more specific
Example: As per the report, sales dropped 12% in Q2.
Best Use: Business updates, financial writing
Tone: Direct, structured
20. From what [source] says
Meaning: Casual way to refer to someone’s opinion
Example: From what my doctor says, I should cut back on caffeine.
Best Use: Conversational, informal contexts
Tone: Casual, relaxed
21. If you go by
Meaning: Suggests conditional belief in a source
Example: If you go by what the tabloids say, it’s a scandal.
Best Use: Informal, skeptical, or conversational use
Tone: Playful, sometimes sarcastic
22. Referring to
Meaning: Drawing attention to a previous mention
Example: Referring to the study, the symptoms began after 3 weeks.
Best Use: Transitional phrase in formal writing
Tone: Neutral, academic
23. On the authority of
Meaning: Leans on credibility of the cited source
Example: On the authority of the chief medical officer, masks remain recommended.
Best Use: Legal, formal, public statements
Tone: High-trust, formal
24. As evidenced by
Meaning: Supported or proven by example or data
Example: As evidenced by the photos, the damage was extensive.
Best Use: Argumentative writing, legal or evidence-based content
Tone: Strong, convincing
25. Testimony from
Meaning: Someone gave a personal or official account
Example: Testimony from witnesses painted a chaotic scene.
Best Use: Legal, investigative, or journalistic writing
Tone: Formal, reportive
26. As put by
Meaning: Casual way to quote or paraphrase someone
Example: As put by my grandfather, “You can’t rush a good stew.”
Best Use: Personal storytelling or informal writing
Tone: Warm, conversational
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27. In reference to
Meaning: Points back to a specific source or subject
Example: In reference to the memo, employees should update their schedules.
Best Use: Office communication, formal writing
Tone: Neutral, businesslike
28. Drawing from
Meaning: Implies pulling ideas or facts from a source
Example: Drawing from previous experience, I knew what to expect.
Best Use: Narrative, essays, analysis
Tone: Reflective, thoughtful
29. Based upon insights from
Meaning: Leverages expert knowledge or interpretation
Example: Based upon insights from educators, students thrive with more autonomy.
Best Use: Educational, consulting, policy papers
Tone: Analytical, respectful
30. As conveyed by
Meaning: How something was communicated or passed on
Example: As conveyed by the artist, the piece reflects isolation.
Best Use: Art, literature, cultural writing
Tone: Interpretive, expressive
31. Per testimony from
Meaning: Based on a formal or legal statement
Example: Per testimony from the officer, events escalated quickly.
Best Use: Legal, investigative writing
Tone: Official, serious
32. By the account of
Meaning: Someone’s personal retelling or version
Example: By the account of several residents, the noise started at midnight.
Best Use: Journalism, narrative nonfiction
Tone: Descriptive, detailed
33. According to records
Meaning: Documented information
Example: According to records, the building was erected in 1892.
Best Use: Archival, legal, historical content
Tone: Official, factual
34. Judging by
Meaning: Inferred from something observed
Example: Judging by the crowd, the event was a hit.
Best Use: Reviews, opinion pieces
Tone: Informal, interpretive
35. From the account of
Meaning: Based on a person’s personal or documented report
Example: From the account of first responders, the rescue was risky.
Best Use: News, storytelling
Tone: Human-centered, authentic
36. So-and-so says
Meaning: Plainly attributing a quote or view
Example: My trainer says I need more protein.
Best Use: Conversational, informal
Tone: Casual, personal
Conclusion
Changing up your words can do wonders for how your writing sounds. Instead of always saying “according to,” you now have over 35 easy choices that can fit different situations—whether you’re being formal, casual, or just trying to avoid repetition. Play around with them. See which ones feel right. Clear writing doesn’t have to be stiff. It just has to make sense and flow well.
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