200+ Other Ways to Say According To (2026)

Using the phrase “according to” is common in writing, especially when referencing sources, opinions, or authority.

However, repeating it frequently can make your content sound repetitive or less engaging. Learning other ways to say according to helps improve clarity, variety, and professionalism in both academic and everyday writing.

Choosing the right alternative depends on context—whether you’re citing research, sharing opinions, or presenting facts. This guide provides practical alternatives with meanings, usage rules, and real examples to help you communicate more effectively.

Quick Answer

Other ways to say “according to” include “based on,” “as stated by,” “in the opinion of,” and “as reported by,” depending on context and tone.

Academic and Formal Alternatives

Based On

Meaning: Derived from information or evidence
Usage: Academic or analytical writing
Example: “Based on recent studies, the results are accurate.”
Tip: Avoid redundancy like “based on the fact”

As Stated By

Meaning: Direct reference to a source
Usage: Formal writing
Example: “As stated by the report, changes are needed.”
Tip: Use for clarity

In Accordance With

Meaning: Following rules or data
Usage: Legal or formal context
Example: “In accordance with policy, action was taken.”
Tip: Formal tone

As Reported By

Meaning: Information shared by a source
Usage: Journalism or reports
Example: “As reported by the agency, growth increased.”
Tip: Good for credibility

As Indicated By

Meaning: Suggested by data
Usage: Academic
Example: “As indicated by results, performance improved.”
Tip: Analytical tone

In Line With

Meaning: Matching information or standards
Usage: Professional
Example: “In line with expectations, results were positive.”
Tip: Flexible usage

On the Basis of

Meaning: Supported by evidence
Usage: Formal
Example: “On the basis of evidence, the claim stands.”
Tip: Strong academic tone

Informal and Everyday Alternatives

Based On What

Meaning: Referring to reasoning
Usage: Casual
Example: “Based on what you said, I agree.”
Tip: Conversational tone

From What I Heard

Meaning: Personal source
Usage: Informal
Example: “From what I heard, it’s true.”
Tip: Not for formal writing

Going By

Meaning: Judging from
Usage: Casual
Example: “Going by his reaction, he was happy.”
Tip: Friendly tone

As Per

Meaning: According to instructions
Usage: Semi-formal
Example: “As per your request, I completed it.”
Tip: Avoid overuse

By the Looks Of

Meaning: Based on appearance
Usage: Informal
Example: “By the looks of it, it’s ready.”
Tip: Casual tone

From What I Can Tell

Meaning: Personal judgment
Usage: Informal
Example: “From what I can tell, it works.”
Tip: Soft statement

Judging By

Meaning: Based on observation
Usage: Casual
Example: “Judging by results, it’s effective.”
Tip: Common phrase

Opinion-Based Alternatives

In the Opinion Of

Meaning: Reflects viewpoint
Usage: Formal
Example: “In the opinion of experts, it’s beneficial.”
Tip: Use for authority

As Believed By

Meaning: General belief
Usage: Informal/formal
Example: “As believed by many, it’s true.”
Tip: Less precise

According to Experts → Experts Say

Meaning: Simplified expression
Usage: Casual writing
Example: “Experts say it’s effective.”
Tip: Modern tone

As Seen By

Meaning: Perspective-based
Usage: Analytical
Example: “As seen by researchers, results vary.”
Tip: Less common

In the View Of

Meaning: Opinion perspective
Usage: Formal
Example: “In the view of analysts, growth continues.”
Tip: Professional tone

From the Perspective Of

Meaning: Specific viewpoint
Usage: Academic
Example: “From the perspective of users, it’s helpful.”
Tip: Detailed context

As Considered By

Meaning: Judged by someone
Usage: Formal
Example: “As considered by experts, it’s valid.”
Tip: Rare usage

Reporting and Citation Alternatives

As Mentioned By

Meaning: Previously stated
Usage: Writing
Example: “As mentioned by the author, changes occur.”
Tip: Good for references

As Noted By

Meaning: Observed or recorded
Usage: Academic
Example: “As noted by the study, results differ.”
Tip: Clear tone

As Highlighted By

Meaning: Emphasized
Usage: Reports
Example: “As highlighted by data, growth increased.”
Tip: Strong wording

As Outlined By

Meaning: Structured reference
Usage: Formal
Example: “As outlined by policy, steps were followed.”
Tip: Organized tone

As Cited By

Meaning: Referenced source
Usage: Academic
Example: “As cited by research, results are valid.”
Tip: Scholarly use

As Documented By

Meaning: Recorded evidence
Usage: Formal
Example: “As documented by reports, trends continue.”
Tip: Strong credibility

As Revealed By

Meaning: Shown by data
Usage: Analytical
Example: “As revealed by findings, performance improved.”
Tip: Impactful tone

Contextual and Flexible Alternatives

In Terms Of

Meaning: Relating to subject
Usage: General
Example: “In terms of growth, results are strong.”
Tip: Broad usage

Regarding

Meaning: About a topic
Usage: Formal
Example: “Regarding your request, action was taken.”
Tip: Common

Concerning

Meaning: About or related
Usage: Formal
Example: “Concerning the issue, updates follow.”
Tip: Slightly formal

With Reference To

Meaning: Referring to something
Usage: Professional
Example: “With reference to your email, I agree.”
Tip: Business tone

In Relation To

Meaning: Connected to
Usage: Formal
Example: “In relation to policy, changes apply.”
Tip: Formal

Pertaining To

Meaning: Related to
Usage: Formal
Example: “Pertaining to the case, evidence matters.”
Tip: Formal tone

About

Meaning: General reference
Usage: Informal
Example: “About your question, I agree.”
Tip: Simple usage

Placement and Grammar Rules Table

Phrase	Tone	Example
Based on	Neutral	Based on data, results improved
As stated by	Formal	As stated by the report, changes occurred
According to → Experts say	Casual	Experts say it works

Common Mistakes

Overusing “according to” makes writing repetitive. Using informal phrases in academic writing reduces credibility. Misplacing phrases in sentences can affect clarity. Avoid mixing multiple reference phrases in one sentence. Always match tone with context and audience.

Practical Example Paragraphs

“Based on recent research, the results show a significant improvement. As noted by experts, these findings are consistent across multiple studies.”

“Going by what I’ve seen, the process works well. From what I can tell, it’s reliable and easy to follow.”

FAQs

What is the best alternative to “according to”?

“Based on” is one of the most versatile alternatives.

Is “as per” correct?

Yes, but it is often overused and can sound less natural.

What should I use in academic writing?

Use “as stated by,” “as noted by,” or “on the basis of.”

Are informal alternatives acceptable?

Only in casual writing or conversations.

How do I avoid repetition?

Use a mix of synonyms and vary sentence structure.

Final Thoughts

Using other ways to say according to improves writing clarity, variety, and professionalism. It allows you to present information more effectively without sounding repetitive.

By applying these alternatives correctly, you can enhance both academic and everyday writing while maintaining clarity and credibility.