The phrase “according to” is one of the most commonly used expressions in English—especially in academic writing, research papers, business reports, and formal communication. While it’s useful, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive, predictable, or overly stiff.
Using strong and varied alternatives helps you:
- Improve readability
- Sound more professional or conversational
- Add credibility
- Increase clarity
- Maintain engagement
This article provides 33+ powerful, natural, and context-appropriate alternatives to “according to”—each with a clear meaning, usage, tip, and example so you know exactly when to use them.
When Should You Use Alternatives to “According To”?
Use alternatives when:
- You want to avoid repetition in essays, reports, or articles.
- You need a more professional, conversational, or academic tone.
- You’re presenting information from a source, person, or study.
- You want a phrase that fits formal, informal, or creative writing.
- You need a more precise expression (e.g., based on data, based on opinion).
Avoid using casual alternatives in research papers, legal documents, or official reports.
33+ Other Ways to Say “According To” (Meaning + Usage + Tips + Examples)
1. As stated by
Meaning: The source explicitly says this.
Usage: Formal writing, reports.
Tip: Strong for quoting experts.
Example: As stated by the researcher, the results were unexpected.
2. As reported by
Meaning: Information was documented or shared.
Usage: News, journalism, research.
Tip: Use for factual updates.
Example: As reported by the agency, the storm caused major delays.
3. As mentioned by
Meaning: The source has already referenced it.
Usage: Presentations, discussions.
Tip: Great for reinforcing earlier points.
Example: As mentioned by our CEO, the launch begins next month.
4. As noted by
Meaning: The source highlighted or emphasized something.
Usage: Academic & professional.
Tip: Use for key insights.
Example: As noted by experts, early detection saves lives.
5. Based on the findings of
Meaning: Information comes from research or data.
Usage: Academic, scientific, analytical writing.
Tip: Ideal for evidence-based claims.
Example: Based on the findings of the study, productivity decreased.
6. Based on the data from
Meaning: Derived from numbers or statistics.
Usage: Reports, analytics, business.
Tip: Perfect for charts and research reports.
Example: Based on the data from the survey, customers prefer online support.
7. As per
Meaning: In line with, following.
Usage: Business, legal, professional.
Tip: Slightly formal—don’t overuse in conversation.
Example: As per the guidelines, all documents must be submitted today.
8. As claimed by
Meaning: The source asserts something that may not be proven.
Usage: Neutral to slightly skeptical tone.
Tip: Use for unverified statements.
Example: As claimed by the website, the product is 100% organic.
9. As suggested by
Meaning: The source recommends or hints at something.
Usage: Studies, advice, ideas.
Tip: Softer and less absolute.
Example: As suggested by psychologists, take regular breaks.
10. As revealed by
Meaning: Something previously unknown has been disclosed.
Usage: News, reports, investigations.
Tip: Creates a sense of discovery.
Example: As revealed by the audit, several errors occurred.
11. As observed by
Meaning: The source directly witnessed something.
Usage: Research, analysis, commentary.
Tip: Good for behavior or trends.
Example: As observed by the team, user engagement dropped.
12. As highlighted by
Meaning: The source emphasized or called attention to something.
Usage: Reports, presentations.
Tip: Use for important details.
Example: As highlighted by the report, security must improve.
13. In the words of
Meaning: Direct or stylistic quoting.
Usage: Speeches, storytelling.
Tip: Works well with famous quotes.
Example: In the words of the author, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
14. In the view of
Meaning: Opinion of a person or group.
Usage: Analytical or opinion-based writing.
Tip: Use when source expresses a perspective.
Example: In the view of critics, the film exceeded expectations.
15. In the opinion of
Meaning: Someone’s personal or expert viewpoint.
Usage: Formal or academic.
Tip: Use when citing subjective interpretations.
Example: In the opinion of researchers, the model is outdated.
16. From the perspective of
Meaning: Shows viewpoint or angle.
Usage: Analytical essays, commentaries.
Tip: Adds depth to comparative writing.
Example: From the perspective of investors, the risk is high.
17. From the standpoint of
Meaning: From a specific position or criteria.
Usage: Legal, scientific, professional.
Tip: Use to show analytical distance.
Example: From the standpoint of safety, the plan is solid.
18. From the findings of
Meaning: Derived from formal research.
Usage: Academic papers & reports.
Tip: Sounds strong and evidence-based.
Example: From the findings of the study, climate change is accelerating.
19. From what I heard
Meaning: Informal source of information.
Usage: Conversations, casual communication.
Tip: Never use in formal writing.
Example: From what I heard, they’re moving next week.
20. What the report shows
Meaning: Summary of documented results.
Usage: Presentations & business reports.
Tip: Use when interpreting data.
Example: What the report shows is a clear increase in sales.
21. Going by
Meaning: Judging something based on available information.
Usage: Semi-formal or informal.
Tip: Avoid in academic writing.
Example: Going by the reviews, the movie is amazing.
22. As documented by
Meaning: Information officially recorded.
Usage: Legal, medical, academic.
Tip: Use when referencing formal records.
Example: As documented by the hospital, the recovery rate improved.
23. As outlined by
Meaning: Provided as a structured explanation.
Usage: Plans, reports, instructions.
Tip: Good for guidelines.
Example: As outlined by the committee, changes will begin Monday.
24. As verified by
Meaning: Confirmed or checked for accuracy.
Usage: Scientific, legal, professional.
Tip: Strong for fact-checked information.
Example: As verified by the team, the numbers are correct.
25. As confirmed by
Meaning: Officially validated or approved.
Usage: News, formal updates.
Tip: Shows reliability.
Example: As confirmed by the spokesperson, the event is canceled.
26. As demonstrated by
Meaning: Proven through evidence or action.
Usage: Academic, scientific.
Tip: Use with factual or visual results.
Example: As demonstrated by the experiment, heat speeds reactions.
27. As shown in
Meaning: Information appears in a source.
Usage: Charts, graphs, references.
Tip: Great for visual aids.
Example: As shown in the graph, revenue increased.
28. As reflected in
Meaning: Something indirectly reveals information.
Usage: Reports, analysis.
Tip: Good for trends.
Example: As reflected in the numbers, customer loyalty is rising.
29. As indicated by
Meaning: Evidence points to something.
Usage: Research, reports.
Tip: Medium formality.
Example: As indicated by the data, demand is shifting.
30. As evidenced by
Meaning: Supported by strong proof.
Usage: Academic & research.
Tip: Powerful for persuasive writing.
Example: As evidenced by the study, early treatment works best.
31. As implied by
Meaning: Suggested indirectly.
Usage: Analytical or interpretive writing.
Tip: Subtle and less definitive.
Example: As implied by his tone, he wasn’t pleased.
32. Based on insights from
Meaning: Drawn from expert understanding.
Usage: Business, coaching, analysis.
Tip: Good for thought leadership.
Example: Based on insights from industry leaders, the market is shifting.
33. Based on statements from
Meaning: Derived from what someone said.
Usage: News, corporate communication.
Tip: Use when quoting multiple sources.
Example: Based on statements from officials, the delay is temporary.
34. According to X (formal synonym: “as per the account of”)
Meaning: The source gave this version.
Usage: Articles, narratives.
Tip: Works in creative storytelling too.
Example: As per the account of the witnesses, the event escalated quickly.
Bonus Section: Professional Alternatives for Formal Writing
Use these in business reports, academic papers, or research:
- As documented in the report…
- As indicated by the data…
- Based on the evidence presented…
- As outlined in the guidelines…
- As demonstrated by recent findings…
Final Writing Tips
- Choose formal alternatives for reports, research, and business writing.
- Use casual options only for conversation or informal messages.
- Avoid repeating one phrase too often—variety improves readability.
- Match the alternative to the type of source (data, expert, opinion, observation).
- When in doubt, pick the clearest and simplest expression.
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