Another Way To Say According

Beyond "According To": A practical guide to Expressing Agreement and Attribution

Finding the perfect way to express agreement or attribute information is crucial for clear and engaging writing. While "according to" is a common choice, relying on it repeatedly can make your writing monotonous and less impactful. In practice, this thorough look explores a wide array of alternatives, categorized for easy understanding and application, helping you diversify your vocabulary and elevate your writing style. We'll look at the nuances of each phrase, providing examples to illustrate their appropriate usage. Mastering these alternatives will not only enhance your writing but also demonstrate a sophisticated command of the English language.

Understanding the Nuances of Attribution

Before diving into the alternatives, let's briefly examine the core function of phrases like "according to." These phrases serve two primary purposes:

Attribution: They indicate the source of information, giving credit to the original author, researcher, or study. This is essential for academic writing, journalism, and any context where accuracy and reliability are essential.
Agreement/Assertion: They subtly convey agreement with the cited source, presenting the information as factual or accepted knowledge. The tone can range from neutral to strongly supportive, depending on the chosen phrase.

Alternatives to "According To" Categorized by Nuance

The best alternative to "according to" depends heavily on the context and the desired nuance. Here's a breakdown of alternatives categorized by their subtle differences in meaning and tone:

1. Neutral Alternatives: Simply Stating the Source

These options provide straightforward attribution without conveying strong agreement or disagreement.

As stated by/in: This is a direct and neutral alternative suitable for formal contexts. Example: As stated by the report, the company's profits increased by 15%.
As reported by/in: Similar to "as stated by," but often used for news articles or journalistic contexts. Example: As reported by the New York Times, the senator announced her resignation.
Based on: This implies that the following information is derived from the cited source. Example: Based on recent studies, the efficacy of the new drug is questionable.
Per: Often used in formal or business contexts, particularly for instructions or regulations. Example: Per company policy, all employees must complete safety training.
In accordance with: This phrase suggests compliance or conformity with a specific rule, guideline, or law. Example: In accordance with the terms of the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
Following: This indicates a sequence of events where the subsequent information follows from the cited source. Example: Following the release of the study, public opinion shifted dramatically.

2. Alternatives Emphasizing Authority and Credibility

These options highlight the authority or expertise of the source, lending more weight to the information presented.

Cited by: A formal way to indicate a source cited in academic or research papers. Example: This theory is cited by numerous leading experts in the field.
According to expert [Name/Source]: More explicit than "according to," this option directly names the authority. Example: According to expert Dr. Smith, the effects of climate change are irreversible.
Authored by: Used to attribute a work to its creator, often for books, articles, or research papers. Example: The seminal work on this topic was authored by Professor Jones in 1988.
As noted by: Similar to "as stated by," but can imply a more subtle observation or detail. Example: As noted by the researchers, there were several unexpected findings.

3. Alternatives Suggesting Support or Agreement

These alternatives subtly or overtly express agreement with the information being presented.

In line with: Suggests consistency or agreement with a general trend or principle. Example: In line with current research, the therapy is proving effective.
Consistent with: Similar to "in line with," this highlights the agreement between different data points or observations. Example: This finding is consistent with previous studies on the subject.

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Supports the findings of: Explicitly states agreement with the results of a study or research. Example: Our own research supports the findings of the team at MIT.
Confirms: A strong assertion of agreement, indicating that the information corroborates existing knowledge. Example: The new data confirms the hypothesis.
Reinforces: Suggests that the information strengthens or adds support to an existing idea or theory. Example: The recent discovery reinforces the theory of continental drift.

4. Alternatives Suitable for Informal Contexts

These options are less formal and are better suited for casual writing or speech.

Says: A very simple and direct way to attribute a quote or statement. Example: The mayor says the new park will open next spring.
Claims: Implies a less certain or potentially disputable assertion. Example: The company claims to be environmentally friendly.
States: A more formal version of "says," suitable for less formal writing. Example: The CEO states that profits are up this quarter.

5. Alternatives Focusing on the Method of Acquisition

These options highlight how the information was obtained, adding context to the attribution.

Derived from: Indicates that the information was obtained through analysis or calculation. Example: The conclusion was derived from a detailed analysis of the data.
Based upon: Similar to "based on," but slightly more formal. Example: The recommendations are based upon extensive field research.
Extracted from: Used when information is taken directly from a specific source. Example: The statistics were extracted from the government census data.
** gleaned from:** Implies that the information was obtained through careful observation or research. Example: The information was gleaned from a variety of sources.

Beyond Single Phrases: Sophisticated Attribution Techniques

Instead of relying solely on single phrases, consider employing more nuanced sentence structures to attribute information effectively:

Using a complete introductory clause: Example: A recent study published in the "Journal of Science" revealed a significant correlation between...
Embedding the attribution within the sentence: Example: The researchers found, in their analysis of patient data, that...
Using attributive tags within quotations: Example: "The experiment clearly demonstrated the effects," noted Dr. Jones in her presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it ever okay to overuse "according to"?

A: No. Overusing "according to" makes your writing monotonous and less engaging. Varying your phrasing demonstrates a broader vocabulary and improves readability.

Q: How do I choose the best alternative?

A: The best alternative depends on the context, your desired tone, and the relationship between you and the reader. Consider the formality of the situation, the credibility of the source, and the level of agreement you wish to convey.

Q: What if I can't find a perfect alternative?

A: If none of the alternatives perfectly fit your context, consider rewriting the sentence to stress the source's information more directly without explicitly using an attributive phrase.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Attribution

Replacing the ubiquitous "according to" with a diverse range of alternatives significantly enhances your writing. Which means by understanding the subtle nuances of each phrase and employing varied sentence structures, you can create clear, engaging, and impactful writing that demonstrates both precision and sophistication. Remember to always prioritize accuracy and fairness when attributing information, ensuring your writing maintains integrity and builds credibility with your audience. With practice, you'll naturally incorporate these alternatives into your writing, elevating your communication to a new level. So, go ahead, experiment with these alternatives and discover the power of precise and varied language!