Understanding “According To” and Its Synonyms
According to – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase according to is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that information or assertions come from a specific source. It is commonly employed in English to cite evidence, opinions, or statements attributed to another individual, organization, or document. This phrase doesn’t belong to a particular part of speech as it functions within sentences to show attribution.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table featuring key synonyms for according to, along with their nuances and example usages:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| As reported | Implies the information has been communicated by others, often from media. | “As reported by The Times, sales increased significantly.” | Formal/Business |
| Per | Commonly used in business and legal contexts to denote compliance or reference to a rule or standard. | “Per our agreement, the contract will be signed on Monday.” | Business/Formal |
| In the words of | Emphasizes direct attribution, often highlighting the exact phrasing from the source. | “In the words of the CEO, ‘Our mission is innovation.’” | Formal/Informal (Creative) |
| As stated by | Highlights a clear declaration or statement made by someone or an entity. | “As stated by the researcher, climate change impacts are accelerating.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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In Business Writing: “Per” is frequently used to denote compliance with rules or instructions. It’s concise and suits formal documents like contracts and official guidelines.
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Example: Use “per” when referencing policies or requirements within a company (e.g., “Please submit your reports per the outlined schedule.”)
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In Academic Papers: “As stated by” is particularly effective in attributing claims, research findings, or quotations directly to authors or studies.
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Example: This synonym can introduce evidence supporting an argument (“As stated by Smith (2020), technological advancements have reshaped communication practices.”)
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In News Reporting: “As reported” lends credibility and authenticity, often when relaying information gathered from other media outlets.
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Example: Use it to attribute findings or news stories sourced from different publications (“As reported in the New York Times, new legislation will take effect next month.”)
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In Creative Writing: “In the words of” can add a personal or dramatic flair, especially useful when conveying direct quotes or emphasizing an individual’s perspective.
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Example: This phrase is perfect for quoting a character’s memorable dialogue (“In the words of the protagonist, ‘Every moment counts.’”)
Common Pitfalls
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Mixing “Per” with Other Synonyms: While “per” can often be used interchangeably with other synonyms like “according to,” it specifically implies adherence or reference and may not suit general attribution outside of compliance contexts.
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Overusing Direct Attribution Phrases: In academic writing, excessive use of direct phrases like “in the words of” might disrupt flow. Balance is key; provide context before attributing to maintain coherence.
Final Recap
To effectively use synonyms for according to, consider the context and register needed in your communication. Whether drafting a business email or composing an academic paper, choose expressions like “per,” “as stated by,” or “as reported” based on clarity, formality, and attribution needs. Practicing these variations will not only enhance your writing style but also improve the precision with which you convey information.
Encourage readers to incorporate these synonyms in their writing by crafting sentences tailored to specific scenarios, thus broadening their vocabulary range and proficiency in varied contexts.