27 Powerful Ways To Say "According To" And Instantly Elevate Your Writing

Are you tired of relying on the same old phrase, "according to," to introduce every piece of external information? As of December 10, 2025, modern writing standards—especially in professional, academic, and SEO-driven content—demand variety and precision. While "according to" is technically correct, its overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and dull. This comprehensive guide will equip you with 27 powerful, context-specific alternatives, ensuring your writing is fresh, authoritative, and engaging.

The core function of the phrase "according to" is to attribute information to a source, whether it's a person, a document, an organization, or a set of rules. However, the context matters immensely. A legal brief requires a different tone than a casual blog post. Mastering these alternatives is a crucial step in developing a sophisticated writing style, allowing you to subtly shift the emphasis from a simple citation to a more nuanced presentation of data, opinion, or compliance.

The Ultimate List of "According To" Alternatives for Every Context

To achieve true topical authority, you must select the right synonym for the right situation. We've broken down 27 alternatives into three main categories: Formal & Academic Citation, Rule & Procedure Compliance, and Conversational & Informal Attribution. This structure ensures you always pick the most precise and impactful phrase.

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Category 1: Formal and Academic Citation Alternatives

These phrases are ideal for research papers, journalistic reports, legal documents, and any professional writing where the source's authority needs to be clearly and formally established. They replace the common "according to" with more authoritative and precise language.

• As Stated By/In: Perfect for direct reference to a quote or a specific section of a document. (Example: As stated in the annual report, profits rose by 15%.)
• As Reported By: Best used when citing news outlets, scientific journals, or official bodies that publish findings. (Example: As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the merger is imminent.)
• Citing: A concise and powerful way to introduce the source before the information. (Example: Citing the latest census data, the population has shifted.)
• On the Authority of: A highly formal phrase that emphasizes the source's credibility and official capacity. (Example: On the authority of the lead engineer, the structural integrity is sound.)
• In the Words of: Used when directly quoting a person, adding a personal and direct touch to the citation. (Example: In the words of Dr. Anya Sharma, "The breakthrough is significant.")
• As Documented By/In: Excellent for referencing archival material, historical records, or official public filings. (Example: As documented in the court records, the trial lasted three weeks.)
• As Explained By: Highlights the source's role in providing clarification or interpretation of complex data. (Example: As explained by the economist, the inflation rate is a lagging indicator.)
• Based On: A versatile and widely accepted alternative, particularly when referring to data, evidence, or foundational principles. (Example: Based on preliminary findings, the drug is highly effective.)
• As Indicated In: Suitable for referencing charts, graphs, data tables, or signals from a source. (Example: As indicated in the quarterly results, sales projections were met.)
• Drawing From: Implies that you are synthesizing information from a source, rather than just passively quoting it. (Example: Drawing from the foundational research, a new hypothesis was formed.)

Category 2: Alternatives for Rule, Standard, and Procedure Compliance

When "according to" is used to show adherence to a standard, regulation, or set of instructions, these alternatives provide a stronger sense of compliance and alignment. These are common phrases in legal, technical, manufacturing, and operational documentation. They help establish a tone of professionalism and adherence to established protocols, which is vital for technical writing and legal briefs.

• In Accordance With: A more formal and legalistic phrase, often used to denote compliance with laws, rules, or standards. (Example: The contract was signed in accordance with company policy.)
• In Line With: Implies consistency and agreement with a particular trend, standard, or expectation. This phrase suggests harmony or parallelism. (Example: The new design is in line with current industry best practices.)
• Conforming To: Strongly emphasizes that an action or object meets a specific requirement or standard. This is a common term in quality control and engineering. (Example: The product is conforming to ISO 9001 standards.)
• As Per: A concise and common alternative, especially in business correspondence and technical documents. While popular, some purists consider it slightly less formal than "in accordance with." (Example: Please submit the documents as per the instructions provided.)
• In Keeping With: Suggests that the action or statement is consistent with the spirit or tradition of a rule or principle. (Example: The decision was made in keeping with the spirit of the company's founding values.)
• Pursuant To: A highly formal, legal term used to indicate that something is done in execution of or in agreement with a statute, contract, or order. (Example: Pursuant to the court order, the funds have been released.)
• Consistent With: Used to show that a statement or finding does not contradict a known fact or established principle. (Example: The new evidence is consistent with the original theory.)

Category 3: Conversational and Informal Attribution

For blog posts, casual emails, interviews, and general conversation, you can use less formal alternatives to keep the flow natural and engaging. These phrases are less about establishing rigid authority and more about smooth conversational transitions. Using these helps avoid the stiff, overly academic tone that "according to" can sometimes create in a casual setting.

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• From the Perspective of: Emphasizes the subjective viewpoint of the source. This is great for discussing opinions or different schools of thought. (Example: From the perspective of the marketing team, the campaign was a success.)
• In the View of: A slightly more formal way to introduce an opinion or judgment. (Example: In the view of the committee, the proposal needs revision.)
• Based on What We Know: A conversational way to introduce a conclusion drawn from available, often general, information. (Example: Based on what we know, the weather should clear up by noon.)
• As Far As [Source] is Concerned: Highlights that the information is specific to the source's domain or interest. (Example: As far as the financial markets are concerned, stability is key.)
• To Quote: A direct and simple way to introduce a source's exact words. (Example: To quote the project manager, "We are ahead of schedule.")
• By the Account of: A slightly narrative or journalistic alternative, often used when referencing a personal story or testimony. (Example: By the account of the eyewitness, the event happened quickly.)
• Per [Source]: A very concise, almost shorthand, alternative common in business and technical communication. (Example: Per Sarah, the meeting has been rescheduled.)
• In [Source]'s Opinion: A straightforward way to introduce a non-factual, subjective viewpoint. (Example: In the critic's opinion, the film was a masterpiece.)
• Given the Data From: Focuses on the data itself as the foundation for the statement. (Example: Given the data from the survey, consumer confidence is rising.)

Why Replacing "According To" Boosts Your Topical Authority

In the world of SEO and high-quality content creation, topical authority is paramount. It signals to search engines and, more importantly, to your readers that you are an expert on the subject. Simply using "according to" repeatedly signals a lack of vocabulary and stylistic range. By using the specific alternatives listed above, you achieve several key benefits:

Precision of Attribution: Different alternatives convey different levels of certainty and source type. Using "As documented in" for a legal record is far more precise than a generic "according to." This precision builds trust with a discerning audience.

Contextual Nuance: You can subtly shift the tone of your writing. For instance, using "In accordance with" in a technical manual is professional, while "Based on" is more suitable for a data-driven conclusion in a research summary. This demonstrates a deep understanding of linguistic context.

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Improved Readability and Flow: Repetitive phrases create a jarring reading experience. Incorporating variety—using entities like "As reported by," "Based on," "In line with," and "Citing"—makes your article flow better, keeping the reader engaged for longer. This is a critical factor in maintaining a low bounce rate and improving on-page SEO metrics.

Enhanced Lexical Density: By naturally integrating a wider range of synonyms and LSI keywords (e.g., formal alternatives to according to, writing alternatives to according to, professional synonyms for according to), your content signals to search engines that it is a comprehensive and authoritative resource on the topic. The variety of phrases acts as a semantic web, reinforcing your expertise.

Ultimately, the move away from the basic "according to" is a move toward sophisticated, authoritative, and engaging writing. It’s a simple change with a massive impact on the perceived quality and professionalism of your content.