When writing or speaking, it’s easy to fall into the habit of repeatedly using the phrase “according to” when referencing sources or attributing information. While this phrase is clear and widely understood, relying too often can make your communication repetitive and monotonous.
Finding alternative expressions enriches your language and writing style, making your points more engaging and varied. In this blog post, we’ll explore other ways to say “according to,” providing examples to help you diversify your vocabulary and improve the flow of your writing.
What to Say Instead of “According to”:
Here are ten alternative ways to say “According to”:
- As stated by
- In the words of
- As reported by
- Based on
- As per
- In line with
- Citing
- Referenced from
- As indicated by
- Drawing from
1. As stated by
This phrase is a formal alternative to “according to” and is often used in academic or professional writing. It directly attributes information to a specific source, emphasizing the exact words or claims made by that source. “As stated by” is particularly useful when you want to highlight the authority or expertise of the source you’re citing.
Usage example:
As stated by Dr. Jane Smith, leading climate scientist, “Global temperatures have risen at an unprecedented rate over the past century.”
2. In the words of
This phrase is used to introduce a direct quote or to paraphrase someone’s exact statement. It’s particularly effective when you want to emphasize the original speaker’s voice or perspective. “In the words of” can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various types of writing.
Usage example:
In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
3. As reported by
This phrase is commonly used in journalistic or news-related contexts. It indicates that the information comes from a secondary source rather than firsthand knowledge. “As reported by” is useful when citing information from news articles, reports, or other published sources.
Usage example:
As reported by The New York Times, the new economic policy has led to a significant increase in job creation.
4. Based on
“Based on” is a versatile phrase that can be used to indicate that information or conclusions are derived from or supported by a particular source or set of data. It’s useful in both academic and professional writing when you want to show the foundation of your arguments or findings.
Usage example:
Based on the latest market research, our company has decided to expand into the Asian market.
5. As per
This phrase is often used in formal or business contexts to refer to specific guidelines, rules, or agreements. “As per” indicates that something is being done in accordance with or following a particular standard or instruction.
Usage example:
As per our company policy, all employees must complete annual safety training by the end of the first quarter.
6. In line with
This phrase indicates conformity or agreement with a particular standard, policy, or expectation. It’s often used in professional or formal contexts to show that actions or decisions are consistent with established guidelines or principles. “In line with” can also be used to demonstrate alignment with broader trends or strategies.
Usage example:
Our new sustainability initiatives are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
7. Citing
“Citing” is a direct way to attribute information to a source, commonly used in academic writing. It’s particularly useful when explicitly indicating that you’re referencing someone else’s work or ideas. The name of the author or source often follows this term.
Usage example:
Citing the work of Freud, the psychologist argued that dreams are a window into the unconscious mind.
8. Referenced from
This phrase is used to indicate that information has been obtained or derived from a specific source. It’s useful in both academic and professional writing when you want to acknowledge the origin of data, ideas, or concepts. “Referenced from” can be used with a wide range of sources, including books, articles, and databases.
Usage example:
The historical data in our report was referenced from the National Archives’ collection of 19th-century census records.
9. As indicated by
This phrase is used to point out or highlight information from a particular source. It’s often employed when the source provides evidence or suggests a particular conclusion. “As indicated by” can be used in various contexts, from scientific papers to business reports.
Usage example:
As indicated by recent geological surveys, the risk of seismic activity in this region has significantly increased over the past decade.
10. Drawing from
“Drawing from” suggests that you’re using a source as inspiration or as a starting point for your own ideas or conclusions. This phrase is particularly useful when you’re synthesizing information from multiple sources or when you’re building upon existing research or theories. It’s versatile and can be used in both academic and creative contexts.
Usage example:
Drawing from both classical and contemporary economic theories, the researcher proposed a novel approach to tackling income inequality.