"in accordance" vs "according to"

Question

"in accordance" vs "according to"

Both "in accordance" and "according to" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "In accordance" is used to indicate compliance or agreement with a rule, request, or guideline. On the other hand, "according to" is used to introduce a source of information or to show how something is done based on a particular standard or authority.

Last Updated: April 07, 2024

Use "in accordance" when you want to express that something is done in compliance with a particular rule, request, or guideline.

Examples:

The project was completed in accordance with the client's specifications.
All employees must act in accordance with the company's code of conduct.
Please proceed in accordance with the instructions provided.
The decision was made in accordance with the law.
The changes were implemented in accordance with the new policy.

Alternatives:

in compliance with
in agreement with
following
as per
in conformity with

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 accordance

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate compliance or agreement with a rule, request, or guideline.

Answer 2

according to

This is correct