20 Other Ways to Say “According to” (With Examples)

Finding the right words to express “According to” can make your message sound more thoughtful, natural, and caring. Whether you’re writing an email, essay, or heartfelt note, knowing different ways to say “According to” helps you communicate with more warmth and personality. Instead of sounding repetitive or overly formal, you can use creative alternatives that fit your tone—professional, friendly, or casual. Let’s explore 20 other ways to say “According to” with examples, meanings, and the right tone for each situation.

What Does “According to” Mean?

The phrase “According to” means based on what someone or something says, believes, or reports. It’s often used to refer to a source of information or authority. For example, “According to the weather forecast, it might rain tomorrow.” It helps attribute facts or opinions properly and adds credibility or context to your message.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “According to”?

Yes, “According to” is both professional and polite. It’s widely used in academic writing, business communication, journalism, and everyday conversations. However, using it too often can sound repetitive, so choosing thoughtful alternatives can make your writing or speech more engaging and natural.

Other to Say “According to”

1. As stated by
2. As reported by
3. As mentioned by
4. As noted by
5. Based on
6. As per
7. In the words of
8. In line with
9. In keeping with
10. As indicated by
11. As observed by
12. From the viewpoint of
13. From the perspective of
14. On the authority of
15. Following the statement of
16. As expressed by
17. Referencing
18. Drawing from
19. In reference to
20. As shared by

1. As stated by

Meaning: Used when directly referring to what someone or something has officially said or written.

Scenario: Best for formal writing, research, or news reporting where accuracy matters.

Examples:

1. As stated by the director, the event will start at noon.
2. As stated by the company policy, all employees must follow the new safety rules.
3. As stated by the teacher, homework must be submitted before Friday.
4. As stated by the guidebook, visitors should not touch the artifacts.
5. As stated by experts, climate change requires urgent global attention.

Tone: Professional, respectful, and neutral.

Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to sound credible, structured, and respectful of the original source. It’s commonly used in formal communication to express facts clearly.

2. As reported by

Meaning: Used when referring to information that has been published, announced, or communicated publicly.

Scenario: Ideal for news articles, press releases, or data-driven writing.

Examples:

1. As reported by the media, the new policy will take effect next month.
2. As reported by local authorities, the roads will remain closed today.
3. As reported by the research team, results show promising progress.
4. As reported by several witnesses, the incident occurred around midnight.
5. As reported by the committee, the proposal was unanimously approved.

Tone: Formal, factual, and informative.

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes reliability and is useful when citing a credible or official source, making your message sound balanced and trustworthy.

3. As mentioned by

Meaning: Used to refer to something that was said earlier in conversation or writing.

Scenario: Perfect for everyday discussions, meetings, or casual professional exchanges.

Examples:

1. As mentioned by Sarah, we need to finalize the design today.
2. As mentioned by the coach, teamwork is key to success.
3. As mentioned by our manager, deadlines must be respected.
4. As mentioned by the speaker, honesty builds stronger relationships.
5. As mentioned by the host, refreshments will be served afterward.

Tone: Friendly, conversational, and respectful.

Explanation: This alternative sounds natural and fits both spoken and written English, especially when gently reminding someone of previously discussed points.

4. As noted by

Meaning: Highlights something that was pointed out or emphasized by another person.

Scenario: Useful in academic writing or professional settings where precision matters.

Examples:

1. As noted by the professor, consistent practice improves memory retention.
2. As noted by the report, sales increased significantly this quarter.
3. As noted by historians, cultural shifts often follow major events.
4. As noted by the editor, clarity enhances reader engagement.
5. As noted by experts, small details often reveal deeper insights.

Tone: Professional and analytical.

Explanation: This phrase subtly shows appreciation for the observation made by another, making your writing polished and respectful.

5. Based on

Meaning: Used to show that something is derived from certain information, facts, or evidence.

Scenario: Great for data analysis, research, or decision-making contexts.

Examples:

1. Based on the survey results, most people prefer working remotely.
2. Based on what I’ve heard, the project is going well.
3. Based on current trends, demand is likely to rise.
4. Based on our findings, customer satisfaction has improved.
5. Based on her advice, we made a few important adjustments.

Tone: Neutral, factual, and logical.

Explanation: This phrase focuses on evidence and reasoning rather than personal opinion, making it perfect for professional and academic use.

6. As per

Meaning: A formal way of saying “according to,” commonly used in professional settings.

Scenario: Common in business correspondence, legal writing, and official instructions.

Examples:

1. As per the schedule, the meeting will start at 3 PM.
2. As per company guidelines, all documents must be verified.
3. As per your request, we’ve made the necessary changes.
4. As per the agreement, payment is due within 15 days.
5. As per our discussion, we’ll proceed with the revised plan.

Tone: Formal and courteous.

Explanation: “As per” adds a polished, respectful tone to instructions or formal communication, often used in written correspondence and reports.

7. In the words of

Meaning: Used to quote or reference someone’s exact or famous saying.

Scenario: Best for essays, speeches, or storytelling with emotional or inspirational impact.

Examples:

1. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon.”
2. In the words of our founder, “Integrity always comes first.”
3. In the words of the poet, beauty lies in simplicity.
4. In the words of my grandmother, kindness never goes unnoticed.
5. In the words of the author, hope is stronger than fear.

Tone: Emotional, thoughtful, and inspirational.

Explanation: This phrase connects your message with wisdom or heartfelt insight, adding warmth and depth to your communication.

8. In line with

Meaning: Means something is consistent or agrees with another statement, rule, or idea.

Scenario: Ideal for formal writing, business policies, or academic explanations.

Examples:

1. In line with company policy, all employees must complete training.
2. In line with our mission, we aim to promote sustainability.
3. In line with expert advice, we adjusted our health guidelines.
4. In line with the new regulations, safety standards have been updated.
5. In line with the latest research, we adopted a new teaching strategy.

Tone: Professional, balanced, and factual.

Explanation: This phrase shows harmony or agreement with a principle or standard, making it suitable for formal reports, policy documents, or academic discussions.

9. In keeping with

Meaning: Used to show that something matches or follows the spirit, tradition, or rule of something else.

Scenario: Best used in creative writing, formal letters, or polite expressions.

Examples:

1. In keeping with tradition, the festival began with a prayer.
2. In keeping with our promise, we delivered on time.
3. In keeping with safety standards, all equipment was tested.
4. In keeping with the holiday spirit, decorations filled the streets.
5. In keeping with our goals, we focused on innovation.

Tone: Polite, elegant, and respectful.

Explanation: “In keeping with” adds a gentle and refined tone, making it perfect for writing that respects customs, values, or principles.

10. As indicated by

Meaning: Means that something has been shown, suggested, or pointed out by a source.

Scenario: Common in research papers, analytical writing, and formal communication.

Examples:

1. As indicated by the data, the trend continues to rise.
2. As indicated by the report, employee satisfaction has improved.
3. As indicated by experts, regular exercise boosts mental health.
4. As indicated by the survey, customers value transparency.
5. As indicated by our results, the new system is more efficient.

Tone: Professional, logical, and evidence-based.

Explanation: This phrase works beautifully when presenting facts or results, showing a connection between data and interpretation.

11. As observed by

Meaning: Used when referring to someone’s careful observation or noted detail.

Scenario: Best for academic or descriptive writing where close attention is valued.

Examples:

1. As observed by scientists, the behavior of animals changes with climate.
2. As observed by many, kindness has a ripple effect in society.
3. As observed by teachers, early reading habits boost confidence.
4. As observed by the committee, cooperation leads to better outcomes.
5. As observed by psychologists, emotions influence decision-making.

Tone: Thoughtful, analytical, and observant.

Explanation: This phrase adds depth and mindfulness to your writing, showing that the statement is rooted in observation and study.

12. From the viewpoint of

Meaning: Shows someone’s particular opinion or perspective on an issue.

Scenario: Ideal for essays, debates, or respectful discussions.

Examples:

1. From the viewpoint of educators, technology enhances learning.
2. From the viewpoint of doctors, prevention is always better than cure.
3. From the viewpoint of artists, freedom fuels creativity.
4. From the viewpoint of children, honesty means everything.
5. From the viewpoint of leaders, teamwork builds trust.

Tone: Open-minded and respectful.

Explanation: This phrase values others’ opinions, encouraging empathy and understanding across different perspectives.

13. From the perspective of

Meaning: Similar to “from the viewpoint of,” but slightly broader and often used in analysis or storytelling.

Scenario: Useful in essays, business discussions, or personal reflections.

Examples:

1. From the perspective of customers, the product feels reliable.
2. From the perspective of history, this moment is significant.
3. From the perspective of a parent, safety always comes first.
4. From the perspective of the economy, innovation drives progress.
5. From the perspective of our team, communication builds unity.

Tone: Thoughtful and understanding.

Explanation: It adds emotional intelligence to your writing by showing that you understand and value different experiences and angles.

14. On the authority of

Meaning: Used when citing information from a trusted or official source.

Scenario: Common in research, law, and formal publications.

Examples:

1. On the authority of the Ministry, the rule takes effect immediately.
2. On the authority of the principal, classes will resume on Monday.
3. On the authority of experts, the medication is safe for use.
4. On the authority of the director, access has been restricted.
5. On the authority of tradition, the event is held every year.

Tone: Formal, respectful, and official.

Explanation: This phrase adds a strong sense of credibility, ideal when referencing recognized institutions or people in positions of authority.

15. Following the statement of

Meaning: Refers to using someone’s earlier statement as a basis or guide.

Scenario: Effective in reports, letters, or analytical writing.

Examples:

1. Following the statement of the chairman, changes will be implemented soon.
2. Following the statement of the mayor, new safety laws were introduced.
3. Following the statement of the expert, tests were conducted again.
4. Following the statement of the committee, updates were made to the plan.
5. Following the statement of the doctor, the patient’s diet was adjusted.

Tone: Formal and procedural.

Explanation: It shows respect for earlier declarations and indicates continuity or logical action based on someone’s expressed view.

16. As expressed by

Meaning: Means something was clearly stated or shown through words or feelings.

Scenario: Good for emotional writing, speeches, and thoughtful reflections.

Examples:

1. As expressed by our founder, compassion is our company’s core.
2. As expressed by the poet, love heals the unseen wounds.
3. As expressed by the leader, unity brings lasting strength.
4. As expressed by the author, words can change hearts.
5. As expressed by the artist, creativity is a universal language.

Tone: Warm, emotional, and sincere.

Explanation: This phrase conveys both clarity and emotion, making it perfect for heartfelt messages or expressive writing.

17. Referencing

Meaning: Means pointing to or citing another source of information.

Scenario: Ideal for essays, research, and academic projects.

Examples:

1. Referencing recent studies, the theory gained new support.
2. Referencing the report, improvements are clearly visible.
3. Referencing the data, our assumptions hold true.
4. Referencing previous work, the findings align well.
5. Referencing official records, the claim stands confirmed.

Tone: Formal and factual.

Explanation: “Referencing” fits professional or scholarly contexts where crediting sources is essential, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

18. Drawing from

Meaning: Used when taking inspiration, knowledge, or examples from something or someone.

Scenario: Great for creative writing, teaching, or personal reflection.

Examples:

1. Drawing from experience, she shared valuable lessons.
2. Drawing from research, the team designed a new method.
3. Drawing from tradition, we crafted a modern celebration.
4. Drawing from nature, the design feels organic and calm.
5. Drawing from wisdom, the author inspired countless readers.

Tone: Warm, reflective, and creative.

Explanation: This phrase conveys learning, growth, and inspiration, perfect for personal storytelling or motivational writing.

19. In reference to

Meaning: Used to connect your statement to a previously mentioned topic or idea.

Scenario: Common in formal emails, business letters, and polite discussions.

Examples:

1. In reference to your email, we’ve updated the file.
2. In reference to our conversation, please review the attached document.
3. In reference to the proposal, we’ve noted your feedback.
4. In reference to your question, more details will follow soon.
5. In reference to the meeting, all attendees will receive notes shortly.

Tone: Professional and courteous.

Explanation: It’s a polished way to refer back to earlier communication or context, adding structure and clarity to your message.

20. As shared by

Meaning: Means something has been communicated, revealed, or told by someone.

Scenario: Useful in friendly, workplace, or online conversations.

Examples:

1. As shared by our manager, new projects will launch soon.
2. As shared by my friend, the movie is worth watching.
3. As shared by the speaker, teamwork makes goals achievable.
4. As shared by the team, feedback sessions are helpful.
5. As shared by the mentor, learning never stops.

Tone: Friendly, conversational, and genuine.

Explanation: “As shared by” feels personal and approachable, ideal when you want to acknowledge someone’s contribution naturally.

Conclusion

Finding other ways to say “According to” helps you communicate with more depth, creativity, and emotion. Whether you’re writing a heartfelt message, professional report, or thoughtful essay, choosing the right phrase can make your words sound more authentic and meaningful. The key is to match your tone—formal, friendly, or emotional—with the context of your message.

FAQs

1. What can I use instead of “According to” in formal writing?

You can use phrases like “As stated by,” “As per,” “In line with,” or “As indicated by” in professional and academic writing.

2. What’s the most polite alternative to “According to”?

“As per” and “In keeping with” are polite, respectful, and sound professional in tone.

3. Which alternatives are good for casual conversations?

“As shared by,” “As mentioned by,” and “Based on” are perfect for friendly or relaxed discussions.

4. Can I use these alternatives in essays or research papers?

Yes! Academic-friendly choices include “As noted by,” “As indicated by,” and “Referencing.”

5. Why should I use alternatives to “According to”?

Using alternatives helps your writing sound varied, engaging, and thoughtful, avoiding repetition and improving tone.