The phrase “according to” is commonly used to reference sources, cite information, or attribute statements to someone or something.
However, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a professional article, or a casual blog post, varying y
our word choice can enhance readability and engagement.
In this post, we explore 29 alternatives to “according to” that you can use to improve your writing. These synonyms will help you sound more polished, professional, and creative while maintaining clarity and accuracy.
29 Other Ways to Say “According To”
- As per
- Based on
- In line with
- In accordance with
- As stated by
- As reported by
- As mentioned by
- As observed by
- As noted by
- As indicated by
- As claimed by
- As written by
- As asserted by
- As pointed out by
- As outlined by
- As revealed by
- As suggested by
- As expressed by
- As emphasized by
- As highlighted by
- As documented by
- As described by
- As referenced by
- As demonstrated by
- As dictated by
- As shown by
- As evidenced by
- As narrated by
- As detailed by
1. As per
Definition: “As per” means “in agreement with” or “as stated in.”
Description: This phrase is commonly used in formal writing, legal documents, and business communication. It adds a professional touch while maintaining clarity.
Usage Examples:
- As per the company’s guidelines, all employees must submit reports by Friday.
- As per the latest research, sleep affects productivity significantly.
2. Based on
Definition: “Based on” means “using as a foundation or source of information.”
Description: This phrase is useful when discussing conclusions drawn from data, research, or observations. It is frequently used in academic and business writing.
Usage Examples:
- Based on recent studies, regular exercise improves mental health.
- Based on expert analysis, the market is expected to grow.
3. In line with
Definition: “In line with” means “consistent with” or “in agreement with.”
Description: This phrase is often used in policy documents and formal discussions to show alignment with certain principles or guidelines.
Usage Examples:
- In line with government regulations, the company has updated its policies.
- In line with expert advice, we have adjusted our strategy.
4. In accordance with
Definition: “In accordance with” means “in agreement with a rule, law, or guideline.”
Description: This phrase is highly formal and is often found in legal, official, or regulatory documents.
Usage Examples:
- In accordance with company policies, all employees must complete safety training.
- In accordance with environmental standards, new regulations have been introduced.
5. As stated by
Definition: “As stated by” means “as explicitly mentioned by someone or something.”
Description: This phrase is useful when quoting an individual or organization directly.
Usage Examples:
- As stated by the CEO, the company is focused on sustainability.
- As stated by researchers, climate change is accelerating.
6. As reported by
Definition: “As reported by” means “as published or announced by a source.”
Description: It is often used in journalism, news articles, and research citations.
Usage Examples:
- As reported by CNN, the new policy will take effect next month.
- As reported by scientists, global temperatures are rising.
7. As mentioned by
Definition: “As mentioned by” means “as previously referenced by someone.”
Description: This phrase works well when referring to earlier statements in a discussion or article.
Usage Examples:
- As mentioned by the teacher, the assignment is due next week.
- As mentioned by the expert, sleep quality affects productivity.
8. As observed by
Definition: “As observed by” means “as seen or noticed by someone.”
Description: It is commonly used in research, academic writing, and scientific analysis.
Usage Examples:
- As observed by researchers, the experiment yielded surprising results.
- As observed by the public, the event was well-organized.
9. As noted by
Definition: “As noted by” means “as highlighted or pointed out by someone.”
Description: This phrase is useful in academic writing and professional reports.
Usage Examples:
- As noted by historians, the discovery reshaped our understanding of ancient civilizations.
- As noted by experts, cybersecurity threats are increasing.
10. As indicated by
Definition: “As indicated by” means “as shown or suggested by a particular source or evidence.”
Description: This phrase is commonly used in scientific writing, research, and professional discussions to present conclusions based on data.
Usage Examples:
- As indicated by the survey results, customer satisfaction has improved.
- As indicated by the latest studies, sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
11. As claimed by
Definition: “As claimed by” refers to something that someone has stated, but it may not be verified.
Description: This phrase is often used when reporting a statement that may be disputed or controversial.
Usage Examples:
- As claimed by the author, this technique guarantees success.
- As claimed by the company, their product is the most efficient on the market.
12. As written by
Definition: “As written by” means “as expressed in a written document or source.”
Description: This phrase is useful when referring to books, reports, or published articles.
Usage Examples:
- As written by Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage.”
- As written by the journalist, the investigation revealed shocking details.
13. As asserted by
Definition: “As asserted by” means “as strongly stated or declared by someone.”
Description: This phrase is often used when quoting strong opinions or claims.
Usage Examples:
- As asserted by the scientist, this method is the most effective.
- As asserted by economists, inflation will stabilize soon.
14. As pointed out by
Definition: “As pointed out by” means “as specifically mentioned or highlighted by someone.”
Description: This phrase works well when referencing key insights or observations.
Usage Examples:
- As pointed out by the speaker, teamwork is essential for success.
- As pointed out by experts, hydration is crucial for overall health.
15. As outlined by
Definition: “As outlined by” means “as explained or structured by a source.”
Description: Often used in reports, guidelines, and presentations to summarize main points.
Usage Examples:
- As outlined by the company’s policy, all requests must be approved.
- As outlined by the professor, the project must follow specific criteria.
16. As revealed by
Definition: “As revealed by” means “as shown or disclosed by a source.”
Description: This phrase is useful in journalism and research when discussing new findings.
Usage Examples:
- As revealed by the investigation, the fraud lasted for years.
- As revealed by the study, regular exercise boosts mental health.
17. As suggested by
Definition: “As suggested by” means “as proposed or recommended by someone.”
Description: This phrase is useful when discussing recommendations or hypotheses.
Usage Examples:
- As suggested by the expert, reducing screen time improves sleep quality.
- As suggested by doctors, a balanced diet is key to good health.
18. As expressed by
Definition: “As expressed by” means “as communicated or stated by someone.”
Description: This phrase is often used when paraphrasing someone’s thoughts or opinions.
Usage Examples:
- As expressed by the CEO, innovation drives success.
- As expressed by the teacher, effort leads to improvement.
19. As emphasized by
Definition: “As emphasized by” means “as strongly highlighted or stressed by someone.”
Description: It is commonly used when reinforcing important points.
Usage Examples:
- As emphasized by the trainer, consistency is key to fitness.
- As emphasized by scientists, climate change requires urgent action.
20. As highlighted by
Definition: “As highlighted by” means “as brought to attention by someone.”
Description: This phrase is useful in discussions where key points need emphasis.
Usage Examples:
- As highlighted by recent reports, cybersecurity threats are increasing.
- As highlighted by experts, mental health awareness is essential.
21. As documented by
Definition: “As documented by” means “as recorded in a written source.”
Description: Often used in legal, academic, or historical contexts.
Usage Examples:
- As documented by historians, ancient civilizations used advanced technology.
- As documented by researchers, sleep deprivation affects decision-making.
22. As described by
Definition: “As described by” means “as explained or portrayed by someone.”
Description: Useful when explaining processes, theories, or narratives.
Usage Examples:
- As described by the author, the city was vibrant and full of life.
- As described by the scientist, the phenomenon is rare but significant.
23. As referenced by
Definition: “As referenced by” means “as cited or mentioned by a source.”
Description: Common in academic and research writing.
Usage Examples:
- As referenced by scholars, this theory is widely accepted.
- As referenced by legal experts, the law protects consumer rights.
24. As demonstrated by
Definition: “As demonstrated by” means “as shown through evidence or example.”
Description: Often used in academic, scientific, and professional writing.
Usage Examples:
- As demonstrated by recent studies, meditation improves focus.
- As demonstrated by the experiment, the hypothesis was correct.
25. As dictated by
Definition: “As dictated by” means “as required or determined by something.”
Description: Common in legal, policy, and business contexts.
Usage Examples:
- As dictated by company regulations, all employees must attend training.
- As dictated by the contract, the payment is due next month.
26. As shown by
Definition: “As shown by” means “as demonstrated or proven by something.”
Description: Common in academic and factual discussions.
Usage Examples:
- As shown by the data, customer satisfaction has increased.
- As shown by the graph, profits have doubled this year.
27. As evidenced by
Definition: “As evidenced by” means “as supported by proof or facts.”
Description: Often used in research, legal, and formal contexts.
Usage Examples:
- As evidenced by research, sleep impacts cognitive function.
- As evidenced by historical records, the event was significant.
28. As narrated by
Definition: “As narrated by” means “as told or recounted by someone.”
Description: Useful in storytelling and biographical writing.
Usage Examples:
- As narrated by the survivor, the journey was challenging.
- As narrated by the author, the story took unexpected turns.
29. As detailed by
Definition: “As detailed by” means “as explained with specifics by someone.”
Description: Common in reports, documentation, and explanations.
Usage Examples:
- As detailed by the manual, the installation process is simple.
- As detailed by the scientist, the research methodology was rigorous.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative ways to say “according to” enhances your writing by making it more engaging, professional, and varied.
Whether you’re drafting an academic paper, a business report, or creative content, selecting the right synonym can improve readability and credibility.
By incorporating these 29 alternatives, you can tailor your language to suit different contexts, whether formal, informal, or conversational.
Experiment with these phrases to refine your writing style and ensure your message is both clear and impact ful.
