“According to” is one of the most commonly used phrases in English when citing information, referencing research, or presenting someone else’s point of view. But using it repeatedly can make your writing sound dull, predictable, or overly academic. Whether you’re writing essays, reports, blog posts, or professional emails, having strong alternatives helps improve clarity, rhythm, and engagement.
This article gives you 25+ compelling alternatives to “according to”—each explained with meaning, usage, a practical tip, and natural example sentences.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “according to” when:
- You want to avoid repetition in academic or professional writing.
- You need a more conversational or reader-friendly tone.
- You’re presenting information from research, experts, or credible sources.
- You want to introduce opinions, beliefs, or statements from others.
- You need more precise wording depending on whether the information is factual, reported, or interpreted.
- You want to vary sentence structure for better flow.
Avoid alternatives when:
- Accuracy and formality are required (e.g., legal documents or citations).
- The information is extremely sensitive and must be attributed clearly.
27 Other Ways to Say “According To”
Below are 27 strong alternatives, each with meaning, usage, a helpful tip, and four natural example sentences.
1. “As stated by”
Meaning: Information someone has clearly expressed.
Usage: Formal writing, reports, presentations.
Tip: Sounds authoritative and precise.
Examples:
- As stated by the researcher, the results were consistent across all trials.
- As stated by the author, the theme represents human resilience.
- As stated by the committee, changes will begin next month.
- As stated by experts, early preparation increases success rates.
2. “As reported by”
Meaning: Information published or shared by a source.
Usage: News, research summaries, factual writing.
Tip: Use for documented or publicly shared information.
Examples:
- As reported by the survey, most users prefer mobile browsing.
- As reported by the team, progress is ahead of schedule.
- As reported by the media, the update will roll out next week.
- As reported by scientists, temperatures are rising globally.
3. “As mentioned by”
Meaning: Something previously said or referenced.
Usage: Meetings, conversations, writing with context.
Tip: Great for reinforcing earlier information.
Examples:
- As mentioned by Laura, the deadline remains unchanged.
- As mentioned by the speaker, consistency builds trust.
- As mentioned by many users, the interface is easy to learn.
- As mentioned by analysts, investment risks are increasing.
4. “As explained by”
Meaning: Information clarified or interpreted by someone.
Usage: Academic, educational, or technical writing.
Tip: Use when the source provides detailed understanding.
Examples:
- As explained by the professor, the formula represents a natural pattern.
- As explained by the technician, the issue was caused by overheating.
- As explained by the trainer, form matters more than speed.
- As explained by the consultant, strategy should evolve with data.
5. “As noted by”
Meaning: Something the source highlighted or pointed out.
Usage: Research papers, essays, reports.
Tip: Ideal for referencing observations.
Examples:
- As noted by historians, the event shaped modern politics.
- As noted by the manager, collaboration is essential.
- As noted by participants, the workshop was highly interactive.
- As noted by critics, the film has strong emotional depth.
6. “As highlighted by”
Meaning: Information emphasized by someone.
Usage: Presentations, academic writing, analysis.
Tip: Use when the point is important or central.
Examples:
- As highlighted by recent studies, sleep improves memory.
- As highlighted by the report, costs have significantly dropped.
- As highlighted by researchers, early diagnosis saves lives.
- As highlighted by the data, demand is steadily rising.
7. “In the words of”
Meaning: Using someone’s exact or close wording.
Usage: Quotes, speeches, storytelling.
Tip: Adds personality or emotional tone.
Examples:
- In the words of the coach, “effort creates opportunity.”
- In the words of the founder, innovation is a mindset.
- In the words of the poet, love is a quiet revolution.
- In the words of my mentor, progress beats perfection.
8. “Based on”
Meaning: Information derived from a source.
Usage: Data, reporting, academic or casual writing.
Tip: Works well for numbers, analysis, or results.
Examples:
- Based on the survey, customer satisfaction is rising.
- Based on your feedback, we improved the layout.
- Based on this evidence, the hypothesis holds true.
- Based on current trends, digital learning will expand.
9. “From what I’ve read”
Meaning: Information learned through reading.
Usage: Conversational or semi-formal context.
Tip: Sounds natural and personal.
Examples:
- From what I’ve read, the new policy will begin soon.
- From what I’ve read, demand has doubled.
- From what I’ve read, this method works well for beginners.
- From what I’ve read, the project is already gaining support.
10. “From what experts say”
Meaning: Information supported by expert opinion.
Usage: Articles, discussions, educational content.
Tip: Strong for credibility without naming individuals.
Examples:
- From what experts say, AI literacy is becoming essential.
- From what experts say, balanced nutrition improves focus.
- From what experts say, the market will shift again.
- From what experts say, preparation helps reduce anxiety.
11. “Research shows”
Meaning: Scientific or academic findings.
Usage: Blogs, reports, academic content.
Tip: Use only when the information is evidence-based.
Examples:
- Research shows that active learning improves retention.
- Research shows significant changes in climate patterns.
- Research shows students perform better with short breaks.
- Research shows that daily writing boosts creativity.
12. “Evidence suggests”
Meaning: Data points toward a likely conclusion.
Usage: Professional, academic, analytical contexts.
Tip: Use when certainty is moderate, not absolute.
Examples:
- Evidence suggests the strategy will succeed.
- Evidence suggests early treatment improves outcomes.
- Evidence suggests productivity rises with flexibility.
- Evidence suggests customer loyalty increases with rewards.
13. “Findings indicate”
Meaning: Research results show something clearly.
Usage: Reports, papers, studies.
Tip: More formal than “research shows.”
Examples:
- Findings indicate a strong correlation between stress and performance.
- Findings indicate that users prefer minimal designs.
- Findings indicate growth in remote work trends.
- Findings indicate a shift toward renewable energy.
14. “Sources reveal”
Meaning: Information discovered or reported by sources.
Usage: News, investigative writing.
Tip: Use when details come from credible or confidential sources.
Examples:
- Sources reveal that negotiations are ongoing.
- Sources reveal new features in the upcoming update.
- Sources reveal concerns about the project timeline.
- Sources reveal progress in the investigation.
15. “Sources confirm”
Meaning: Information verified by reliable sources.
Usage: News, research, professional writing.
Tip: Use when accuracy is high.
Examples:
- Sources confirm the deal will be signed today.
- Sources confirm that testing is complete.
- Sources confirm the event location has changed.
- Sources confirm budget approvals were granted.
16. “As claimed by”
Meaning: Someone asserts something is true.
Usage: Neutral or skeptical statements.
Tip: Use when information may need verification.
Examples:
- As claimed by the company, results improved quickly.
- As claimed by several users, the app runs faster now.
- As claimed by the author, the story is based on real events.
- As claimed by witnesses, the noise lasted for hours.
17. “As revealed by”
Meaning: Information newly discovered or shared.
Usage: News, reports, studies.
Tip: Good for breakthrough details.
Examples:
- As revealed by the data, engagement doubled this year.
- As revealed by the survey, users prefer flexible plans.
- As revealed by researchers, the organism adapts quickly.
- As revealed by recordings, the issue happened overnight.
18. “As observed by”
Meaning: Information seen or noted firsthand.
Usage: Research, science, workplace reviews.
Tip: Best for direct observations.
Examples:
- As observed by the team, behavior improved with practice.
- As observed by scientists, the species migrates earlier now.
- As observed by trainers, consistency boosts confidence.
- As observed by teachers, students learn better visually.
19. “As documented by”
Meaning: Information formally recorded.
Usage: Reports, case studies, official documents.
Tip: Sounds professional and trustworthy.
Examples:
- As documented by the report, errors have decreased.
- As documented by the study, growth was steady.
- As documented by the department, policy changes were approved.
- As documented by the team, updates were completed on time.
20. “As pointed out by”
Meaning: Someone highlighted an important detail.
Usage: Debates, discussions, academic writing.
Tip: Good for referencing opinions or critiques.
Examples:
- As pointed out by many critics, the film lacks depth.
- As pointed out by analysts, demand remains unpredictable.
- As pointed out by reviewers, the book is well-paced.
- As pointed out by students, the instructions needed clarity.
21. “As suggested by”
Meaning: Someone recommended or implied something.
Usage: Research, advice, discussions.
Tip: Use when information is advisory, not factual.
Examples:
- As suggested by the study, early practice helps.
- As suggested by experts, diversify your strategy.
- As suggested by the guidelines, limit usage to two hours.
- As suggested by feedback, the design was simplified.
22. “As per”
Meaning: In accordance with.
Usage: Business, legal, workplace communication.
Tip: Formal and concise.
Examples:
- As per your request, the files have been updated.
- As per the guidelines, all items must be labeled.
- As per the agreement, payment is due today.
- As per regulations, masks are required.
23. “In line with”
Meaning: Consistent with a source or rule.
Usage: Formal documents, reports, academic work.
Tip: Good for aligning actions with policies.
Examples:
- In line with the data, we adjusted our approach.
- In line with company policy, training is mandatory.
- In line with expert advice, we changed our strategy.
- In line with new research, the method was updated.
24. “In reference to”
Meaning: Regarding a particular source or topic.
Usage: Emails, research, academic writing.
Tip: Works well for formal communication.
Examples:
- In reference to your email, the meeting is confirmed.
- In reference to the study, results were promising.
- In reference to your request, the file is attached.
- In reference to the policy, changes take effect today.
25. “Drawing from”
Meaning: Using information from a source.
Usage: Creative writing, articles, presentations.
Tip: Useful for blending ideas from multiple sources.
Examples:
- Drawing from previous studies, we updated the model.
- Drawing from your experience, this plan should work well.
- Drawing from the data, we identified key trends.
- Drawing from expert insights, improvements were made.
26. “As argued by”
Meaning: Someone’s reasoning or viewpoint.
Usage: Essays, debates, critical writing.
Tip: Ideal for opinions, theories, and academic arguments.
Examples:
- As argued by the philosopher, freedom requires responsibility.
- As argued by critics, the budget is unrealistic.
- As argued by the author, society shapes identity.
- As argued by many experts, change is inevitable.
27. “According to research by”
Meaning: Attribution to a specific researcher or institution.
Usage: Strong academic citation.
Tip: Use when you want to maintain authority but vary structure.
Examples:
- According to research by MIT, AI literacy will rise rapidly.
- According to research by psychologists, habits shape identity.
- According to research by economists, inflation will ease.
- According to research by NASA, conditions are changing quickly.
Bonus Section: Short, Polite Alternatives for Professional Writing
- “Data suggests…”
- “The evidence points to…”
- “Experts indicate…”
- “The report confirms…”
- “Findings from the study show…”
Final Writing Tips
- Choose an alternative that matches formality (professional, academic, casual).
- Use more authoritative phrases (e.g., “research shows”) when citing facts.
- Use softer phrases (e.g., “from what experts say”) for general statements.
- Avoid overusing the same structure; vary your transitions for flow.
- Always ensure the source is reliable before referencing it.
- Match tone to purpose—legal writing requires precision; blogs allow flexibility.
- Keep sentences clear and concise to improve readability.
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