“Other ways to say ‘According to’” refers to different phrases and expressions used to cite a source of information, opinion, or statement in writing or speech.
If you’ve ever been writing an essay, blog post, or report and found yourself repeatedly using “according to”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common reporting phrases—but when it shows up too often, it can make your writing feel repetitive, flat, and less engaging. That’s why so many students, writers, bloggers, and professionals search for better wording, creative alternatives, and unique expressions to keep their content fresh and readable.
From academic papers to news writing, emails, and even casual discussions with friends, colleagues, or family, the way you introduce information matters. Using the same phrase again and again can weaken your tone, while different ways to say “according to” help you sound more natural, precise, and confident.
Based on my experience with content writing and editing, small language changes like this can significantly improve clarity and flow. Choosing the right alternative isn’t just about avoiding repetition—it’s about matching the tone of your message, whether formal, neutral, or conversational.
In this post, you’ll discover creative alternatives, professional variations, and simple everyday expressions you can use instead of “according to.” Let’s explore the smarter ways to express it and upgrade your writing style.
What are some professional alternatives to “According to” in writing?
In formal writing, you can replace “According to” with phrases like “As stated by”, “In the view of”, or “As reported by”. These alternatives help maintain a more polished and academic tone, especially in essays, reports, and research papers where repetition of the same phrase can feel repetitive or less engaging.
Another strong option is “Based on” or “As per”, which are commonly used in business and legal writing. These expressions make your sentence sound more structured and credible while still clearly attributing information to a source.
How can I replace “According to experts” in a formal context?
Instead of saying “According to experts”, you can use phrases like “Experts suggest”, “Research indicates”, or “Specialists argue”. These variations make your statement more direct and authoritative, removing unnecessary wording while keeping the meaning intact.
You can also use “As highlighted by experts” or “Expert analysis shows” for a more refined academic tone. These expressions are especially useful in research-based content where clarity and credibility are important.
What are casual alternatives to “According to” in everyday speech?
In informal conversations, people often replace “According to” with phrases like “From what I heard”, “They say that”, or “It looks like”. These expressions sound more natural and conversational, making them perfect for speaking or casual writing.
Another common option is “As far as I know” or “Word is”, which are used when sharing information that may not be fully verified. These alternatives help keep the tone relaxed and easygoing.
How do journalists replace “According to” in news writing?
Journalists often use phrases like “Reported by”, “As stated in”, or “Sources confirm” instead of repeating “According to”. These alternatives improve readability and add variety to news articles while maintaining accuracy.
Another effective option is “Data from” or “Officials say”, which helps clearly identify the origin of information. This makes news reporting more precise and trustworthy for readers.
Why should we avoid overusing “According to” in writing?
Overusing “According to” can make writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Using alternatives like “As noted by”, “Based on findings”, or “Research shows” helps improve flow and keeps the reader interested.
It also enhances clarity, tone variety, and professionalism in your content. By mixing different phrases, your writing becomes more dynamic, natural, and suitable for academic material.
Synonyms for “According To”
As stated by
Meaning:
Used to introduce information that comes directly from a specific source, authority, or official statement.
Usage Scenario:
Common in academic writing, journalism, and formal communication when referring to verified information or official declarations.
Tone:
Formal, authoritative, and professional
Best Use Case:
Best suited for reports, research work, and official documentation where credibility is important.
Examples:
- As stated by the CEO the company will expand next year.
- As stated by the report productivity has improved.
- As stated by the teacher exams will begin next week.
- As stated by experts consistency leads to success.
As reported by
Meaning:
Used to present information that comes from news sources, media outlets, or journalists.
Usage Scenario:
Common in news writing, media updates, and public announcements.
Tone:
Neutral, factual, and informative
Best Use Case:
Ideal for sharing current events or media-based information.
Examples:
- As reported by the news the bridge was reopened.
- As reported by officials the situation is stable.
- As reported by media sources prices are increasing.
- As reported by local channels schools are closed today.
As mentioned by
Meaning:
Used to refer back to something already spoken or written earlier by someone.
Usage Scenario:
Common in emails, discussions, and meetings to refer to earlier points.
Tone:
Informal to semi-formal, conversational
Best Use Case:
Best for follow-up communication or referencing prior discussion.
Examples:
- As mentioned by my manager the deadline has changed.
- As mentioned by the speaker details will follow.
- As mentioned by the client revisions are required.
- As mentioned by the teacher attendance is important.
As explained by
Meaning:
Used when someone has clearly described or clarified a concept or process.
Usage Scenario:
Common in education, training, and instructional content.
Tone:
Clear, instructional, and informative
Best Use Case:
Best for learning materials, guides, and tutorials.
Examples:
- As explained by the instructor the process is simple.
- As explained by the guide follow the steps carefully.
- As explained by the expert practice improves skill.
- As explained by the teacher revision is necessary.
As noted by
Meaning:
Used when something has been observed, recorded, or documented.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research papers, reports, and analytical writing.
Tone:
Formal and observational
Best Use Case:
Best for presenting findings or recorded insights.
Examples:
- As noted by researchers trends are changing.
- As noted by the analyst demand is increasing.
- As noted by the report performance has improved.
- As noted by experts the system needs upgrades.
As highlighted by
Meaning:
Used to emphasize an important point that has been drawn attention to by someone.
Usage Scenario:
Common in business reports, presentations, and summaries.
Tone:
Emphasizing, professional, and formal
Best Use Case:
Best for stressing key insights or important observations.
Examples:
- As highlighted by the study skills matter more than degrees.
- As highlighted by the report risks are increasing.
- As highlighted by the manager teamwork is essential.
- As highlighted by experts innovation drives growth.
In the words of
Meaning:
Used to present someone’s exact expression or original phrasing in a more narrative style.
Usage Scenario:
Common in speeches, storytelling, interviews, and motivational writing.
Tone:
Expressive, narrative, and engaging
Best Use Case:
Best for sharing impactful statements or personal viewpoints.
Examples:
- In the words of the leader success comes through hard work.
- In the words of the teacher learning never stops.
- In the words of the author imagination shapes reality.
- In the words of the expert consistency builds mastery.
Based on
Meaning:
Used to show that something is derived from a source, data, or information.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research, analysis, reports, and decision-making content.
Tone:
Neutral, analytical, and professional
Best Use Case:
Best for summarizing conclusions from data or evidence.
Examples:
- Based on the report sales have increased this quarter.
- Based on the data customer satisfaction is improving.
- Based on observations the system needs updates.
- Based on feedback changes will be made.
From what I’ve read
Meaning:
Used to share information that comes from personal reading or informal research.
Usage Scenario:
Common in blogs, discussions, and casual explanations.
Tone:
Informal and reflective
Best Use Case:
Best for sharing general understanding or non-official insights.
Examples:
- From what I’ve read the market is improving.
- From what I’ve read exercise boosts mental health.
- From what I’ve read the policy may change soon.
- From what I’ve read technology is evolving rapidly.
From what experts say
Meaning:
Used to present information based on professional or industry expert opinions.
Usage Scenario:
Common in articles, advice content, and informational writing.
Tone:
Informative, credible, and semi-formal
Best Use Case:
Best for supporting claims with expert viewpoints.
Examples:
- From what experts say regular practice is key to success.
- From what experts say climate change is accelerating.
- From what experts say digital skills are essential.
- From what experts say sleep improves productivity.
Research shows
Meaning:
Used to present findings that come from scientific studies or academic research.
Usage Scenario:
Common in academic writing, health content, and data-driven articles.
Tone:
Formal, factual, and evidence-based
Best Use Case:
Best for supporting statements with scientific evidence.
Examples:
- Research shows exercise improves mental health.
- Research shows sleep affects productivity.
- Research shows reading boosts memory.
- Research shows diet impacts energy levels.
Evidence suggests
Meaning:
Used when available data or proof points toward a conclusion.
Usage Scenario:
Common in scientific writing, investigations, and analytical reports.
Tone:
Cautious, formal, and analytical
Best Use Case:
Best for presenting probable conclusions without absolute certainty.
Examples:
- Evidence suggests climate change is worsening.
- Evidence suggests habits influence success.
- Evidence suggests stress affects health.
- Evidence suggests learning improves with practice.
Findings indicate
Meaning:
Used when results from a study or analysis point toward a conclusion.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research papers, surveys, and reports.
Tone:
Formal, research-based, and analytical
Best Use Case:
Best for presenting summarized results of investigations.
Examples:
- Findings indicate improved performance over time.
- Findings indicate rising demand in the market.
- Findings indicate better outcomes with training.
- Findings indicate changes in user behavior.
Sources reveal
Meaning:
Used when information is disclosed or uncovered from sources.
Usage Scenario:
Common in investigative journalism, reports, and analysis content.
Tone:
Formal and informative
Best Use Case:
Best for uncovering or reporting discovered information.
Examples:
- Sources reveal upcoming policy changes.
- Sources reveal growth in the sector.
- Sources reveal internal restructuring plans.
- Sources reveal improvements in results.
Sources confirm
Meaning:
Used when multiple sources verify or support the same information.
Usage Scenario:
Common in news reporting, investigations, and official updates.
Tone:
Confident, factual, and authoritative
Best Use Case:
Best for validated or verified information.
Examples:
- Sources confirm the event will take place next month.
- Sources confirm changes in the schedule.
- Sources confirm the merger is complete.
- Sources confirm increased demand this year.
As claimed by
Meaning:
Used to present information that is stated by someone but may not be fully verified.
Usage Scenario:
Common in reports, debates, and critical analysis.
Tone:
Neutral, cautious, and evaluative
Best Use Case:
Best for reporting allegations or personal claims.
Examples:
- As claimed by the company profits have doubled.
- As claimed by officials the issue is resolved.
- As claimed by sources the deal is finalized.
- As claimed by the report results are positive.
As revealed by
Meaning:
Used when information is discovered or made known through investigation or research.
Usage Scenario:
Common in journalism, reports, and analytical writing.
Tone:
Formal and informative
Best Use Case:
Best for uncovering hidden or newly discovered facts.
Examples:
- As revealed by the study habits affect success.
- As revealed by the report costs have increased.
- As revealed by research sleep improves focus.
- As revealed by data usage is rising.
As observed by
Meaning:
Used when something is noticed or monitored carefully.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research, science, and analytical reports.
Tone:
Observational and formal
Best Use Case:
Best for describing patterns or noticed behavior.
Examples:
- As observed by researchers behavior has changed.
- As observed by analysts trends are shifting.
- As observed by experts performance is improving.
- As observed by teachers students are more engaged.
As documented by
Meaning:
Used when information is officially recorded or recorded in written form.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research, legal writing, and official reports.
Tone:
Formal, factual, and structured
Best Use Case:
Best for referencing recorded evidence or historical data.
Examples:
- As documented by the report results have improved.
- As documented by records the system was updated.
- As documented by researchers changes are consistent.
- As documented by officials procedures were followed.
As pointed out by
Meaning:
Used when someone draws attention to a specific detail or fact.
Usage Scenario:
Common in discussions, analysis, and presentations.
Tone:
Neutral and explanatory
Best Use Case:
Best for highlighting specific insights or corrections.
Examples:
- As pointed out by the manager deadlines must be met.
- As pointed out by experts training is essential.
- As pointed out by the report issues still exist.
- As pointed out by analysts demand is growing.
As suggested by
Meaning:
Used when someone recommends or implies an idea or action.
Usage Scenario:
Common in advice, reports, and discussions.
Tone:
Polite, advisory, and professional
Best Use Case:
Best for recommendations or proposed actions.
Examples:
- As suggested by experts exercise improves health.
- As suggested by the report changes are needed.
- As suggested by data trends are improving.
- As suggested by teachers revision is important.
As per
Meaning:
Used to indicate something is according to a rule, instruction, or source.
Usage Scenario:
Common in official communication, legal writing, and formal instructions.
Tone:
Formal, structured, and directive
Best Use Case:
Best for rules, guidelines, and official references.
Examples:
- As per the schedule the meeting is tomorrow.
- As per the report performance has improved.
- As per instructions complete the task on time.
- As per policy refunds are not allowed.
In line with
Meaning:
Used to show something is consistent with rules, expectations, or standards.
Usage Scenario:
Common in business, compliance, and professional communication.
Tone:
Formal and aligned
Best Use Case:
Best for showing agreement with policies or goals.
Examples:
- In line with company policy changes were made.
- In line with expectations results improved.
- In line with guidelines the process was updated.
- In line with strategy growth is expected.
In reference to
Meaning:
Used to indicate that something is being discussed or mentioned about a specific topic.
Usage Scenario:
Common in emails, reports, and formal communication.
Tone:
Formal and referential
Best Use Case:
Best for clarifying subject focus in communication.
Examples:
- In reference to your email we have updated the file.
- In reference to the meeting notes are attached.
- In reference to the report changes were made.
- In reference to your request action has been taken.
Drawing from
Meaning:
Used when information is taken or inspired from a source or experience.
Usage Scenario:
Common in writing, analysis, and research-based content.
Tone:
Analytical and thoughtful
Best Use Case:
Best for combining insights or referencing multiple inputs.
Examples:
- Drawing from experience the approach was improved.
- Drawing from research the method was updated.
- Drawing from data conclusions were made.
- Drawing from feedback changes were applied.
As argued by
Meaning:
Used when someone presents a reasoned opinion or perspective.
Usage Scenario:
Common in debates, essays, and analytical writing.
Tone:
Persuasive and academic
Best Use Case:
Best for presenting viewpoints or arguments.
Examples:
- As argued by the author education shapes society.
- As argued by experts technology drives progress.
- As argued by researchers habits influence success.
- As argued by analysts trends will continue.
According to research by
Meaning:
Used to present findings from specific academic or scientific studies.
Usage Scenario:
Common in academic, health, and data-driven content.
Tone:
Formal, credible, and research-based
Best Use Case:
Best for citing scientific or institutional research.
Examples:
- According to research by scientists exercise improves memory.
- According to research by universities sleep affects learning.
- According to research by experts diet impacts health.
- According to research by institutes technology boosts productivity.
As indicated in
Meaning:
Used when something is shown or suggested in data, text, or reports.
Usage Scenario:
Common in analysis, research papers, and formal writing.
Tone:
Formal and analytical
Best Use Case:
Best for referencing visible or stated information.
Examples:
- As indicated in the report sales are increasing.
- As indicated in the data trends are positive.
- As indicated in the study results are improving.
- As indicated in the findings performance has risen.
In the view of
Meaning:
Used to express someone’s opinion or perspective on a topic.
Usage Scenario:
Common in opinion writing, essays, and formal discussions.
Tone:
Opinion-based and reflective
Best Use Case:
Best for presenting viewpoints or interpretations.
Examples:
- In the view of experts education is key to success.
- In the view of analysts markets will grow.
- In the view of teachers learning should be continuous.
- In the view of researchers habits shape outcomes.
As per the findings of
Meaning:
Used to present results coming directly from studies or investigations.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research papers, reports, and academic writing.
Tone:
Formal, factual, and evidence-based
Best Use Case:
Best for summarizing study conclusions.
Examples:
- As per the findings of the study performance has improved.
- As per the findings of research sleep improves focus.
- As per the findings of analysis demand is rising.
- As per the findings of reports outcomes are positive.
According to data from
Meaning:
Used to present information derived from specific datasets or statistics.
Usage Scenario:
Common in data analysis, reports, and research content.
Tone:
Analytical and factual
Best Use Case:
Best for statistical and data-driven statements.
Examples:
- According to data from surveys satisfaction is high.
- According to data from reports sales are increasing.
- According to data from studies usage is growing.
- According to data from analysis trends are positive.
As outlined by
Meaning:
Used when information is clearly structured or explained by someone.
Usage Scenario:
Common in reports, plans, and official documents.
Tone:
Structured and formal
Best Use Case:
Best for presenting frameworks or detailed plans.
Examples:
- As outlined by the manager the plan is ready.
- As outlined by the report steps are clear.
- As outlined by the policy rules must be followed.
- As outlined by the guide instructions are simple.
In accordance with
Meaning:
Used to show that something is done according to rules, laws, or guidelines.
Usage Scenario:
Common in legal, official, and professional communication.
Tone:
Strict, formal, and compliant
Best Use Case:
Best for rules, regulations, and official procedures.
Examples:
- In accordance with policy refunds are not allowed.
- In accordance with rules attendance is required.
- In accordance with guidelines the process was followed.
- In accordance with law action was taken.
As reflected in
Meaning:
Used when something is shown or mirrored in results, data, or outcomes.
Usage Scenario:
Common in reports, analysis, and evaluations.
Tone:
Analytical and formal
Best Use Case:
Best for showing results or outcomes.
Examples:
- As reflected in results performance has improved.
- As reflected in data demand is rising.
- As reflected in feedback satisfaction is high.
- As reflected in reports progress is clear.
As conveyed by
Meaning:
Used when information or meaning is communicated or expressed by someone.
Usage Scenario:
Common in communication, speeches, and formal writing.
Tone:
Professional and expressive
Best Use Case:
Best for communication of ideas or messages.
Examples:
- As conveyed by the speaker the message is clear.
- As conveyed by the report improvements are needed.
- As conveyed by experts changes are expected.
- As conveyed by management updates are planned.
As expressed by
Meaning:
Used when someone shares feelings, opinions, or ideas clearly.
Usage Scenario:
Common in interviews, speeches, and opinion writing.
Tone:
Expressive and formal
Best Use Case:
Best for stating personal views or opinions.
Examples:
- As expressed by the leader change is necessary.
- As expressed by experts innovation is key.
- As expressed by the teacher learning is lifelong.
- As expressed by the author creativity matters.
As derived from
Meaning:
Used when something is obtained or concluded from a source, data, or reasoning.
Usage Scenario:
Common in research, analysis, and academic writing.
Tone:
Analytical and formal
Best Use Case:
Best for conclusions drawn from information or data.
Examples:
- As derived from data trends are improving.
- As derived from research results are positive.
- As derived from analysis conclusions are clear.
- As derived from findings performance has increased.
Key insight
1. What does “other ways to say ‘According to’” mean?
It refers to alternative phrases used to show a source of information, opinion, or reference without repeating the same wording. Instead of always using “According to,” writers use different expressions to make their content sound more natural and varied.
2. Why is it important to use alternatives for “According to”?
Using alternatives helps avoid repetition and boring sentence structure. It also improves readability, flow, and professionalism, especially in academic writing, blogging, and reporting where clarity matters.
3. What are some common ways to say “According to”?
Some widely used alternatives include “As stated by,” “Based on,” “As per,” “In the opinion of,” “As reported by,” and “As mentioned by.” These variations help match different tones and writing styles.
4. Can “According to” be replaced in formal writing?
Yes, it can be replaced with more formal or precise expressions like “Based on research,” “As indicated by data,” or “As per records.” The choice depends on the type of source and level of formality required.
5. Where should I use alternatives to “According to”?
They are commonly used in essays, news articles, blog posts, and professional reports. These alternatives help make writing more engaging, natural, and less repetitive.
Conclusion
Using different ways to say “According to” makes your writing more polished, flexible, and engaging. Instead of repeating the same phrase, you can choose from a variety of expressions that better fit your tone and context. This improves both clarity and reader experience, especially in formal and informational content.
When you vary your wording, your writing naturally becomes more professional and easy to follow. It also helps you express ideas more precisely depending on whether you are citing research, opinions, or reports.
By learning and practicing these alternatives, you can make your content sound more confident, natural, and well-structured across different writing situations.
