According To Synonym List: Per, As Stated By and More

Most writers hunting for an according to synonym are citing a source, and the cleanest swaps there are as stated by, as reported by and in the words of. When the phrase means following a rule, reach for in line with or in accordance with instead, and when it means someone's opinion, use in the view of.

Keep reading for another word for according to in all four senses, a note on how strongly each one vouches for the source, and the related forms accordingly and in accordance. It belongs with the linking phrases on the transition words hub.

Swatch at a glance

Best swaps
as stated by, as reported by, in line with
Part of speech
Compound preposition
Most formal
in accordance with, on the authority of
Most casual
going by, says
Shortest
per
Watch out
According to me sounds odd to many readers. Write in my view or I think.
Word forms covered
according to, accordingly, in accordance with

Each according to synonym, matched to its sense

Sense	Swaps	Example
A source said it	as stated by, as reported by, in the words of	As reported by the council, fares will rise.
Someone's opinion	in the view of, in the eyes of	In the view of most coaches, rest matters.
Following rules	in line with, in accordance with, under	Refunds are paid in line with our policy.
Changing with a factor	depending on, in proportion to, by	Fees vary depending on income.

Notice that the rule sense never points to a person. You follow a plan, a law or a schedule, not a speaker.

How much each swap trusts the source

This is the subtle part. As stated by and as reported by are neutral: you pass the claim on without judging it. Citing and per are neutral too but brisk. As claimed by hints that you doubt it. On the authority of leans the other way and lends the claim weight.

Up top, the chip strip goes from chatty to official. Going by works in speech, as in going by the map, we are close. Per is brisk shorthand, common in business notes and news headlines, though some editors dislike it in essays. On the authority of closes the strip as the most official choice.

Rewriting according to in reports and essays

According to the survey, most users sleep badly becomes the survey found that most users sleep badly.
According to Dr. Patel, the drug is safe becomes in the words of Dr. Patel, the drug is safe.
We acted according to the rules becomes we acted in accordance with the rules.
Prices rise according to demand becomes prices rise in proportion to demand.
According to the forecast, it will snow becomes the forecast says it will snow.

A student writes three sentences in a row that open with according to. A better rhythm lets the source do the verb: "The census shows... One study suggests... A later review argues..." Strong reporting verbs such as claim, suggest and argue tell the reader how certain the source is.

Another word for according, accordingly and accordance

People also search for an according synonym when they really mean one of its relatives.

Accordingly has two senses. It can mean therefore: the bus was late; accordingly, we missed the start, where therefore or so fit. It can also mean in a fitting way: dress accordingly, which swaps to dress suitably.
In accordance with is the formal form of the rule sense. In line with and as required by are friendlier.
Accord as a noun means agreement, so of their own accord means by choice.

Common slips with this phrase

According to me is common in some varieties of English, but many teachers mark it, since according to points to an outside source. Use in my view or I believe. As per is fine in office mail but sounds stiff and a bit tired; as we agreed or as you asked reads warmer. Finally, avoid doubling up: according to the report, it says repeats the source twice. For data-led sentences, the based on synonyms page has more choices.

When things go against the rule

The phrase has no opposite for sources, but the rule sense does. Contrary to works for both facts and rules: contrary to the guide, the path was open. In breach of and in defiance of mean breaking a rule, with defiance suggesting it was on purpose. Against is the plain choice: against medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I say according to in a formal essay?

Use as stated by, as reported by, or let the source take a reporting verb: the author argues, the data shows. This sounds more confident and varies your rhythm.

Is per a good replacement?

Per is correct and short, as in per the contract. It suits business notes and reports, but in an essay many tutors prefer as stated in.

Can I say according to me?

Many readers consider it awkward because the phrase usually points to someone else. In my view, I think or in my opinion are safer.

Which phrase means following the rules?

In accordance with is the formal option, and in line with or in keeping with sound friendlier. All three take a rule, plan or law, not a person.

What is a synonym for accordingly?

When it means as a result, use therefore, so or consequently. When it means in a suitable way, use appropriately or suitably.

Is based on the same as according to?

Only partly. Based on means a conclusion grew from something, while according to credits a statement to a source.