20 Other Ways to Say ‘‘According To’’ (With Examples)

Other Ways to Say ‘‘According To’’ can transform your writing, giving your emails, essays, or reports a more natural, human, and thoughtful flow. Using the phrase instinctively to credit a source or attribute information can feel formal or dull, but swapping it with a more vibrant alternative helps elevate the tone, clarity, and message of your words.

Exploring options starts with the context and goal of your communication. You can acknowledge a client, cite a source, or introduce a viewpoint in friendly conversations or real-world scenarios. Incorporating synonyms, polished phrasing, and examples in emails, essays, or reports enhances readability, expression, and effectiveness, while creative alternatives can serve formal or casual situations with care, warmth, and personal touch.

Using writing with precision and variety expands your repertoire of tools. Exploring 15 to 20, options allows you to express meanings, tones, and situations in a smart, polished way. By aligning your words with the right authority, personality, and context, you share expressions that feel human, complete, and professional, while avoiding repetitive, robotic writing, giving each sentence a fresh and thoughtful edge.

What Does “According To” Mean?

“According to” is a phrase used to attribute information or ideas to a source, authority, or person. It signals that the statement is based on someone else’s words or data, giving credit while conveying information clearly.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “According To”?

Yes, “according to” is generally professional and polite, especially in formal writing or conversations. However, repeatedly using it can feel rigid. Using alternatives can make your communication more engaging, personal, and dynamic.

Why You Need Alternatives to “According To”

Relying on just one phrase can make your writing or speaking sound repetitive. Choosing alternatives allows you to vary tone, highlight the source creatively, and connect with your audience more personally.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Alternatives

Advantages:

• Adds variety and warmth to your writing.
• Allows for tailored tone, depending on the audience.
• Makes your communication more engaging and personal.

Disadvantages:

• Overuse of uncommon alternatives may confuse the reader.
• Some phrases are more formal and might feel stiff in casual contexts.

Tips for Choosing the Right Phrase

• Consider the formality of your situation: Some alternatives are more casual, others formal.
• Match the tone of your message: Empathetic, authoritative, or conversational.
• Think about the source: Is it an expert, a friend, or general knowledge?

Discover More Post: 20 Other Ways to Say “Did You Know” (With Examples)

Full List of Alternatives 

• As Reported By
• As Stated By
• As Mentioned By
• As Indicated By
• Based On
• Per
• In Line With
• In Agreement With
• In the Words of
• According As Reported
• As Outlined By
• As Highlighted By
• As Per
• As Described By
• As Suggested By
• As Noted By
• In Accordance With
• According To The Opinion Of
• As Expressed By
• As Confirmed By

1. As Reported By

Meaning & Definition: Indicates information has been shared by a source, often media or official reports.

Detailed Explanation: This phrase is commonly used to reference a source while emphasizing that it comes from a report or formal account.

Scenario Examples:

• As reported by the New York Times, the event was postponed due to rain.
  

Best Use: Formal writing, journalism, research citations.

Tone: Professional, factual.

2. As Stated By

Meaning & Definition: Highlights that the information was explicitly mentioned by someone.

Detailed Explanation: Use this when you want to show direct attribution to a speaker or writer.

Scenario Examples:

• As stated by Dr. Lee, maintaining hydration is essential for health.
  

Best Use: Academic or professional discussions.

Tone: Formal, respectful.

3. As Mentioned By

Meaning & Definition: Refers to information that has been mentioned or noted by someone.

Detailed Explanation: Suitable for slightly informal contexts where you want to reference a source.

Scenario Examples:

• As mentioned by Sarah, the meeting will start at 2 PM.
  

Best Use: Emails, team updates, casual reports.

Tone: Neutral, friendly.

4. As Indicated By

Meaning & Definition: Shows that the information was indicated or suggested by the source.

Detailed Explanation: This is useful when the source implies or points to something rather than stating it outright.

Scenario Examples:

• As indicated by the survey, most customers prefer online shopping.
  

Best Use: Research, data interpretation, analysis.

Tone: Formal, analytical.

5. Based On

Meaning & Definition: Shows that the statement relies on a source or evidence.

Detailed Explanation: Great for expressing that your information comes from an established reference or observation.

Scenario Examples:

• Based on the weather forecast, we should postpone the picnic.
  

Best Use: Reports, planning, discussions.

Tone: Neutral, factual.

6. Per

Meaning & Definition: A concise alternative meaning “according to”.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in business, professional, or legal contexts, giving a clean, direct attribution.

Scenario Examples:

• Per the manager’s instructions, all reports are due Friday.
  

Best Use: Emails, memos, official instructions.

Tone: Professional, concise.

7. In Line With

Meaning & Definition: Shows alignment with a source, policy, or guideline.

Detailed Explanation: Suggests that actions or ideas follow the recommendation or standard of someone or something.

Scenario Examples:

• In line with company policy, employees must submit leave requests in advance.
  

Best Use: Professional, organizational communication.

Tone: Formal, collaborative.

8. In Agreement With

Meaning & Definition: Indicates that something matches or agrees with a source’s statement or view.

Detailed Explanation: Ideal when emphasizing consensus or validation from another source.

Scenario Examples:

• In agreement with Dr. Patel, meditation improves mental health.
  

Best Use: Academic, health, professional discussions.

Tone: Respectful, professional.

9. In the Words of

Meaning & Definition: Quotes or paraphrases someone directly or closely.

Detailed Explanation: Adds warmth by bringing the speaker’s perspective into your communication.

Scenario Examples:

• In the words of Maya Angelou, “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
  

Best Use: Inspirational writing, speeches, personal storytelling.

Tone: Empathetic, warm.

10. According As Reported

Meaning & Definition: A slightly more formal variation emphasizing the reporting of information.

Detailed Explanation: Useful for referencing official or documented accounts.

Scenario Examples:

• According to WHO, the vaccination drive is progressing well.
  

Best Use: Research, official updates, news articles.

Tone: Formal, precise.

11. As Outlined By

Meaning & Definition: Highlights that the source has detailed or structured the information.

Detailed Explanation: Use when referring to a well-organized explanation or plan from someone.

Scenario Examples:

• As outlined by the project lead, all deadlines must be met by June.
  

Best Use: Professional documents, instructional guides.

Tone: Formal, instructive.

12. As Highlighted By

Meaning & Definition: Emphasizes that the source has drawn attention to a key point.

Detailed Explanation: Great for pointing out important details or findings from a source.

Scenario Examples:

• As highlighted by the report, customer satisfaction is rising steadily.
  

Best Use: Reports, presentations, discussions.

Tone: Formal, analytical.

13. As Per

Meaning & Definition: Another concise form of “according to”, often interchangeable with “per.”

Detailed Explanation: Commonly used in official or formal communication.

Scenario Examples:

• As per the guidelines, all submissions must be digital.
  

Best Use: Professional, policy-based contexts.

Tone: Professional, direct.

14. As Described By

Meaning & Definition: Shows that the information was described or explained by the source.

Detailed Explanation: Ideal for giving credit to someone who provided detailed information.

Scenario Examples:

• As described by the historian, the city has evolved over centuries.
  

Best Use: Educational, storytelling, reporting.

Tone: Formal, informative.

15. As Suggested By

Meaning & Definition: Indicates recommendations or advice coming from a source.

Detailed Explanation: Adds a soft, advisory tone, making it feel considerate.

Scenario Examples:

• As suggested by your doctor, regular exercise is important.
  

Best Use: Guidance, health, mentoring contexts.

Tone: Warm, encouraging.

16. As Noted By

Meaning & Definition: References something that has been observed or recorded by a source.

Detailed Explanation: A polite way to cite observations or commentary.

Scenario Examples:

• As noted by the teacher, students responded well to interactive lessons.
  

Best Use: Academic or professional contexts.

Tone: Neutral, factual.

17. In Accordance With

Meaning & Definition: Shows alignment with rules, standards, or instructions.

Detailed Explanation: A formal phrase used in legal, professional, or procedural contexts.

Scenario Examples:

• In accordance with the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
  

Best Use: Legal, corporate, compliance.

Tone: Formal, authoritative.

18. According To The Opinion Of

Meaning & Definition: Attributes a viewpoint or perspective to someone.

Detailed Explanation: Useful when you want to highlight opinions rather than facts.

Scenario Examples:

• According to the opinion of Dr. James, mindfulness can improve focus.
  

Best Use: Editorials, reviews, discussions.

Tone: Respectful, reflective.

19. As Expressed By

Meaning & Definition: Refers to how someone articulated their ideas or feelings.

Detailed Explanation: Perfect for showing empathy or quoting emotions.

Scenario Examples:

• As expressed by Jane, the team felt proud of their accomplishments.
  

Best Use: Storytelling, motivational writing, personal reflection.

Tone: Warm, expressive.

20. As Confirmed By

Meaning & Definition: Indicates that the source validated or verified information.

Detailed Explanation: Adds credibility and reassurance to your statement.

Scenario Examples:

• As confirmed by the IT department, the system update is complete.
  

Best Use: Professional reporting, factual updates.

Tone: Formal, trustworthy.

FAQs

1. What does “According To” mean?
“According To” is used to credit a source or attribute information to someone or something. It shows that the statement is based on another person’s words or data.

2. Why should I use alternatives to “According To”?
Using alternatives makes your writing or speech feel more natural, engaging, and less repetitive. It also allows you to adjust tone for formal, casual, or friendly communication.

3. Can I use “According To” in professional emails?
Yes, “According To” is professional and polite, but varying your phrasing with synonyms like as stated by or as reported by can make your emails more dynamic.

4. What are some common alternatives to “According To”?
Some popular alternatives include: as reported by, as mentioned by, as highlighted by, as outlined by, per, based on, in line with, and in accordance with.

5. How do I choose the right alternative?
Choose based on context, audience, and tone. For formal writing, options like per or as stated by work best. For friendly or casual conversation, use as mentioned by or as highlighted by.

6. Can these alternatives make my writing more thoughtful?
Absolutely. Using creative and varied phrasing helps convey care, warmth, and personality in your emails, essays, reports, or notes, making your message more human and relatable.

7. Are there limits to using these alternatives?
Yes. Overusing uncommon alternatives in a single piece can confuse the reader. Stick to clear, relevant, and context-appropriate choices.

Conclusion

Using Other Ways to Say ‘‘According To’’ allows your writing to feel more thoughtful, precise, and personal. By swapping the standard phrase with alternatives, you can elevate the tone and clarity of your messages, whether in emails, essays, reports, or casual conversations. Each option in your toolbox adds a layer of warmth and human touch, helping your communication feel less robotic and more engaging for your audience.

Exploring and incorporating synonyms, polished phrasing, and examples not only enhances readability but also aligns your words with the right authority, personality, and context. Over time, building this repertoire of tools ensures that your writing conveys both accuracy and care, allowing you to share ideas and credit sources with confidence while keeping your style fresh, vibrant, and professional.