When you write professional emails, academic papers, legal documents, or even everyday messages, the phrase according to appears everywhere. It helps you credit a source, introduce an opinion, and support your argument with evidence.
Here are 20 other ways to say according to, complete with meanings, practical examples, and usage tips. Whether you’re working on academic writing, business communication, or professional emails, these alternatives to according to will help you sound more polished and precise.
As Stated By
As stated by is one of the most reliable formal alternatives to according to. It clearly acknowledges the original source and emphasizes authority.
Email Example:
“As stated by Professor Ahmed, the deadline for submitting the literature review is Friday.”
This phrase works beautifully in academic writing, research settings, and scholarly discussions.
As Per
As per is common in professional emails, legal documents, and structured communication.
Email Example:
“As per our conversation, I have attached the revised contract for your review.”
It sounds formal and direct, making it one of the most popular professional ways to say according to.
In the Opinion of
Use in the opinion of when you want to stress that a statement reflects someone’s viewpoint rather than an absolute fact.
Example:
“In the opinion of Dr. Sana, early intervention produces better outcomes.”
This phrase is ideal when discussing expert opinion, perspective, or interpretation.
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Based On
Based on signals that your conclusion rests on data, findings, or evidence.
Example:
“Based on customer feedback, we redesigned the website homepage.”
It is one of the strongest evidence-based expressions in business and academic writing.
As Reported By
As reported by is a staple of journalism and media writing.
Example:
“As reported by the news agency, the committee approved the proposal unanimously.”
Use it when relaying information from a trusted media source or published report.
In Accordance With
This phrase emphasizes compliance with rules, regulations, or policy documents.
Example:
“In accordance with company regulations, employees must complete cybersecurity training annually.”
It is highly effective in legal writing and policy-based communication.
Per the Findings Of
Per the findings of sounds scholarly and evidence-driven.
Example:
“Per the findings of the study, regular sleep improves concentration.”
This phrase highlights scientific rigor and empirical support.
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As Evidenced By
Use as evidenced by when you want to point to observable proof.
Example:
“As evidenced by the increase in sales, the marketing campaign was successful.”
It connects your claim to tangible results.
In Line With
In line with shows alignment with recommendations, expectations, or policy.
Example:
“In line with committee recommendations, we updated the onboarding process.”
This phrase is common in corporate reports and business communication.
As Delineated By
This sophisticated phrase means something has been clearly detailed.
Example:
“As delineated by the contract, the tenant is responsible for all repairs.”
It works best in legal documents and formal agreements.
Following the Argument Of
Use this phrase when building on another person’s theory or reasoning.
Example:
“Following the argument of Aristotle, virtue develops through practice.”
It is excellent for academic writing and philosophical discussions.
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As Concurred By
As concurred by emphasizes collective agreement.
Example:
“As concurred by medical experts, prevention remains the best treatment.”
This phrase highlights consensus among reputable sources.
As Indicated By
This phrase points to evidence or signals found in data.
Example:
“As indicated by recent surveys, customers prefer faster checkout options.”
It fits reports, analytics, and market trends.
As Noted By
As noted by is concise and elegant.
Example:
“As noted by the historian, the treaty reshaped regional politics.”
Use it in essays, articles, and academic writing.
As Outlined By
This phrase suggests that information has been organized in a structured format.
Example:
“As outlined by the employee handbook, annual leave requires prior approval.”
It works well with manuals, guidelines, and official documents.
As Described By
As described by emphasizes explanation and firsthand accounts.
Example:
“As described by participants, the workshop was both practical and engaging.”
It is useful in research and qualitative studies.
As Explained By
This phrase is perfect for tutorials and educational content.
Example:
“As explained by the instructor, the formula becomes easier with practice.”
It helps readers follow technical ideas with confidence.
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As Confirmed By
Use as confirmed by when information has been verified.
Example:
“As confirmed by management, the new office will open next month.”
It adds certainty and credibility.
As Documented By
This phrase points to recorded evidence.
Example:
“As documented by researchers, urban migration has accelerated over the past decade.”
It suits historical writing and scientific reports.
As Supported By
As supported by directly links your argument to evidence.
Example:
“As supported by statistics, the advertising campaign doubled website traffic.”
It is ideal when presenting data analysis and observed results.
Synonyms for “According to”
| Alternative Phrase | Best Used In | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| As stated by | Academic writing | Formal | As stated by the author, the theory remains relevant. |
| As per | Business documents | Formal | As per company policy, all requests require approval. |
| In the opinion of | Opinion-based writing | Neutral | In the opinion of the expert, the strategy is outdated. |
| Based on | Reports and analysis | Neutral | Based on the data, sales increased significantly. |
| As reported by | Journalism | Formal | As reported by the news agency, the storm has passed. |
| In accordance with | Legal and policy documents | Very Formal | In accordance with regulations, all records were updated. |
| Per the findings of | Research settings | Formal | Per the findings of the study, exercise improves memory. |
| As evidenced by | Evidence-based writing | Formal | As evidenced by the results, the treatment worked. |
| In line with | Business communication | Professional | In line with recommendations, we revised the plan. |
| As delineated by | Contracts and legal writing | Very Formal | As delineated by the contract, repairs are required. |
| Following the argument of | Academic discussions | Formal | Following the argument of Smith, ethics is contextual. |
| As concurred by | Consensus-based writing | Formal | As concurred by experts, prevention is essential. |
| As indicated by | Reports | Neutral | As indicated by recent surveys, customer trust is rising. |
| As noted by | Essays | Formal | As noted by the historian, the event changed politics. |
| As outlined by | Manuals and guidelines | Formal | As outlined by the handbook, attendance is mandatory. |
| As described by | Research and explanation | Neutral | As described by participants, the process was simple. |
| As explained by | Teaching and tutorials | Neutral | As explained by the instructor, the formula is easy. |
| As confirmed by | Verified information | Formal | As confirmed by management, the launch is on schedule. |
| As documented by | Historical or scientific writing | Formal | As documented by researchers, migration patterns shifted. |
| As supported by | Evidence-based arguments | Formal | As supported by statistics, the campaign succeeded. |
Academic Alternatives to According To
In academic writing, you need precise citation phrases that show respect for the source while maintaining clarity.
Best choices include:
- As stated by
- Per the findings of
- Following the argument of
- As documented by
- As supported by
These expressions strengthen literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, and research conclusions.
Professional Ways to Say According To
In workplace communication, polished attribution builds trust.
Excellent options include:
- As per
- In line with
- As confirmed by
- Based on
- As outlined by
These phrases work well in professional emails, business documents, and corporate reports.
Legal Writing Terminology
Legal and policy writing demands exact wording.
The strongest choices are:
- In accordance with
- As delineated by
- As per
- As outlined by
These phrases help communicate compliance and contractual obligations.
Journalism and Reporting Expressions
When citing a news source or broadcast, clarity is everything.
Top options include:
- As reported by
- As confirmed by
- As indicated by
These expressions make reported information sound reliable and objective.
Sample Professional Email Using Multiple Alternatives
Subject: Marketing Strategy Update
Dear Sara,
Based on our latest analytics, website traffic increased by 42% this quarter.
In line with committee recommendations, we will expand our content strategy.
As confirmed by the finance team, additional budget has been approved.
Per the findings of the customer survey, users want more educational resources.
Best regards,
Hamza
This email flows naturally and avoids repeating according to.
FAQs
What is the most formal alternative to “according to”?
In accordance with is one of the most formal options, especially in legal and policy documents.
Which phrase works best in academic writing?
Per the findings of is ideal when citing research studies and scientific conclusions.
Can I use “as per” in professional emails?
Yes, as per is widely used in business emails to reference prior instructions or agreements.
Which alternative highlights supporting evidence?
As evidenced by clearly points to facts, data, or observable proof.
What phrase emphasizes expert agreement?
As concurred by shows that multiple experts share the same conclusion.
Conclusion
Mastering other ways to say according to gives your writing depth, precision, and credibility. Some expressions sound scholarly. Others feel businesslike. A few carry the weight of legal authority. Together, they form a versatile toolkit for effective communication.
Whether you’re drafting professional emails, preparing a literature review, writing legal documents, or supporting arguments with evidence, the right phrase acts like a signpost. It tells readers where your information comes from and why they should trust it.
