according to

Meaning

This prepositional phrase is used to report what someone else has said or written, or to point to a reliable source of information such as a study, report, or map. It is highly common in academic writing to attribute ideas to researchers or statistics. Note that it should not be used to refer to your own personal opinion.

Examples

• According to the latest study, global temperatures are rising faster than previously estimated.

  According to the latest study, global temperatures are rising faster than previously estimated.

• The graph shows a sharp increase in sales, according to the annual financial report.

  The graph shows a sharp increase in sales, according to the annual financial report.

• According to Professor Smith, the experiment will need to be repeated next semester.

  According to Professor Smith, the experiment will need to be repeated next semester.

• According to historical records, the castle was built in the early fourteenth century.

  According to historical records, the castle was built in the early fourteenth century.

• According to the survey results, over seventy percent of students prefer hybrid learning.

  According to the survey results, over seventy percent of students prefer hybrid learning.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ According to my opinion, the government should invest more in green energy.

  ✓ In my opinion, the government should invest more in green energy.

  According to is used to refer to external sources of information, not your own thoughts or opinions. Use 'In my opinion' or 'I think' instead.

• ✗ According to the report, it states that air quality has improved.

  ✓ According to the report, air quality has improved.

  Do not combine 'according to' with reporting verbs like 'states', 'says', or 'claims' in the same clause, as this creates a redundant structure.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___ the textbook, the Roman Empire fell in 476 AD.

  💡 Use the phrase that references the source textbook.

  Show answer

  According to

• ___ the weather forecast, it is going to rain this afternoon.

  💡 Points to the forecast as the source of information.

  Show answer

  According to