Finding the right words can make a sentence sound clearer, more natural, and more professional. The phrase “according to” is extremely useful when you want to show where information, an opinion, statistic, or claim comes from, but using it repeatedly can make your writing feel predictable.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to “according to” that work in different situations. Students can use them in essays and assignments, professionals can use them in reports and emails, and ESL learners can use them to make their English more varied and precise. In 2026, knowing how to adjust your wording for different audiences is especially helpful when writing online, academically, or professionally.

The best alternative depends on what you are trying to express. Some phrases are formal and suitable for research, while others sound more natural in conversation. Below are 26 useful alternatives, with meanings, usage guidance, and examples to help you choose the right expression confidently.

When Should You Use These Alternatives?

Different situations call for different ways of introducing information or attributing a source.

• Casual conversations: Use natural expressions such as “as someone says” or “from what I hear” when discussing information informally.
• Professional situations: Choose phrases such as “as reported by” or “as stated by” when writing reports, presentations, or workplace documents.
• Academic writing: More precise expressions such as “as noted by,” “as indicated by,” and “as research shows” can work well when referring to evidence or scholarly sources.
• Emails and messages: Keep the wording clear and straightforward, especially when communicating information from another person or source.
• Social media posts: Shorter expressions such as “as noted by” or “based on” can help you share information without making the sentence unnecessarily formal.
• Public speaking: Choose phrases that are easy to understand when heard aloud, such as “as stated by,” “as reported by,” or “in the words of.”

⚠️ Warning: Not every alternative to “according to” can be substituted directly in every sentence. Some expressions change the meaning slightly, so always check whether you are referring to a source, evidence, an opinion, or your own conclusion.

26+ Other Ways to Say “According To”

1. As Stated By

Meaning / Definition
“As stated by” means that information comes directly from a particular person, organization, or source. It emphasizes what someone has explicitly said or written.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal to formal and works well in reports, articles, presentations, and academic writing. Use it when you want to clearly identify the person or source behind a statement.

💡 Tip
Use “as stated by” when the source has made a direct or clearly documented statement.

Examples

1. As stated by the school principal, classes will resume on Monday.
2. The policy applies to all employees, as stated by the company handbook.
3. As stated by the researcher, the findings require further investigation.
4. The project should be completed by June, as stated by the manager.

2. As Reported By

Meaning / Definition
“As reported by” indicates that information has been published or communicated by a particular source. It is commonly used when referring to news, research, statistics, or official reports.

Usage
This expression is formal and particularly useful in journalism, research, business writing, and informational content. Use it when the source has reported information rather than simply expressing an opinion.

💡 Tip
Choose this phrase when you are emphasizing the source’s reporting role.

Examples

1. As reported by the local newspaper, the new library will open next month.
2. Sales increased by 12%, as reported by the company.
3. As reported by researchers, the trend continued throughout the year.
4. Several schools introduced the program, as reported by education officials.

3. As Noted By

Meaning / Definition
“As noted by” means that someone has pointed out, mentioned, or observed something. It draws attention to an important detail or observation.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal to formal and is common in essays, reports, research papers, and professional writing. It works especially well when a source highlights a particular fact or issue.

💡 Tip
Use it when the source is drawing attention to something rather than simply making a statement.

Examples

1. As noted by the professor, attendance can affect final grades.
2. The building requires repairs, as noted by the inspection team.
3. As noted by several analysts, consumer habits are changing.
4. The author, as noted by critics, focuses heavily on social inequality.

4. As Mentioned By

Meaning / Definition
“As mentioned by” means that a person or source has previously talked about or referred to something. It is useful when connecting your statement to information already introduced.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal and works in conversations, emails, essays, and presentations. Use it when the information has already been brought up rather than newly reported.

💡 Tip
It sounds natural when referring back to something someone has already discussed.

Examples

1. As mentioned by Sarah, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
2. The software has several limitations, as mentioned by the developer.
3. As mentioned by our teacher, the exam will include three sections.
4. The neighborhood has changed considerably, as mentioned by longtime residents.

5. As Indicated By

Meaning / Definition
“As indicated by” means that something provides evidence or a sign pointing toward a particular conclusion. It focuses more on evidence than on someone’s spoken words.

Usage
This is a formal expression often used in academic, technical, scientific, and professional writing. Use it when data, results, signs, or evidence support your statement.

💡 Tip
Do not use this phrase simply because a person said something; it is better suited to evidence or measurable information.

Examples

1. As indicated by the survey, most participants preferred online classes.
2. The results were positive, as indicated by the latest report.
3. As indicated by the chart, website traffic increased in August.
4. The test results suggest improvement, as indicated by the higher scores.

6. As Explained By

Meaning / Definition
“As explained by” introduces information that someone has clarified or described. It suggests that the source has provided an explanation rather than merely making a statement.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal and useful in educational, professional, and explanatory writing. Use it when the source helps explain how or why something works.

💡 Tip
It is especially useful when simplifying a complicated concept for readers.

Examples

1. As explained by the instructor, the process has four stages.
2. The delay occurred because of maintenance, as explained by the technician.
3. As explained by the author, the character’s decision was intentional.
4. The system works differently on mobile devices, as explained by the developer.

7. As Described By

Meaning / Definition
“As described by” means that a person or source has provided a description of something. It focuses on characteristics, details, or experiences.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal to formal and works well in articles, essays, reviews, and reports. Use it when the source has described a situation, object, event, or experience.

💡 Tip
Use this expression when the emphasis is on descriptive details.

Examples

1. As described by the witness, the vehicle was traveling quickly.
2. The process is relatively simple, as described by the manufacturer.
3. As described by the author, the city was crowded and energetic.
4. The experience was challenging, as described by several participants.

8. As Observed By

Meaning / Definition
“As observed by” indicates that someone personally noticed or identified something. It emphasizes an observation rather than a general statement.

Usage
This is formal and works particularly well in research, reports, scientific writing, and professional observations. Use it when the person has directly observed the situation.

💡 Tip
Make sure the source actually observed the situation rather than simply heard about it.

Examples

1. As observed by the researchers, participants became more confident over time.
2. The machine showed unusual movement, as observed by the engineer.
3. As observed by the teacher, students participated more actively after the break.
4. Several changes were visible, as observed by the inspection team.

9. As Suggested By

Meaning / Definition
“As suggested by” introduces an idea, conclusion, or possibility that a source has proposed or supported. It does not necessarily mean the source has stated the idea as a definite fact.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal to formal and is useful in academic and analytical writing. Use it when the evidence or source points toward a possibility or interpretation.

💡 Tip
It is a good choice when you want to avoid presenting a suggestion as absolute fact.

Examples

1. As suggested by the results, the new method may be more efficient.
2. The problem could be temporary, as suggested by recent data.
3. As suggested by the report, additional funding may be necessary.
4. Customer preferences are changing, as suggested by recent sales figures.

10. As Confirmed By

Meaning / Definition
“As confirmed by” indicates that a person or source has verified that something is true or accurate. It expresses a stronger level of certainty than “as suggested by.”

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal to formal and works well in professional communication, reports, and announcements. Use it when a source has specifically verified information.

💡 Tip
Use it only when the information has actually been verified or confirmed.

Examples

1. As confirmed by the airline, the flight will depart at 8 p.m.
2. The payment was received, as confirmed by the bank.
3. As confirmed by the school, registration begins next week.
4. The appointment has been canceled, as confirmed by the clinic.

11. As Reported in

Meaning / Definition
“As reported in” points to a publication, report, study, or other written source containing the information. It focuses on where the information appeared.

Usage
This phrase is formal and commonly used in journalism, research, essays, and professional documents. Use it before the name of a publication or written source.

💡 Tip
This is particularly useful when citing newspapers, journals, magazines, or reports.

Examples

1. As reported in the journal, the study involved more than 500 participants.
2. The company expanded overseas, as reported in its annual review.
3. As reported in the newspaper, the event attracted thousands of visitors.
4. The figures changed significantly, as reported in the latest survey.

12. Based On

Meaning / Definition
“Based on” means that a conclusion, decision, or statement is supported by particular information or evidence. It emphasizes the foundation behind an idea.

Usage
This phrase is common in both everyday and formal English. Use it when your statement or conclusion depends on facts, evidence, research, experience, or information.

💡 Tip
“Based on” is often more natural than “according to” when you are explaining your own conclusion.

Examples

1. Based on the available data, demand should remain stable.
2. We chose the location based on customer feedback.
3. Based on her experience, she recommended waiting another week.
4. The forecast was created based on historical weather patterns.

13. In The Words Of

Meaning / Definition
“In the words of” introduces someone’s exact or characteristic way of expressing an idea. It is often used when the speaker’s own wording is important.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal and works especially well in speeches, articles, essays, and storytelling. Use it before a person’s name when presenting their words or viewpoint.

💡 Tip
Use this phrase when you want to highlight the source’s own voice.

Examples

1. In the words of the author, success requires patience.
2. In the words of our coach, every mistake is a chance to improve.
3. In the words of the founder, the company was built around simplicity.
4. In the words of my grandfather, good work takes time.

14. From The Perspective Of

Meaning / Definition
“From the perspective of” introduces a particular person’s, group’s, or field’s point of view. It shows that information is being considered from a specific angle.

Usage
This phrase is formal and common in essays, analysis, research, and professional discussions. Use it when the viewpoint itself is important to your sentence.

💡 Tip
Choose this expression when you are discussing a perspective rather than simply reporting a fact.

Examples

1. From the perspective of students, flexible schedules can be helpful.
2. The change is beneficial from the perspective of small businesses.
3. From the perspective of a designer, simplicity improves usability.
4. The proposal looks different from the perspective of local residents.

15. In The View Of

Meaning / Definition
“In the view of” means according to someone’s opinion, judgment, or understanding. It identifies a particular viewpoint about an issue.

Usage
This phrase is formal and is more common in essays, reports, and serious discussions than casual conversation. Use it when presenting an opinion or interpretation.

💡 Tip
Use “in the view of” for opinions rather than objective facts.

Examples

1. In the view of the committee, the proposal needs revision.
2. The policy is effective in the view of many experts.
3. In the view of the author, education should remain accessible.
4. The decision was reasonable in the view of the board.

16. In The Opinion Of

Meaning / Definition
“In the opinion of” directly introduces someone’s personal judgment or belief. It makes it clear that the statement represents an opinion rather than an established fact.

Usage
This phrase is formal and useful in essays, discussions, reviews, and professional writing. Use it when identifying who holds a particular opinion.

💡 Tip
It is useful when you want to clearly separate an opinion from factual information.

Examples

1. In the opinion of the editor, the article needs more evidence.
2. The design is outdated in the opinion of several customers.
3. In the opinion of the teacher, the student has made significant progress.
4. The proposal is practical in the opinion of the project team.

17. As Per

Meaning / Definition
“As per” means in accordance with or following information, instructions, or requirements from a particular source. It is often used when referring to rules, requests, or instructions.

Usage
This phrase is formal or business-oriented and is common in workplace communication. It is particularly useful with words such as “request,” “instructions,” “policy,” or “agreement.”

💡 Tip
Use it carefully in general writing because “as requested” or “according to” may sound more natural in many situations.

Examples

1. As per your request, I have attached the updated document.
2. The payment was processed as per the agreed schedule.
3. As per company policy, employees must complete the training.
4. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m., as per the original plan.

18. In Line With

Meaning / Definition
“In line with” means consistent with or following a particular policy, standard, idea, or expectation. It often describes whether something agrees with an established direction.

Usage
This expression is semi-formal to formal and is common in business, academic, and professional writing. Use it when something matches a policy, goal, recommendation, or trend.

💡 Tip
Use “in line with” for consistency, not simply to attribute a statement to a person.

Examples

1. The new policy is in line with current industry standards.
2. The changes are in line with the company’s long-term goals.
3. Her approach is in line with the recommendations of the committee.
4. The results are in line with earlier research.

19. Consistent With

Meaning / Definition
“Consistent with” means that something agrees with, matches, or does not conflict with another piece of information. It is often used to compare findings or ideas.

Usage
This phrase is formal and especially useful in academic, scientific, legal, and analytical writing. Use it when demonstrating that evidence agrees with an established finding or position.

💡 Tip
It works best when you are comparing information rather than simply naming its source.

Examples

1. The findings are consistent with previous research.
2. Her explanation is consistent with the available evidence.
3. The results were consistent with our initial expectations.
4. The new figures are consistent with the company’s earlier report.

20. In Accordance With

Meaning / Definition
“In accordance with” means following a rule, instruction, law, agreement, or established standard. It emphasizes compliance rather than attribution.

Usage
This is a highly formal expression commonly used in legal, administrative, academic, and professional writing. Use it when something is done according to a requirement or established procedure.

💡 Tip
Do not use it as a direct replacement for “according to” when you are simply citing someone’s opinion.

Examples

1. The records were prepared in accordance with company policy.
2. The procedure was completed in accordance with safety regulations.
3. Payments must be made in accordance with the agreement.
4. The report was produced in accordance with professional standards.

21. As Cited By

Meaning / Definition
“As cited by” indicates that one source has referenced or quoted another source. It is particularly relevant when information is being passed through a secondary source.

Usage
This phrase is formal and mainly used in academic and research contexts. Use it when making clear that the information comes through a cited source rather than directly from the original source.

💡 Tip
Be careful with secondary citations and verify the original source when possible.

Examples

1. As cited by the researcher, the original study was published in 2018.
2. The theory, as cited by several authors, has influenced modern research.
3. As cited by the article, the original estimate was considerably lower.
4. The historical figure was discussed, as cited by later scholars.

22. As Documented By

Meaning / Definition
“As documented by” means that information is recorded in a formal document, record, report, or other reliable source. It emphasizes written evidence.

Usage
This phrase is formal and works well in professional, legal, historical, and research contexts. Use it when the information can be supported by documentation.

💡 Tip
Choose this expression when the existence of a written record matters.

Examples

1. As documented by the inspection report, several repairs were necessary.
2. The transaction occurred in March, as documented by company records.
3. As documented by researchers, the population increased significantly.
4. The agreement was signed in 2024, as documented by the official records.

23. As Evidenced By

Meaning / Definition
“As evidenced by” means that something is supported or demonstrated by available evidence. It presents evidence as the basis for a conclusion.

Usage
This is formal and often appears in academic, analytical, scientific, and professional writing. Use it when observable evidence strongly supports your statement.

💡 Tip
Use this phrase when you can point to concrete evidence rather than merely someone’s opinion.

Examples

1. The campaign was successful, as evidenced by increased participation.
2. Customer satisfaction improved, as evidenced by the latest survey.
3. The team made progress, as evidenced by its recent results.
4. The area is becoming more popular, as evidenced by rising demand.

24. According To The Findings Of

Meaning / Definition
“According to the findings of” introduces conclusions or results produced by research, an investigation, or a study. It specifically highlights the findings rather than a person’s general statement.

Usage
This phrase is formal and useful in academic papers, reports, articles, and research-based writing. Use it when discussing conclusions that come from a structured investigation.

💡 Tip
Use it when the source has actual findings, results, or conclusions to report.

Examples

1. According to the findings of the study, sleep affects concentration.
2. According to the findings of the investigation, several procedures were overlooked.
3. According to the findings of the survey, customers prefer flexible payment options.
4. According to the findings of the research team, the method produced reliable results.

25. Drawing From

Meaning / Definition
“Drawing from” means using information, ideas, evidence, or experience as a basis for a statement or conclusion. It emphasizes that your work is informed by a particular source.

Usage
This phrase is semi-formal to formal and works well in essays, research, analysis, and professional writing. Use it when you are building your own discussion from existing material.

💡 Tip
It is especially useful when you are synthesizing information from several sources.

Examples

1. Drawing from recent research, the article proposes a different approach.
2. The report was developed drawing from customer feedback.
3. Drawing from years of experience, the consultant offered several recommendations.
4. The essay develops its argument by drawing from historical evidence.

26. On The Basis Of

Meaning / Definition
“On the basis of” means using particular information, evidence, or reasoning as the foundation for a decision or conclusion. It emphasizes why something has been decided or concluded.

Usage
This expression is formal and common in academic, legal, professional, and analytical writing. Use it when a decision, judgment, or conclusion is supported by specific grounds.

💡 Tip
This phrase is stronger than simply naming a source because it highlights the reasoning behind the conclusion.

Examples

1. The application was approved on the basis of the available evidence.
2. On the basis of these results, researchers recommended further testing.
3. The company changed its strategy on the basis of customer feedback.
4. The committee reached its decision on the basis of several factors.

Bonus Section — Formal Alternatives

If you are writing an essay, report, research paper, or professional document, these ready-to-use alternatives can help your writing sound more polished. Choose the phrase based on whether you are citing a statement, reporting evidence, or describing a source.

• As stated by the author, the problem requires a long-term solution.
• As reported by the organization, participation increased during the second quarter.
• As indicated by the data, customer interest has grown steadily.
• As documented by the report, the changes were introduced in January.
• Based on the available evidence, the researchers recommended additional testing.
• As noted by several experts, the issue requires further discussion.

Final Tips — How to Choose the Right Phrase

The easiest way to choose an alternative to “according to” is to first decide what relationship you want to show between your statement and the source.

• Consider the setting: Use conversational expressions in everyday speech and more precise alternatives in academic or professional writing.
• Know your audience: Choose wording that your readers will understand easily without making the sentence unnecessarily complicated.
• Match the formality: “As mentioned by” is relatively natural, while “in accordance with” and “on the basis of” are more formal.
• Spoken vs written: Shorter expressions often sound more natural when speaking, while formal alternatives can work well in reports and essays.
• Cultural sensitivity: Avoid expressions that may sound overly rigid or unfamiliar when a simpler phrase communicates the same idea clearly.
• Emotional tone: If you are presenting someone’s opinion, choose wording such as “in the opinion of” rather than an expression that suggests objective evidence.
• Practice naturally: Read your sentence aloud and ask whether the alternative sounds natural in that particular context.

Using alternatives to “according to” is not simply about replacing one phrase with another. The strongest writing comes from choosing an expression that accurately shows whether you are citing a statement, reporting research, describing an observation, presenting an opinion, or drawing a conclusion. Once you understand these differences, your English will become more precise, varied, and natural.