"according to" vs "according to which"

Question

"according to" vs "according to which"

Both 'according to' and 'according to which' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'According to' is a common phrase used to introduce a source or reference, while 'according to which' is used to refer back to a specific point or condition mentioned earlier.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Use "according to" when you want to credit someone else's work or ideas.

Tip: Don't use "according to" to cite your own opinions. One possible phrase to use in this situation is "in my opinion."

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

According to our professor, we have to write our term papers in APA format.
According to the New York Times, the defendant was convicted of seven felonies.
According to his biography, he attended Yale.

Some alternatives from our editors:

as stated by

This phrase is used to specify the point or condition to which something is being referred.

Examples:

The new policy, according to which employees can work remotely, has been well-received.
The contract, according to which payment is due on delivery, must be signed by both parties.
The agreement, according to which the project will be completed in six months, was finalized.
The terms, according to which the deal was made, were agreed upon by both parties.
The guidelines, according to which the experiment should be conducted, were provided by the professor.

Alternatives:

based on which
in accordance with which
following which
in line with which
pursuant to which

Answer 1

according to

This is correct

Answer 2

according to which

This phrase is correct but less commonly used than 'according to'. It is used to refer back to a specific point or condition mentioned earlier.

"according to" vs "according to which"

according to

according to which

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