When writing or speaking, using the same phrase like according to repeatedly can feel monotonous and make your communication seem rigid. Understanding alternative expressions not only enriches your language but also helps convey information more clearly, whether you are referencing sources, attributing someone else’s statement, or sharing a personal message. For example, instead of always saying “according to the manager,” you could say “stated by the manager” or “as the manager notes,” which adds variety and makes your style more engaging in emails, essays, or friendly conversations. Knowing the right words for different situations can make a huge difference in how your audience receives your points.
Exploring 30 alternatives to according to allows you to diversify your vocabulary and improve the flow of your writing or speech. Depending on the context, you might choose formal expressions like “as reported by” or academic writing options such as “as documented in the study,” while in a casual chat you could use “says” or “notes.” Using varied expressions keeps your communication clear, thoughtful, and natural, showing care for both clarity and personality in business communications, blog posts, sales reports, or even a heartfelt note. By providing examples and exploring different tones, this article offers complete scenarios where choosing the right preposition or expression can improve professionalism and make your messages more friendly, creative, and precise.
Another or Professional Way to Say “According To”
- Per
- As stated by
- As reported by
- According to the account of
- As noted by
- As observed by
- As claimed by
- As asserted by
- As described by
- As documented by
- As recorded by
- As indicated by
- As suggested by
- As revealed by
- In the words of
- In the view of
- In the opinion of
- On the authority of
- Based on
- In line with
- Consistent with
- In accordance with
- Per the findings of
- Cited by
- Quoted by
- Informed by
- As per
- By the account of
- According to sources
- As outlined by
1. Per
Per is a short, professional substitute commonly used in formal writing and business communication. Imagine a project manager summarizing client instructions in an email: “Per the client’s request, we’ll shift the deadline.” It reads crisp and direct, working well where brevity and authority matter. Use per when you want a concise connector that signals you’re relaying another party’s instruction or data without adding explanation. It’s especially common in memos, summaries, and captions where every word counts and clarity is essential.
Meaning: By or as stated by; in accordance with.
Tone: Formal, concise, authoritative.
Example: Per the report, sales rose 8% last quarter.
Best Use: Business emails, memos, summaries, captions.
2. As stated by
“As stated by” signals you are reporting a direct claim or formal declaration from a person or source. Picture an article quoting a public official — using “as stated by” clarifies that the following words reflect the speaker’s position. It carries slightly more distance than “according to,” emphasizing the act of stating. Use it when you want to underscore that the information derives from a specific statement rather than an implication or inference.
Meaning: Expressed in the words of the named source.
Tone: Neutral, reportorial, slightly formal.
Example: As stated by the CEO, the acquisition will close in June.
Best Use: News copy, press summaries, quoted statements.
3. As reported by
“As reported by” frames the information as coming through a report or news outlet. It’s useful in journalism and research summaries when you cite coverage or findings rather than first-hand observation. Use this variant when signaling that the information has been published or disseminated by another party, which can add distance and transparency about your source chain.
Meaning: Conveyed through a report or published source.
Tone: Journalistic, factual, distancing.
Example: As reported by the local paper, the festival drew thousands.
Best Use: News articles, summaries, literature reviews.
4. According to the account of
This phrase highlights narration or testimony — the information comes from someone’s account or retelling. It’s appropriate when the source is a person recounting events, memories, or perspectives. Use it to emphasize the subjective or narrative nature of the claim while still crediting the origin.
Meaning: Based on someone’s personal description or testimony.
Tone: Narrative, evidentiary, slightly formal.
Example: According to the account of witnesses, the fire began near the back entrance.
Best Use: Interviews, case studies, historical or anecdotal pieces.
5. As noted by
“As noted by” points to an observation or remark previously made by a source. It works well when summarizing commentary, analysis, or marginal observations within scholarly work or commentary pieces. Use it to nod to prior commentary without quoting verbatim, and when you want to indicate that the detail is an observed point rather than a hard fact.
Meaning: Observed or remarked upon by the source.
Tone: Scholarly, reflective, measured.
Example: As noted by the researcher, sample size affects reliability.
Best Use: Academic writing, analytical pieces, annotations.
6. As observed by
“As observed by” emphasizes that the information comes from observation—often empirical or first-hand. It’s well suited to scientific writing, ethnography, and reporting where sensory or empirical observation is central. Use it when you want to stress that a claim arises from seeing or measuring something rather than conjecture.
Meaning: Noted through direct observation by the source.
Tone: Empirical, objective, measured.
Example: As observed by the field team, migration patterns shifted this season.
Best Use: Research reports, field notes, scientific summaries.
7. As claimed by
“As claimed by” highlights that a source makes a claim — useful when the statement is contestable or partisan. It subtly signals that the assertion might require confirmation. Use it when you need to present contested information neutrally while maintaining critical distance.
Meaning: Asserted by the source; may be unverified.
Tone: Cautious, neutral, potentially skeptical.
Example: As claimed by the vendor, the device lasts 48 hours on a single charge.
Best Use: Investigative pieces, balanced reporting, critical summaries.
8. As asserted by
“As asserted by” carries a similar sense to “as claimed by,” but with a more formal weight. It conveys that the source made a definite statement, often with confidence. Use this phrasing in analytical contexts where you want to preserve the source’s forceful voice without endorsing it.
Meaning: Firmly declared by the source.
Tone: Formal, emphatic, analytic.
Example: As asserted by the expert, the algorithm reduces bias under these conditions.
Best Use: Scholarly critique, policy analysis, expert commentary.
9. As described by
“As described by” indicates you’re relaying a portrayal or characterization offered by someone else. It’s useful when the source provides a detailed depiction — whether of a process, person, or event. Use it for richer summaries that retain the source’s framing and nuance.
Meaning: Portrayed or characterized by the source.
Tone: Descriptive, explanatory, contextual.
Example: As described by the author, the city blends tradition with innovation.
Best Use: Book reviews, product descriptions, ethnographic sketches.
10. As documented by
“As documented by” suggests evidence is recorded or archived; it gives weight to the claim by pointing to documentation. Use this when relying on records, studies, or official files to support your statement. It’s particularly useful in historical, legal, or research contexts where documentation matters.
Meaning: Recorded in documents or archives by the source.
Tone: Authoritative, evidentiary, formal.
Example: As documented by the archive, the treaty was signed in 1899.
Best Use: Historical research, legal writing, evidence-based reporting.
11. As recorded by
“As recorded by” is similar to “as documented by,” emphasizing that the detail appears in a formal record or log. It’s ideal for technical, scientific, or administrative contexts where logs or recordings are primary evidence. Use it when the record itself is central to the claim.
Meaning: Entered in a log, transcript, or official record.
Tone: Factual, archival, meticulous.
Example: As recorded by the lab notebook, the reaction occurred at 3:14 p.m.
Best Use: Lab reports, meeting minutes, official records.
12. As indicated by
“As indicated by” points to evidence or signals that support a conclusion; it often introduces results or implications. It’s handy when moving from data to interpretation and when you want a softer, evidence-driven connector.
Meaning: Suggested or shown by evidence or signals.
Tone: Analytical, cautious, evidence-based.
Example: As indicated by survey results, customer satisfaction improved.
Best Use: Data analysis, research summaries, business intelligence.
13. As suggested by
“As suggested by” implies a tentative or interpretive link from evidence to conclusion. It’s less definitive than “as indicated by,” suitable when you want to present an inference rather than an established fact. Use it to introduce plausible readings or hypotheses.
Meaning: Implied or supported tentatively by the source.
Tone: Tentative, interpretive, thoughtful.
Example: As suggested by early trials, the treatment may reduce symptoms.
Best Use: Hypotheses, exploratory reports, forward-looking analysis.
14. As revealed by
“As revealed by” has a slightly dramatic or investigative tone, used when new or previously hidden information comes to light. It’s ideal for investigative journalism or reporting surprising findings. Use it when the source exposes something consequential that changes understanding.
Meaning: Made known or exposed by the source.
Tone: Revelatory, investigative, emphatic.
Example: As revealed by the audit, several invoices were misclassified.
Best Use: Investigative pieces, exposés, findings announcements.
15. In the words of
“In the words of” signals direct or close paraphrase of a source’s phrasing and preserves the speaker’s voice. It’s effective for colorful quotations and human-focused storytelling. Use it when you want to foreground the source’s style or perspective.
Meaning: Expressed exactly or closely in the source’s own phrasing.
Tone: Quotative, personal, engaging.
Example: In the words of the artist, “this piece is about breath.”
Best Use: Interviews, profiles, evocative storytelling.
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16. In the view of
“In the view of” emphasizes opinion or perspective, useful when the source offers judgment rather than objective fact. It keeps reporting neutral while giving weight to the source’s standpoint. Use it in opinion sections or balanced analyses.
Meaning: From the perspective or judgment of the source.
Tone: Opinionated but neutral, balanced.
Example: In the view of the committee, the policy needs revision.
Best Use: Editorial analyses, expert commentary, policy briefs.
17. In the opinion of
“In the opinion of” explicitly frames the following as an opinion — helpful for legal, editorial, or consultative contexts. It’s clear and cautious, preventing confusion between fact and judgment. Use it to credibly attribute evaluative statements.
Meaning: A subjective judgment from the source.
Tone: Explicitly subjective, cautious, transparent.
Example: In the opinion of several scientists, further study is necessary.
Best Use: Editorials, expert opinions, consultative reports.
18. On the authority of
“On the authority of” attributes information to a recognized authority or official source, lending credibility and formal weight. Use it when a claim rests on a credentialed source or when authority matters for trust and verification.
Meaning: Backed by or attributed to an authoritative source.
Tone: Formal, credence-granting, authoritative.
Example: On the authority of the bureau, the rule will take effect immediately.
Best Use: Official announcements, legal contexts, formal reports.
19. Based on
“Based on” signals that the claim derives from data, evidence, or a cited foundation. It’s versatile and often used when linking conclusions to their sources. Use it when you move from foundations (data, analysis) to a conclusion or summary.
Meaning: Derived from or grounded in the cited material.
Tone: Analytical, foundational, explanatory.
Example: Based on their study, the team recommends policy changes.
Best Use: Reports, data summaries, recommendations.
20. In line with
“In line with” connects the claim to a trend, precedent, or policy consistency. It’s useful for positioning new information within an established pattern. Use it when you want to show alignment between the source’s claim and broader norms or findings.
Meaning: Consistent with or matching the cited source or pattern.
Tone: Comparative, contextual, harmonious.
Example: In line with prior studies, these results show similar trends.
Best Use: Literature reviews, policy comparisons, trend analysis.
21. Consistent with
“Consistent with” emphasizes agreement between the new statement and existing evidence or authority. It’s slightly more technical than “in line with” and is often used in scientific or legal writing. Use it to highlight corroboration.
Meaning: In agreement or harmony with the referenced source.
Tone: Technical, corroborative, measured.
Example: Consistent with previous findings, the model predicts growth.
Best Use: Scientific papers, legal arguments, corroborative analysis.
22. In accordance with
“In accordance with” is a formal phrase often used for rules, policies, or standards. It conveys compliance or alignment with an authoritative prescribing source. Use it in legal, regulatory, or procedural contexts where formal phrasing matters.
Meaning: Following or conforming to the cited rule or source.
Tone: Formal, procedural, compliance-focused.
Example: In accordance with company policy, employees must report errors.
Best Use: Policy documents, legal notices, compliance communications.
23. Per the findings of
“Per the findings of” explicitly ties the claim to research outcomes or study results. It’s especially useful in academic and scientific contexts to show evidence-based sourcing. Use it when you want to foreground the empirical basis of a statement.
Meaning: As shown or concluded by the research or study.
Tone: Evidence-based, academic, precise.
Example: Per the findings of the survey, interest in the program is high.
Best Use: Research summaries, academic writing, evidence briefs.
24. Cited by
“Cited by” shows that another author or source referenced the material — handy when discussing secondary citations or tracing ideas. Use it for literature reviews, legal briefs, and academic contexts where citation lineage matters.
Meaning: Mentioned or referenced by another source.
Tone: Scholarly, traceable, referencing.
Example: Cited by several experts, that theory continues to influence practice.
Best Use: Literature reviews, academic writing, citation tracking.
25. Quoted by
“Quoted by” indicates a direct quotation or a verbal excerpt carried by another source. It signals a closer, often verbatim, transmission of words. Use it when reproducing someone’s exact phrasing via a secondary source.
Meaning: Reproduced verbatim or closely by the citing source.
Tone: Quotative, evidential, direct.
Example: Quoted by the magazine, the athlete said, “I never give up.”
Best Use: Profiles, media analysis, quoted material.
26. Informed by
“Informed by” suggests that the content is shaped or guided by the referenced source rather than strictly reported from it. It’s useful for interpretive or creative work where background sources influence conclusions or style.
Meaning: Shaped, influenced, or guided by the source.
Tone: Reflective, interpretive, thoughtful.
Example: This approach is informed by decades of community practice.
Best Use: Thought pieces, methodology descriptions, creative analyses.
27. As per
“As per” is a slightly more formal or traditional variant of “per,” common in corporate or legal communications. It adds a formal cadence and is often used in directives, confirmations, or transactional language. Use it sparingly in modern casual prose to avoid sounding stilted.
Meaning: In accordance with; as directed by.
Tone: Formal, procedural, slightly old-fashioned.
Example: As per the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
Best Use: Contracts, formal correspondence, procedural notes.
28. By the account of
“By the account of” emphasizes that the information is drawn from someone’s narrative or testimony. It’s useful when detailing stories, recollections, or reports where the source’s perspective is central. Use it in reporting and narrative contexts to preserve the testimonial nature of the content.
Meaning: According to someone’s narrative or telling.
Tone: Narrative, testimonial, descriptive.
Example: By the account of long-time residents, the neighborhood has changed.
Best Use: Oral histories, interviews, narrative journalism.
29. According to sources
“According to sources” is a journalistic staple signaling that information comes from unnamed or multiple informants. Use it when you need to attribute claims while protecting source anonymity or when many sources corroborate a claim but are not named.
Meaning: Reported by one or more (often unnamed) sources.
Tone: Journalistic, cautious, sometimes investigative.
Example: According to sources, the merger negotiations are underway.
Best Use: News reporting, investigative leads, embargoed briefings.
30. As outlined by
“As outlined by” indicates that the source has provided a structured description, plan, or summary. It’s ideal when referencing frameworks, guides, or formal plans. Use it to connect your statement to a clear, often step-by-step, exposition offered by the source.
Meaning: Presented or structured in the source’s outline or plan.
Tone: Expository, organized, instructive.
Example: As outlined by the roadmap, phase two begins next quarter.
Best Use: How-to guides, policy roadmaps, instructional materials.
FAQs
What does “according to” mean in English?
According to is a preposition used when referencing a source, person, or authority to show that the information or statement comes from someone else. It helps clarify the origin of an idea or piece of information.
Why should I use alternatives to “according to”?
Using alternatives makes your writing and speaking less monotonous and more engaging. It diversifies your vocabulary, improves the flow, and makes communication feel friendly, professional, or personal, depending on the context.
Can I use these alternatives in formal writing?
Yes, many expressions like “stated by,” “as reported by,” or “documented in” are widely understood and commonly used in academic writing, formal reports, and business communications. Choosing the right phrase helps maintain clarity and professionalism.
How do I choose the right alternative for casual conversations?
For informal chats, friendly messages, or personal notes, simpler expressions like “says,” “notes,” or “as [someone] mentions” work well. They keep the tone natural, warm, and engaging without sounding too rigid or formal.
Does using varied expressions improve my writing style?
Absolutely. Exploring alternatives to according to enriches your language, shows thoughtfulness, and helps you communicate ideas clearly. It also makes your writing or speech more dynamic, creative, and personable, whether in a blog post, email, or essay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using 30 other ways to say “according to” can improve both your writing and speaking by making your communication more clear, engaging, and varied. Whether you are referencing sources, attributing someone else’s statement, or sharing information in a formal report, blog post, or friendly message, choosing the right words enhances style, flow, and personality. Exploring alternative expressions not only diversifies your vocabulary but also shows thoughtfulness and professionalism, helping you connect with your audience in any scenario.
