"based on" vs "according to"

Question

"based on" vs "according to"

Both 'according to' and 'based on' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'According to' is used to introduce a source or reference, while 'based on' is used to indicate the foundation or reason for something.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use 'based on' to indicate the foundation, reason, or justification for something.

Examples:

The decision was made based on the available information.
Her opinion is based on years of research.
The report was written based on the findings of the study.
The movie was created based on a true story.
The project's success is based on teamwork.

Alternatives:

on the basis of
according to
grounded on
stemming from
derived from

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

Answer 1

based on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

according to

This is correct

"based on" vs "according to"

based on

according to

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