“According To”: Phrases You Can Use Instead

What Does “According To” Mean?

According to is a phrase that has a few different uses. It means “in conformity with” and also “depending on.” But it’s also commonly used when writers need to credit a quote, fact, statement, data, or any other source of information to someone (or something) else.

This phrase can be found at the beginning or towards the end of sentences.

According to the results of the study, there is an increase in resistance to antibiotics.

There is an increase in resistance to antibiotics, according to the results of the study.

If you’re writing a college essay or any other type of text that relies heavily on other sources, you may find yourself repeating this phrase too often. To vary vocabulary within your writing, you can use the following according to synonyms.

11 “According To” Synonyms

Before we go over other ways to say according to, it’s worth mentioning that an excellent alternative is to simply rewrite the text to be more direct. Here’s an example:

According to Dr. Joseph, the fracture will not heal properly if Jacob doesn’t get enough rest.
               ↓
Dr. Joseph warned that the fracture will not heal properly if Jacob doesn’t get enough rest.

But if you’re in need of other ways to say according to, we’ve got you covered.

1. As stated in/by

According to the contract, both parties will split the profit.
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As stated in the contract, both parties will split the profit.

According to the lawyers, both parties will split the profit.
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As stated by the lawyers, both parties will split the profit.

2. As explained by

According to the professor, the first two years of college are crucial.
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As explained by the professor, the first two years of college are crucial.

3. Based on

According to the data, there has been a decrease in the gazelle’s natural habitat.
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Based on the data, there has been a decrease in the gazelle’s natural habitat.

4. Per

There was nothing to report, according to the student who witnessed the incident.
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There was nothing to report, per the student who witnessed the incident.

5. As mentioned in/by

According to the Little Town Times, the holiday parade will take place this upcoming Sunday.
               ↓
As mentioned in Little Town Times, the holiday parade will take place this upcoming Sunday.

According to Claire Luna, the holiday parade will take place this upcoming Sunday.
               ↓
As mentioned by Claire Luna, the holiday party will take place this upcoming Sunday.

6. As indicated in/by

According to the trial, the side effects are minimal.
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As indicated in the study, the side effects are minimal.

According to the lead scientist, the benefits far outweigh the risk.
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As indicated by the lead scientist, the benefits far outweigh the risk.

7. From the point of view of

According to my younger cousins, Christmas is the best holiday.
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From the point of view of my younger cousins, Christmas is the best holiday.

8. On the authority of

According to Sergeant Culpepper, the entire team has to stay overnight.
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On the authority of Sergeant Culpepper, the entire team has to stay overnight.

9. Pursuant to

The proposal has been submitted according to the instructions.
             ↓
The proposal has been submitted pursuant to the instructions.

10. As demonstrated by

According to the presentation, remodeling is crucial for the foundation.
              ↓
As demonstrated by the presentation, remodeling is crucial for the foundation.

11. As maintained by

According to fitness experts, a healthy and wholesome diet is just as important as exercise.
               ↓
As maintained by fitness experts, a healthy and wholesome diet is just as important as exercise.

According to the Rest, LanguageTool Is the Best

Seeking other ways to say according to is a great way to make sure your writing is effective. After all, a strong and varied vocabulary is one of the pillars of successful writing.

You’ll also want to ensure that your grammar and punctuation are error-free. LanguageTool—a multilingual text editor— can help with this. LanguageTool can correct different types of mistakes, but it can also offer stylistic improvements and help rephrase your sentences to be more formal, fluent, or concise. Start writing flawlessly today!