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

Finding the right words matters more than we realize. When you say according to, your message can sound formal or distant. Using warmer alternatives helps your writing feel human, clear, and thoughtful—especially in conversations, emails, and everyday communication.

What Does “According To” Mean?

According to means information comes from someone, something, or a source. It shows you’re not stating a personal opinion but referencing facts, reports, beliefs, or authority.

When to Use “According To”

Use according to when you want to cite a source, share research, or repeat someone else’s view. It’s common in writing, reports, news, and professional conversations.

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

Yes, according to is both professional and polite. However, repeating it too often can feel stiff. Softer alternatives add warmth, flow, and personality.

Synonyms For “According To”

1. Based On
2. As Per
3. In Line With
4. As Stated By
5. As Reported By
6. Per
7. In the Words of
8. As Noted By
9. As Mentioned By
10. Accordingly
11. On the Basis of
12. From the Perspective of
13. In Agreement With
14. As Explained By
15. As Outlined By
16. As Indicated By
17. In the Opinion of
18. Per the Report
19. As Referenced By
20. Based on the View of
21. As Suggested By
22. In Keeping With
23. As Confirmed By
24. As Cited By
25. In Light Of
26. As Observed By
27. As Defined By
28. As Shared By
29. As Described By
30. Following

1. Based On

Scenario: Referring to facts or data

Examples:

1. Based on the data, sales improved.
2. Based on feedback, changes were made.
3. Based on research, results vary.
4. Based on reports, costs increased.
5. Based on studies, sleep matters.

Tone: Neutral and factual

Explanation: This phrase connects decisions or statements to evidence clearly and naturally. It feels logical, supportive, and easy to understand without sounding stiff or overly formal.

Best Use: Reports, analysis, explanations

2. As Per

Scenario: Following rules or instructions

Examples:

1. As per policy, refunds apply.
2. As per instructions, submit today.
3. As per agreement, payment cleared.
4. As per schedule, meeting moved.
5. As per request, changes done.

Tone: Formal

Explanation: This option sounds official and structured. It signals compliance with rules or directions while keeping language professional and respectful.

Best Use: Business emails, policies

3. In Line With

Scenario: Showing agreement or consistency

Examples:

1. In line with goals, plans changed.
2. In line with values, decisions followed.
3. In line with policy, action taken.
4. In line with strategy, hiring paused.
5. In line with feedback, updates released.

Tone: Professional and calm

Explanation: This phrase highlights alignment and harmony. It feels thoughtful and reassuring, especially when explaining decisions made collaboratively or ethically.

Best Use: Workplace communication

4. As Stated By

Scenario: Quoting an authority

Examples:

1. As stated by experts, practice helps.
2. As stated by law, compliance required.
3. As stated by management, changes coming.
4. As stated by guide, follow steps.
5. As stated by report, growth slowed.

Tone: Formal and respectful

Explanation: This alternative gives credit clearly. It sounds authoritative while remaining polite and precise in serious or professional writing.

Best Use: Academic or legal writing

5. In the Words of

Scenario: Quoting someone directly

Examples:

1. In the words of my mentor.
2. In the words of the author.
3. In the words of history.
4. In the words of leaders.
5. In the words of experience.

Tone: Warm and reflective

Explanation: This phrase feels personal and respectful. It adds emotional weight while honoring someone else’s perspective or wisdom.

Best Use: Speeches, storytelling

6. As Reported By

Scenario: Sharing news or findings

Examples:

1. As reported by the media, prices rose.
2. As reported by officials, voting ended.
3. As reported by doctors, recovery varies.
4. As reported by analysts, profits fell.
5. As reported by sources, talks continue.

Tone: Informative and neutral

Explanation: This phrase clearly credits news or research sources. It feels trustworthy and factual while keeping emotional distance, making information easier to accept and understand.

Best Use: News articles, reports

7. Per

Scenario: Referring to rules or documents

Examples:

1. Per guidelines, masks required.
2. Per contract, terms apply.
3. Per instructions, upload files.
4. Per schedule, class starts.
5. Per policy, approval needed.

Tone: Very formal

Explanation: This concise alternative sounds official and direct. It removes emotion and focuses on compliance, which works well in professional or legal settings.

Best Use: Legal and corporate writing

8. As Noted By

Scenario: Mentioning observations

Examples:

1. As noted by reviewers, quality improved.
2. As noted by staff, workload increased.
3. As noted by teachers, effort matters.
4. As noted by users, bugs exist.
5. As noted by experts, trends change.

Tone: Professional and calm

Explanation: This phrase gently acknowledges observations without sounding forceful. It keeps communication respectful and balanced, especially when discussing feedback or findings.

Best Use: Reviews, evaluations

9. As Mentioned By

Scenario: Referring to earlier statements

Examples:

1. As mentioned by Sarah, plans changed.
2. As mentioned by management, deadlines moved.
3. As mentioned by him, costs rose.
4. As mentioned by guide, follow steps.
5. As mentioned by team, support needed.

Tone: Casual and polite

Explanation: This option feels conversational and friendly. It reminds readers of earlier points without repeating information aggressively or sounding overly formal.

Best Use: Emails, discussions

10. Accordingly

Scenario: Showing cause and effect

Examples:

1. Sales dropped; accordingly, budgets changed.
2. Weather worsened; accordingly, travel stopped.
3. Demand increased; accordingly, prices rose.
4. Errors appeared; accordingly, fixes applied.
5. Time ran out; accordingly, meeting ended.

Tone: Logical and professional

Explanation: This word links actions to reasons smoothly. It helps readers follow decisions clearly while maintaining a polished and thoughtful tone.

Best Use: Formal explanations

11. On the Basis of

Scenario: Explaining reasoning

Examples:

1. On the basis of evidence, ruled fair.
2. On the basis of feedback, updated.
3. On the basis of data, approved.
4. On the basis of trust, agreed.
5. On the basis of law, decided.

Tone: Serious and structured

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes reasoning and justification. It reassures readers that decisions are thoughtful and grounded in facts, not assumptions.

Best Use: Academic, legal writing

12. From the Perspective of

Scenario: Sharing viewpoints

Examples:

1. From the perspective of customers, value matters.
2. From the perspective of teachers, patience helps.
3. From the perspective of workers, safety first.
4. From the perspective of parents, trust counts.
5. From the perspective of leaders, clarity matters.

Tone: Empathetic and thoughtful

Explanation: This option highlights empathy. It shows respect for different viewpoints and encourages understanding without judgment or conflict.

Best Use: Essays, discussions

13. In Agreement With

Scenario: Showing alignment

Examples:

1. In agreement with policy, approved.
2. In agreement with findings, accepted.
3. In agreement with team, decided.
4. In agreement with values, acted.
5. In agreement with rules, complied.

Tone: Cooperative

Explanation: This phrase expresses harmony and shared understanding. It reduces tension and helps decisions feel collaborative rather than imposed.

Best Use: Workplace communication

14. As Explained By

Scenario: Clarifying information

Examples:

1. As explained by trainer, steps matter.
2. As explained by guide, follow order.
3. As explained by expert, risks exist.
4. As explained by doctor, rest helps.
5. As explained by manager, changes coming.

Tone: Clear and supportive

Explanation: This alternative feels patient and helpful. It reassures readers that details were carefully communicated and thoughtfully shared.

Best Use: Instructions, learning content

15. As Outlined By

Scenario: Referring to plans

Examples:

1. As outlined by roadmap, launch soon.
2. As outlined by policy, steps clear.
3. As outlined by plan, phases follow.
4. As outlined by guide, begin early.
5. As outlined by strategy, focus shifted.

Tone: Structured

Explanation: This phrase signals organization and clarity. It helps readers trust the process and understand what comes next.

Best Use: Planning documents

16. As Indicated By

Scenario: Pointing to signs

Examples:

1. As indicated by results, growth slowed.
2. As indicated by data, demand rose.
3. As indicated by survey, users satisfied.
4. As indicated by chart, trends changed.
5. As indicated by signs, stop ahead.

Tone: Analytical

Explanation: This option sounds objective and evidence-driven. It supports claims without emotional bias, making statements feel credible.

Best Use: Research, analysis

17. In the Opinion of

Scenario: Sharing viewpoints

Examples:

1. In the opinion of experts, balance matters.
2. In the opinion of staff, change needed.
3. In the opinion of judges, fair ruling.
4. In the opinion of critics, flawed.
5. In the opinion of users, simple works.

Tone: Respectful

Explanation: This phrase politely separates facts from opinions. It avoids sounding absolute while honoring others’ thoughts.

Best Use: Reviews, commentary

18. Per the Report

Scenario: Referring to documents

Examples:

1. Per the report, profits declined.
2. Per the report, safety improved.
3. Per the report, demand rose.
4. Per the report, delays occurred.
5. Per the report, changes planned.

Tone: Formal

Explanation: This phrase directly references documentation. It sounds official and clear, especially when accuracy matters most.

Best Use: Business reports

19. As Referenced By

Scenario: Citing sources

Examples:

1. As referenced by study, outcomes vary.
2. As referenced by book, history repeats.
3. As referenced by article, trends shift.
4. As referenced by law, limits apply.
5. As referenced by guide, steps listed.

Tone: Academic

Explanation: This option highlights credibility. It reassures readers that information comes from reliable, traceable sources.

Best Use: Academic writing

20. Based on the View of

Scenario: Sharing perspectives

Examples:

1. Based on the view of experts, proceed.
2. Based on the view of users, redesign.
3. Based on the view of leaders, expand.
4. Based on the view of parents, delay.
5. Based on the view of staff, adjust.

Tone: Considerate

Explanation: This phrase shows respect for opinions. It feels inclusive and thoughtful, especially during decision-making.

Best Use: Group discussions

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21. As Suggested By

Scenario: Referring to recommendations

Examples:

1. As suggested by advisor, wait.
2. As suggested by guide, revise.
3. As suggested by data, invest.
4. As suggested by team, simplify.
5. As suggested by doctor, rest.

Tone: Gentle and helpful

Explanation: This alternative feels supportive rather than commanding. It encourages cooperation and openness to advice.

Best Use: Advice, guidance

22. In Keeping With

Scenario: Showing consistency

Examples:

1. In keeping with tradition, celebrate.
2. In keeping with rules, comply.
3. In keeping with values, act.
4. In keeping with goals, adjust.
5. In keeping with policy, approve.

Tone: Respectful

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes continuity and respect for norms. It reassures readers that actions align with expectations.

Best Use: Formal writing

23. As Confirmed By

Scenario: Verifying information

Examples:

1. As confirmed by officials, approved.
2. As confirmed by email, received.
3. As confirmed by tests, safe.
4. As confirmed by team, ready.
5. As confirmed by report, accurate.

Tone: Reassuring

Explanation: This option builds trust. It signals certainty and reduces doubt by highlighting verification.

Best Use: Announcements

24. As Cited By

Scenario: Academic references

Examples:

1. As cited by researchers, trends change.
2. As cited by article, results differ.
3. As cited by journal, peer-reviewed.
4. As cited by author, theory stands.
5. As cited by law, limits apply.

Tone: Scholarly

Explanation: This phrase strengthens credibility. It clearly connects claims to recognized sources.

Best Use: Academic papers

25. In Light Of

Scenario: Considering new facts

Examples:

1. In light of events, plans changed.
2. In light of feedback, revised.
3. In light of data, paused.
4. In light of risks, delayed.
5. In light of news, responded.

Tone: Thoughtful

Explanation: This alternative feels reflective. It shows careful consideration of circumstances before acting.

Best Use: Decision explanations

26. As Observed By

Scenario: Reporting observations

Examples:

1. As observed by teachers, progress steady.
2. As observed by staff, morale improved.
3. As observed by experts, patterns emerge.
4. As observed by users, glitches remain.
5. As observed by doctors, recovery slow.

Tone: Neutral

Explanation: This phrase focuses on careful observation without judgment, keeping communication balanced.

Best Use: Evaluations

27. As Defined By

Scenario: Explaining meanings

Examples:

1. As defined by law, term applies.
2. As defined by dictionary, clear.
3. As defined by policy, limits set.
4. As defined by guide, steps follow.
5. As defined by rules, allowed.

Tone: Clear and authoritative

Explanation: This option removes ambiguity. It ensures everyone understands the same definition.

Best Use: Definitions

28. As Shared By

Scenario: Informal references

Examples:

1. As shared by friend, news spread.
2. As shared by team, updates coming.
3. As shared by users, concerns raised.
4. As shared by manager, goals set.
5. As shared by group, ideas flowed.

Tone: Warm and casual

Explanation: This phrase feels friendly and open. It works well in conversational or collaborative spaces.

Best Use: Emails, chats

29. As Described By

Scenario: Explaining details

Examples:

1. As described by witness, scene chaotic.
2. As described by guide, process simple.
3. As described by author, journey tough.
4. As described by users, smooth.
5. As described by expert, effective.

Tone: Descriptive

Explanation: This option helps paint a clear picture while keeping the source visible and respected.

Best Use: Narratives

30. Following

Scenario: Referring to actions taken

Examples:

1. Following advice, she rested.
2. Following review, changes made.
3. Following rules, approved.
4. Following discussion, decided.
5. Following feedback, improved.

Tone: Neutral and clear

Explanation: This concise alternative keeps writing smooth and direct, especially when explaining sequence.

Best Use: Reports, summaries

Conclusion

Choosing other ways to say “according to” helps your message feel warmer, clearer, and more human. These alternatives improve flow, reduce repetition, and make communication more meaningful—every single time.

FAQs

1. Why should I use alternatives to “according to”?

Using alternatives to according to makes your writing feel warmer, more natural, and less repetitive. It also helps your message sound more thoughtful and engaging to readers.

2. Are these alternatives grammatically correct in all situations?

Yes, all these alternatives are grammatically correct when used in the right context. Choosing the correct option depends on tone, audience, and purpose of your message.

3. Can I use these phrases in professional writing?

Absolutely. Many options like based on, as per, and in line with are professional, polite, and commonly used in business, academic, and formal communication.

4. Which alternative sounds the most polite and friendly?

Phrases like as shared by, from the perspective of, and as suggested by sound gentle, empathetic, and friendly, making them ideal for emails and conversations.

5. Is it okay to replace “according to” in everyday speech?

Yes. In daily conversations, using options like as mentioned by or based on makes your speech feel more natural, relaxed, and easier to understand.