"according to" vs "according"

Question

"according to" vs "according"

Both 'according to' and 'according' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'According to' is used to introduce a source or reference, while 'according' is used as a preposition to show agreement or conformity.

Last Updated: March 29, 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

Use 'according' when you want to express agreement or conformity with something previously mentioned.

Examples:

She acted according to his instructions.
The project was completed according to the plan.
The students were graded according to their performance.

Alternatives:

in agreement with
in conformity with
in compliance with
in line with
consistent with

Answer 1

according to

This is correct

Answer 2

according

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English as a preposition to show agreement or conformity.

"according to" vs "according"

according to

according

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