"in order to" vs "according to"

Question

"in order to" vs "according to"

Both "according to" and "in order to" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "According to" is used to introduce a source or reference, while "in order to" is used to express purpose or intention.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use "in order to" to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action.

Examples:

I am studying hard in order to pass the exam.
She saved money in order to buy a new car.
He woke up early in order to catch the first train.
They worked overtime in order to finish the project on time.
We need to make a plan in order to succeed.

Alternatives:

to
for the purpose of
with the aim of
so as to
for the sake of

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

in order to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express purpose or intention.

Answer 2

according to

This is correct

"in order to" vs "according to"

in order to

according to

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