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25 Power Words To Replace "According To" And Instantly Elevate Your Writing

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Are you looking to inject new life and authority into your reports, essays, or professional documents? The phrase "according to" is one of the most overused and often clunky connectors in the English language, frequently leading to dull, repetitive prose. For writers aiming for precision and sophistication in their work, especially in formal or academic settings, finding the perfect substitute is crucial for maintaining flow and demonstrating a strong command of language. This comprehensive guide, updated for December 2025, will provide you with a powerful arsenal of synonyms and contextual alternatives to ensure your writing is always fresh, authoritative, and engaging.

The key to mastering these alternatives lies in understanding the subtle differences in meaning and formality. Whether you are attributing a direct quote, referencing a legal statute, or simply stating a basis for an argument, selecting the right phrase will significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your communication. Let's dive into the best alternatives, categorized by the specific context and writing intention.

The Ultimate List of "According To" Alternatives by Context

The effectiveness of a synonym for "according to" depends entirely on the context. A phrase suitable for a legal brief will sound out of place in a casual blog post. Use this categorized list to select the perfect replacement that matches the required level of formality and the specific relationship you are establishing between the source and the information.

1. Alternatives for Formal and Academic Writing (Establishing Source Authority)

In academic papers, research reports, and formal business documents, you need to clearly and formally attribute information to a source. These alternatives lend an air of seriousness and scholarly rigor to your citations, helping you build topical authority.

  • As stated by/in: Excellent for referencing a direct quotation or a specific document. (Example: As stated in the latest financial report, profits have surged.)
  • As reported by: Perfect for news, research findings, or data presented by an organization. (Example: As reported by the National Science Foundation, climate models show acceleration.)
  • As indicated by/in: Used when the source implies or suggests a finding rather than stating it directly. (Example: As indicated by the survey results, consumer confidence is waning.)
  • As explained by: Ideal when summarizing an interpretation or detailed analysis from an expert. (Example: As explained by Professor Smith, the theory relies on three core tenets.)
  • In the view of: Highlights the perspective or opinion of an authority figure or group. (Example: In the view of the committee, the proposal requires further revision.)
  • Based on: A concise and versatile alternative, often used to introduce a conclusion or argument. (Example: Based on the empirical data, the hypothesis can be rejected.)
  • Per the findings of: A slightly more formal, almost technical way to reference research outcomes.

2. Alternatives for Legal and Compliance Documents (Stating Conformity)

When "according to" means "in agreement with," "following," or "conforming to," you are usually dealing with rules, regulations, laws, or established procedures. In legal and compliance writing, precision is paramount, and these entities are essential for accuracy.

  • In accordance with: The gold standard for formal and legal conformity. It signifies strict adherence to a rule or law. (Example: Payment shall be made in accordance with Clause 4 of the contract.)
  • In conformity with: Highly formal, emphasizing that something matches a standard, rule, or expectation. (Example: The product specifications are in conformity with all safety regulations.)
  • In line with: A slightly less rigid, but still formal, way to express agreement or consistency with a policy or plan. (Example: The new strategy is in line with the company’s long-term goals.)
  • As per: Often used in corporate emails, memos, and commercial documentation, though some purists consider it slightly less formal than "in accordance with." (Example: As per your request, the documents have been forwarded.)
  • Pursuant to: A powerful legal term meaning "in the course of carrying out" or "following" an authority or direction. (Example: Pursuant to Section 3 of the Act, the board was dissolved.)
  • Conforming to: A direct and clear alternative that emphasizes the action of meeting a standard.

3. Alternatives for Concise and Fluent General Writing (Improving Readability)

Sometimes, you just need a quick, concise way to introduce a source or a basis without the formality of a full phrase. These alternatives are excellent for journalistic writing, executive summaries, and everyday professional correspondence where fluency is key. Using these helps avoid the common trap of repetitive sentence structure.

  • Per: The most concise option, often used in technical or business contexts for brevity. (Example: Per the schedule, the meeting starts at 10 a.m.)
  • Following: A simple, strong word that can replace "according to" when referencing a sequence or a preceding source. (Example: Following the press release, the stock price immediately rose.)
  • From the perspective of: Shifts the focus to the viewpoint, adding a layer of nuanced reporting. (Example: From the perspective of the project manager, the timeline is unachievable.)
  • In agreement with: A clear, direct replacement that is slightly less formal than "in accordance with."
  • On the basis of: Emphasizes the foundational evidence or reason for a statement. (Example: On the basis of this evidence, we can proceed with the next phase.)

Why You Should Stop Overusing "According To"

The phrase "according to" is not inherently wrong, but its overuse is a classic sign of weak writing. Expert writers understand that varying sentence structure and vocabulary improves reader engagement and demonstrates a wider lexical range. By constantly using a single phrase, you risk creating a monotonous rhythm that can bore the reader, particularly in long documents. Furthermore, in many cases, "according to" can be entirely eliminated for better conciseness.

Consider this example:

  • WEAK: According to the analysis, the company's profit, according to the CEO, will increase. (Repetitive and clunky.)
  • STRONG: Based on the analysis, the company’s profit, as stated by the CEO, is projected to increase. (Clearer, more varied, and more authoritative.)

The goal is to choose a synonym that precisely reflects the relationship between the information and its source. Are you citing a report (use As stated in), a person's view (use In the view of), or a compliance requirement (use In accordance with)? This deliberate choice is what separates adequate writing from professional, polished prose.

Advanced Tips: Eliminating the Phrase Entirely

The most sophisticated way to handle "according to" is often to delete it and restructure the sentence. This technique is particularly valuable for achieving maximum conciseness and fluency, a hallmark of high-level professional writing.

Reframing the Source as the Subject:

  • Original: According to the study, unemployment rates have dropped.
  • Revision: The study indicates that unemployment rates have dropped. (Uses the source as the subject, making the sentence more active.)

Using Verbs of Attribution:

  • Original: According to the expert, the market will rebound next quarter.
  • Revision: The expert predicts the market will rebound next quarter. (Uses a strong verb like predicts, suggests, asserts, argues, or concludes.)

By integrating these 25 powerful alternatives and employing strategic sentence restructuring, you will immediately notice an improvement in the quality, authority, and professionalism of your written work. Start experimenting with these new entities today and watch your writing ascend to the next level of clarity and impact.

25 Power Words to Replace
another word for according
another word for according

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