The phrase “according to” is one of the most common ways to introduce information or opinions — but let’s be honest, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound dull or overly formal. Whether you’re writing essays, research papers, or professional reports, having a few fresh, compelling alternatives helps keep your language clear, confident, and engaging.
In this article, you’ll discover 34+ professional and natural ways to say “according to” — with real-life dialogues between Ramzan (A) and Aiman (B) showing how to use each phrase smoothly in conversation or writing.
1. As stated by
Example 1
A: As stated by the CEO, innovation is their top priority.
B: That’s a solid direction for the company.
Example 2
A: As stated by the report, sales increased by 25%.
B: Impressive growth!
💡 Tip: Great for academic, business, or formal writing.
2. As per
Example 1
A: As per company policy, we can’t approve that request.
B: Got it, I’ll adjust the proposal.
Example 2
A: As per the client’s feedback, we’ll revise the design.
B: That makes sense.
💡 Tip: Common in professional and legal communication.
3. Based on
Example 1
A: Based on recent data, user engagement has doubled.
B: That’s amazing progress!
Example 2
A: Based on your experience, what do you recommend?
B: I’d start with a smaller launch.
💡 Tip: Ideal for data-driven or analytical contexts.
4. In the words of
Example 1
A: In the words of Steve Jobs, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
B: A quote that never gets old.
Example 2
A: In the words of my mentor, patience pays off.
B: Wise advice.
💡 Tip: Perfect when directly quoting someone inspirational.
5. Citing
Example 1
A: Citing the study, researchers found a link between diet and focus.
B: That’s interesting.
Example 2
A: Citing WHO data, the rate has declined globally.
B: Good to hear!
💡 Tip: Ideal for academic and research writing.
6. As mentioned by
Example 1
A: As mentioned by the manager, deadlines are final.
B: Then we’ll meet them.
Example 2
A: As mentioned by the client, they prefer a darker tone.
B: I’ll update the design.
💡 Tip: Polite and professional in tone.
7. As reported by
Example 1
A: As reported by the local news, the event drew 5,000 visitors.
B: That’s quite the turnout!
Example 2
A: As reported by analysts, the trend is growing fast.
B: Then we should act on it.
💡 Tip: Common in journalism and business reports.
8. According with
Example 1
A: According with tradition, we celebrate each milestone.
B: I like that custom.
Example 2
A: According with new regulations, safety checks are mandatory.
B: That’s a good move.
💡 Tip: Slightly formal; best for academic or written use.
9. Following
Example 1
A: Following the new policy, we updated our workflow.
B: That’s a smart adjustment.
Example 2
A: Following expert recommendations, I changed my diet.
B: Feeling better already?
💡 Tip: Works well in both professional and casual writing.
10. As observed by
Example 1
A: As observed by the research team, trends are shifting rapidly.
B: That’s valuable insight.
Example 2
A: As observed by teachers, students prefer visual learning.
B: Not surprising.
💡 Tip: Great for analytical or reflective contexts.
11. Referring to
Example 1
A: Referring to your last email, I’ve attached the report.
B: Thanks for following up.
Example 2
A: Referring to the survey results, satisfaction levels are up.
B: Excellent news.
💡 Tip: Useful for emails or referencing previous communication.
12. As highlighted by
Example 1
A: As highlighted by experts, sleep is vital for performance.
B: Couldn’t agree more.
Example 2
A: As highlighted by the audit, we need stronger controls.
B: Let’s prioritize that.
💡 Tip: Emphasizes important findings or key points.
13. As suggested by
Example 1
A: As suggested by the team, we’ll try a pilot program first.
B: Smart approach.
Example 2
A: As suggested by research, early feedback improves results.
B: Always does.
💡 Tip: Implies flexibility and collaboration.
14. In line with
Example 1
A: In line with our goals, we’re expanding into new markets.
B: That’s exciting!
Example 2
A: In line with your feedback, we simplified the design.
B: Much better now.
💡 Tip: Best for formal reports and strategy documents.
15. As noted by
Example 1
A: As noted by the author, climate change affects migration.
B: A strong observation.
Example 2
A: As noted by HR, reviews start next week.
B: Thanks for the reminder.
💡 Tip: Common in essays and formal discussions.
16. In keeping with
Example 1
A: In keeping with company culture, we value transparency.
B: That’s refreshing.
Example 2
A: In keeping with the theme, we used warm colors.
B: Visually consistent.
💡 Tip: Elegant and professional.
17. On the authority of
Example 1
A: On the authority of experts, this medication is safe.
B: That’s reassuring.
Example 2
A: On the authority of the board, the plan is approved.
B: Great news!
💡 Tip: Used when citing trusted or official sources.
18. As indicated by
Example 1
A: As indicated by the survey, customer loyalty is rising.
B: That’s a win for us.
Example 2
A: As indicated by trends, digital marketing is key.
B: Definitely the future.
💡 Tip: Common in data and report writing.
19. As revealed by
Example 1
A: As revealed by the findings, stress impacts productivity.
B: Makes total sense.
Example 2
A: As revealed by the audit, expenses were overstated.
B: We’ll fix that right away.
💡 Tip: Adds emphasis to discoveries or new insights.
20. Based upon
Example 1
A: Based upon feedback, we changed our pricing model.
B: Smart adjustment.
Example 2
A: Based upon your suggestion, we improved the visuals.
B: Looks great!
💡 Tip: Slightly more formal than “based on.”
21. From the perspective of
Example 1
A: From the perspective of marketing, timing is crucial.
B: Totally agree.
Example 2
A: From the perspective of students, exams are stressful.
B: Understandably so.
💡 Tip: Adds depth and point-of-view clarity.
22. As claimed by
Example 1
A: As claimed by the company, their product is eco-friendly.
B: Hope that’s true.
Example 2
A: As claimed by witnesses, the event was chaotic.
B: Sounds intense.
💡 Tip: Neutral or skeptical tone, great for journalism.
23. As documented by
Example 1
A: As documented by NASA, global temperatures keep rising.
B: That’s concerning.
Example 2
A: As documented by archives, the law dates back to 1900.
B: Fascinating history.
💡 Tip: Excellent for factual or historical writing.
24. As demonstrated by
Example 1
A: As demonstrated by the results, our method works.
B: Proof in numbers!
Example 2
A: As demonstrated by experience, consistency wins.
B: Always.
💡 Tip: Emphasizes evidence or performance.
25. As referenced by
Example 1
A: As referenced by the source, the data is reliable.
B: That’s good to know.
Example 2
A: As referenced by previous studies, outcomes vary.
B: Interesting!
💡 Tip: Common in formal and academic writing.
26. As affirmed by
Example 1
A: As affirmed by the court, the ruling stands.
B: Justice served.
Example 2
A: As affirmed by evidence, the theory holds true.
B: Impressive.
💡 Tip: Strong and authoritative expression.
27. As pointed out by
Example 1
A: As pointed out by the trainer, posture affects performance.
B: Makes perfect sense.
Example 2
A: As pointed out by experts, trends shift quickly.
B: Then we’ll stay adaptable.
💡 Tip: Clear and conversational.
28. Consistent with
Example 1
A: Consistent with prior studies, the results were positive.
B: That builds credibility.
Example 2
A: Consistent with our mission, we focused on quality.
B: Exactly what we stand for.
💡 Tip: Ideal for research or strategic writing.
29. As disclosed by
Example 1
A: As disclosed by the report, expenses rose slightly.
B: That’s manageable.
Example 2
A: As disclosed by records, the plan was delayed.
B: Noted.
💡 Tip: Professional term often used in business or finance.
30. As articulated by
Example 1
A: As articulated by the speaker, unity drives success.
B: Well said.
Example 2
A: As articulated by scholars, ethics come first.
B: Absolutely.
💡 Tip: Elegant phrasing for formal presentations.
31. In reference to
Example 1
A: In reference to your earlier question, yes, it’s approved.
B: Perfect.
Example 2
A: In reference to the article, it’s well-written.
B: Agreed.
💡 Tip: Common in emails and reports.
32. From what I’ve read
Example 1
A: From what I’ve read, this diet really works.
B: I might try it!
Example 2
A: From what I’ve read, AI will reshape every field.
B: Already seeing it happen.
💡 Tip: Informal but natural in conversations.
33. By the account of
Example 1
A: By the account of survivors, the rescue took hours.
B: Brave people.
Example 2
A: By the account of locals, the storm hit suddenly.
B: Frightening!
💡 Tip: Excellent for narrative or journalistic writing.
34. As concluded by
Example 1
A: As concluded by scientists, the results are reliable.
B: That’s reassuring.
Example 2
A: As concluded by the review board, everything checks out.
B: Good outcome!
💡 Tip: Wraps up findings in formal discussions or research.
💭 Final Thoughts
Using alternatives to “according to” makes your writing more engaging, precise, and credible. Whether you’re crafting essays, reports, or everyday communications, choose expressions that match your tone — from “as per” for formal emails to “based on” or “in the words of” for storytelling or analysis.
Small language shifts can make your writing stand out with professionalism and personality. ✨
