30 Other Ways to Say “According To”

Finding the right words can instantly make your writing feel more natural, engaging, and professional. While the phrase “according to” is widely used, repeating it too often can make your content sound predictable and dull. That’s why learning other ways to say “according to” is essential if you want to improve your writing style, clarity, and performance.

In this guide, you’ll discover a variety of powerful alternatives to “according to” that help you express ideas with more precision, authority, and flow. Whether you’re writing academic content, blog posts, business reports, or casual text, using varied expressions can boost readability, keyword diversity, and search engine ranking. Let’s explore smarter, more impactful synonyms and phrases that make your writing stand out.

Best Responses  “According To”

1. Based on

2. As stated by

3. As reported by

4. Per

5. In line with

6. In the words of

7. From the perspective of

8. In accordance with

9. In keeping with

10. Citing

11. Referencing

12. As outlined by

13. As noted by

14. As told by

15. As described by

16. In the view of

17. As indicated by

18. As revealed by

19. As per

20. Following

21. In agreement with

22. Consistent with

23. On the authority of

24. By the account of

25. On the basis of

26. In compliance with

27. In relation to

28. In the estimation of

29. According to the words of

30. As the source puts it

1. Based on

Based on is a simple and flexible replacement for according to when you want to show that an idea comes from facts, evidence, or a source. It works well in academic writing, business reports, and everyday explanations. It often feels more direct and natural than a formal source tag. You can use it when you are building a statement from data, a study, or a real example.
Example: Based on the survey results, customer satisfaction improved.
Best use: Research, analysis, summaries.
Explanation: It shows that your statement rests on evidence, not guesswork.

2. As stated by

As stated by is a polished way to introduce information from a person, expert, or document. It sounds clear and professional without being stiff. This phrase helps you show that the words or ideas belong to another source. It is useful when you want to reference a quote, report, or official statement. In SEO writing, it can add trust and variation while keeping the meaning easy to follow.
Example: As stated by the report, remote work increased productivity.
Best use: Articles, formal writing, citation-style phrasing.
Explanation: It highlights the source and keeps the sentence trustworthy.

3. As reported by

As reported by works well when you are sharing news, findings, or updates from a source that has already covered the topic. It is common in journalism and content writing. This phrase gives your sentence a report-like tone and helps readers understand that the information is not your personal claim. It is especially useful for current events, studies, and statistics.
Example: As reported by local media, the event drew a large crowd.
Best use: News content, updates, summaries.
Explanation: It makes the source of the information very clear.

4. Per

Per is a compact and formal substitute for according to. It is especially useful in business writing, legal-style language, and instructions. Because it is short, it keeps sentences efficient and clean. You will often see it in phrases like “per the guidelines” or “per the agreement.” It is best when you want to sound precise and professional.
Example: Per the contract, payment is due on Friday.
Best use: Workplace writing, policy notes, agreements.
Explanation: It signals that the statement follows an official source or rule.

5. In line with

In line with is a strong alternative when something matches a rule, expectation, or source. It feels smooth and natural in both formal and semi-formal writing. This phrase is especially useful when you want to show consistency with standards, research, or company goals. It can make your writing sound thoughtful and organized.
Example: In line with the findings, the team changed its strategy.
Best use: Business writing, strategy updates, academic summaries.
Explanation: It shows that the idea follows or agrees with a source.

6. In the words of

In the words of is a friendly and expressive way to present someone else’s view or quote. It adds a human touch and works well when you want to bring a voice directly into your writing. This phrase can make content feel more engaging and conversational while still respectful. It is a great choice for storytelling, interviews, and personal essays.
Example: In the words of the coach, “discipline builds champions.”
Best use: Quotes, interviews, stories, blog writing.
Explanation: It introduces someone’s exact language or message.

7. From the perspective of

From the perspective of is useful when you want to present an idea through a certain viewpoint. It helps readers understand that the statement comes from a specific angle, not as an absolute truth. This makes it great for analysis, opinion pieces, and balanced discussions. It also adds depth to your writing by showing different sides of a topic.
Example: From the perspective of a teacher, smaller classes improve learning.
Best use: Essays, analysis, opinion writing.
Explanation: It frames the source as a viewpoint or lens.

8. In accordance with

In accordance with is a formal phrase that shows agreement with a rule, law, policy, or instruction. It is common in legal, academic, and professional writing. This alternative to according to sounds precise and reliable. It is especially helpful when the source is an official document or guideline.
Example: In accordance with company policy, all visitors must sign in.
Best use: Legal text, workplace rules, compliance writing.
Explanation: It tells readers that something follows an official standard.

9. In keeping with

In keeping with is a smooth phrase that suggests harmony or consistency with a source, style, or principle. It often appears in creative writing, brand messaging, and formal communication. This phrase works well when the idea fits a tradition, mood, or expectation. It feels polished without sounding too rigid.
Example: In keeping with tradition, the family gathered for dinner.
Best use: Branding, storytelling, cultural references.
Explanation: It shows that something matches a pattern or value.

10. Citing

Citing is a direct and academic way to refer to a source. It is especially useful when you want to support a claim with evidence or acknowledge where information came from. This phrase is common in essays, articles, and research writing. It helps create a trustworthy tone and strengthens your credibility.
Example: Citing recent studies, the article explained the health benefits of walking.
Best use: Academic writing, research summaries, fact-based content.
Explanation: It makes the source of the information explicit.

11. Referencing

Referencing is another reliable alternative that works well in academic and professional settings. It shows that your statement draws from a source, document, or established idea. Unlike a direct quote, referencing often feels broader and more flexible. It can support your argument while keeping the sentence readable.
Example: Referencing the company handbook, she explained the dress code.
Best use: Essays, reports, documentation.
Explanation: It points readers toward an outside source or authority.

12. As outlined by

As outlined by is a strong phrase when you want to refer to a plan, framework, or set of instructions. It suggests structure and organization, which makes it great for reports and guides. This phrase helps readers see that the information follows a clear source or outline. It sounds professional and well-informed.
Example: As outlined by the training guide, each step must be completed in order.
Best use: Instructions, reports, guides, manuals.
Explanation: It connects your statement to a defined structure.

13. As noted by

As noted by is a friendly yet professional way to point to something mentioned by a source. It is useful when you want to keep the writing smooth and not too formal. This phrase works well in articles, summaries, and expert commentary. It also helps you avoid repeating the same source lead-in too often.
Example: As noted by researchers, sleep quality affects memory.
Best use: Editorial writing, summaries, research-based content.
Explanation: It introduces a point already observed or mentioned elsewhere.

14. As told by

As told by is a simple and human-sounding alternative that works best in storytelling or informal writing. It often introduces a personal account, memory, or version of events. This phrase makes the source feel more direct and conversational. It is helpful when you want your content to sound warm and authentic.
Example: As told by my grandfather, the village changed slowly over time.
Best use: Personal stories, interviews, oral history.
Explanation: It signals that the information comes from someone’s account.

15. As described by

As described by is a clear phrase that helps you present a source’s explanation or description. It is especially useful when you want to paraphrase detailed information without quoting directly. This alternative works well in product descriptions, reviews, and educational content. It keeps the meaning accurate while sounding polished.
Example: As described by the manual, the machine shuts down automatically.
Best use: Guides, product summaries, technical writing.
Explanation: It points to a description from a source.

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16. In the view of

In the view of is a thoughtful phrase for presenting an opinion or interpretation. It works well when you want to show perspective instead of fact. This is helpful in essays, commentary, and balanced discussions. It gives your writing a reflective tone and lets you include multiple voices in one piece.
Example: In the view of many parents, school lunches need improvement.
Best use: Opinion articles, analysis, discussion pieces.
Explanation: It introduces a viewpoint rather than a hard fact.

17. As indicated by

As indicated by is a precise and analytical phrase that suggests evidence or signs point to a conclusion. It is often used in research, reports, and data-driven writing. This wording gives your sentence a logical feel and helps you sound objective. It is a strong choice when the proof matters.
Example: As indicated by the data, traffic declined after the road closed.
Best use: Research, data analysis, reports.
Explanation: It shows that the conclusion is supported by evidence.

18. As revealed by

As revealed by adds a sense of discovery or uncovered information. It is useful when the source exposes something important, surprising, or worth attention. This phrase works well in news writing, investigation pieces, and feature articles. It can make the sentence feel more vivid while staying clear and factual.
Example: As revealed by the audit, the company had hidden costs.
Best use: News, investigations, findings.
Explanation: It suggests that new information has come to light.

19. As per

As per is a concise and common formal substitute for according to. It is often used in workplace communication, policies, and instructions. Because it is short, it helps keep sentences efficient. Some writers prefer it for clarity in business and legal contexts.
Example: As per the schedule, the meeting starts at 9 a.m.
Best use: Office writing, policies, calendars, formal notices.
Explanation: It points to the rule, schedule, or source being followed.

20. Following

Following can work as a substitute when you want to show that something comes after or results from a source, event, or statement. It is natural in news and business writing. This word helps you keep sentences active and readable. It is especially useful when the sentence refers to a report, discussion, or announcement.
Example: Following the review, the team approved the new design.
Best use: News updates, meeting summaries, business reports.
Explanation: It links the statement to what came before.

21. In agreement with

In agreement with is a useful phrase when a statement matches another source, idea, or opinion. It is softer than a direct claim and works well in reflective or formal writing. This phrase helps create a sense of alignment and consistency. It can also make your tone sound collaborative.
Example: In agreement with the findings, we adjusted the plan.
Best use: Reports, academic writing, professional communication.
Explanation: It shows the statement aligns with another source.

22. Consistent with

Consistent with is a strong, polished phrase that shows one idea matches another. It is especially useful in research, legal writing, and analysis. This wording helps create a logical connection between facts and conclusions. It is one of the best choices when precision matters.
Example: The results are consistent with earlier studies on the topic.
Best use: Research papers, technical reports, analysis.
Explanation: It shows that the evidence fits a known pattern.

23. On the authority of

On the authority of is a formal phrase that introduces information from a respected source or official voice. It can sound serious and traditional, so it works best in formal writing. This phrase is useful when the source has recognized expertise or official standing.
Example: On the authority of the principal, the school will reopen Monday.
Best use: Official statements, formal reports, announcements.
Explanation: It stresses that the source has legitimacy and authority.

24. By the account of

By the account of is a useful phrase when you want to share someone’s version of events. It is often used in storytelling, interviews, and historical writing. This phrase gives the sentence a personal and narrative feel. It helps your reader understand that the information comes from a witness or narrator.
Example: By the account of the witness, the accident happened quickly.
Best use: Stories, interviews, eyewitness reports.
Explanation: It points to a personal account or testimony.

25. On the basis of

On the basis of is a formal and analytical alternative that shows something is supported by evidence or reasoning. It is common in essays, reports, and legal or academic writing. This phrase works well when you want to explain how a conclusion was reached.
Example: On the basis of the test results, the doctor changed the treatment.
Best use: Analysis, academic writing, professional reports.
Explanation: It shows the foundation behind a decision or claim.

26. In compliance with

In compliance with is a strong formal phrase that means something follows a rule, law, or requirement. It is common in legal, business, and policy-related writing. This wording is especially helpful when you need to sound exact and responsible.
Example: In compliance with safety rules, all employees wore helmets.
Best use: Legal notices, policy documents, workplace rules.
Explanation: It tells readers the action matches an obligation.

27. In relation to

In relation to is a flexible phrase that helps connect one point to another. It does not always mean direct source attribution, but it can work well when explaining context or comparison. It is useful in formal writing, reports, and explanation-based content.
Example: In relation to your question, the deadline has been extended.
Best use: Explanations, business communication, follow-up messages.
Explanation: It links the statement to a related topic or issue.

28. In the estimation of

In the estimation of is a more formal and thoughtful way to show an opinion or judgment. It is useful when you want to present a measured view rather than a hard fact. This phrase fits essays, commentary, and analytical writing. It can make your language sound balanced and refined.
Example: In the estimation of the experts, the market will recover soon.
Best use: Analysis, opinion writing, expert commentary.
Explanation: It presents a considered judgment or estimate.

29. According to the words of

According to the words of is a less common but expressive variation that works when you want to emphasize exact phrasing from a source. It can sound literary or stylistic. While it is not the simplest option, it can add variety in creative writing or formal paraphrasing.
Example: According to the words of the poet, hope never leaves us.
Best use: Literary writing, speeches, reflective content.
Explanation: It focuses on the source’s exact message or expression.

30. As the source puts it

As the source puts it is a natural and reader-friendly way to introduce another person’s wording or viewpoint. It feels conversational and modern, which makes it great for blogs and online articles. This phrase helps you vary your writing while keeping a human tone.
Example: As the source puts it, “small changes create big results.”
Best use: Blogs, interviews, summaries, digital content.
Explanation: It presents the source’s message in a smooth, natural way.

Conclusion

Learning other ways to say “according to” helps you write with more confidence, variety, and precision. It also makes your content feel more natural for readers and easier for search engines and AI tools to understand. Some alternatives work best in formal writing, while others fit storytelling, news, or casual explanations. The key is to choose the phrase that matches your tone, source, and purpose. When you vary your wording well, your writing becomes clearer, stronger, and more engaging.

FAQs

1. What is the best alternative to “according to”?

The best alternative depends on the sentence. Based on works well for evidence. As stated by works well for quotations. Per fits formal or business writing.

2. Is “per” a good replacement for “according to”?

Yes, per is a strong replacement in formal writing, workplace notes, and instructions. It is short, clear, and professional.

3. Can I use these alternatives in content?

Yes. Using varied phrases like based on, as reported by, and consistent with helps content read naturally and improves semantic depth.

4. Which alternatives sound most formal?

In accordance with, in compliance with, on the basis of, and consistent with sound the most formal and precise.