Other Ways to Say "According to"

Updated 2026-10-03 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: You can replace the phrase according to with clearer options like based on, per, or as stated by. Choosing the right synonym depends on your audience and tone. These alternatives keep your sentences smooth and precise while avoiding repetitive language in both formal reports and casual chats.

Formal Alternatives

Based on: Based on the latest data, the project timeline requires adjustment.
As stated by: As stated by the committee, new regulations will take effect soon.
In accordance with: In accordance with company policy, please submit your reports by Friday.
Per: Per the instructions provided, ensure all safety gear is worn.
As reported by: As reported by the investigative team, the error was minor.
Citing: Citing recent research, the professor argued for stricter guidelines.
Reflecting: Reflecting the board's decision, the budget has been revised.
Drawing from: Drawing from historical records, the author constructed a detailed narrative.
As outlined in: As outlined in the contract, payment is due upon delivery.
Pursuant to: Pursuant to the court order, the documents must be sealed.

Professional and Email Alternatives

As mentioned: As mentioned in our last call, I have attached the draft.
Per our conversation: Per our conversation, I am scheduling a meeting for next week.
As discussed: As discussed, please review the attached proposal before Friday.
Following up on: Following up on your email, I have updated the spreadsheet.
Regarding: Regarding the client feedback, we need to adjust the design.
As requested: As requested, here is the copy of the signed agreement.
In reference to: In reference to ticket number four, the issue is resolved.
Building on: Building on your suggestion, I added a new section to the report.
As noted: As noted in the agenda, we will vote on the budget today.
With respect to: With respect to the timeline, we are on track for launch.

Casual Alternatives

From what I heard: From what I heard, the movie was actually pretty good.
Like they said: Like they said, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Word on the street: Word on the street is that they are closing the park.
If you ask me: If you ask me, we should just order pizza tonight.
As far as I know: As far as I know, the party is still happening.
Heard that: Heard that the new cafe downtown serves the best coffee.
Going by: Going by the rumors, they might quit soon.
From what I see: From what I see, you guys are having a blast.
As far as I can tell: As far as I can tell, the store is closed now.
I read: I read that this trick works wonders for cleaning.

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

As you know: As you know, we really appreciate your help with this project.
From your perspective: From your perspective, does this design feel welcoming enough?
In your words: In your words, the experience was truly life-changing.
As you mentioned: As you mentioned, family time is the most important priority.
Reflecting your thoughts: Reflecting your thoughts, I made sure to include extra details.
As you suggested: As you suggested, I tried the new route to work.
Taking your advice: Taking your advice, I decided to take a short vacation.
As you wisely said: As you wisely said, patience is a virtue in this process.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

The phrase according to remains perfectly acceptable in many contexts, especially when citing specific sources or attributing information directly. It is clear, direct, and universally understood. Using it does not make your writing lazy or unprofessional. In academic papers or news reports, precision matters more than variety. If swapping it out feels forced or confusing, stick with the original. Clarity should always trump the desire to sound clever.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Consider your audience and the relationship you have with them. For legal or academic documents, choose formal options like per or in accordance with. In workplace emails, phrases like as discussed or per our conversation maintain professionalism while sounding natural. With friends, casual phrases like word on the street or from what I heard keep the tone light. Always read your sentence aloud to ensure the flow feels natural. The best choice connects smoothly with the rest of your message.

Short and Simple Alternatives

As per: As per the manual, you should reset the device first.
In line with: The results are in line with our initial hypothesis.
As reported: As reported by the news, traffic is heavy today.
Per the records: Per the records, your subscription is still active.
As indicated: As indicated in the chart, sales rose sharply.
Following the advice: Following the advice of experts, we paused the project.
As outlined: As outlined in the proposal, costs will be shared.
Based on what: Based on what we know, the delay is temporary.

Alternatives for Text Messages

Sounds like: Sounds like the meeting got canceled, right?
I got word: I got word that the event is moving indoors.
Hearing that: Hearing that the store is closing early, let's go now.
They said: They said the pizza will be there in ten minutes.
Just checked: Just checked the app and the train is on time.
Looks like: Looks like it is going to rain later this afternoon.
Heard on the street: Heard on the street that a new cafe is opening up.

Phrases to Avoid

As you already know: This can sound condescending or arrogant. Try 'As we discussed' to remain polite.
Obviously, according to: Assuming obviousness can insult the reader's intelligence. Use 'Clearly stated in' instead.
You know what they say: This is too informal for professional reports. Use 'As commonly noted' for a neutral tone.
Trust me, per: Mixing informal trust with formal prepositions is confusing. Stick to 'As confirmed by' for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude to use per instead of according to?

No, using per is not rude. It is a concise and professional way to reference a source or instruction. However, some people find it slightly stiff for casual conversation, so reserve it for emails and formal writing.

Can I use based on for people?

You can use based on for opinions or statements from people, but it works better for data or evidence. For direct quotes, as stated by or as mentioned by is often clearer and more respectful.

What is the most professional synonym?

In accordance with is often considered the most professional synonym. It implies strict adherence to rules or guidelines. Per is also highly professional but shorter. Choose based on the level of formality required by your document.

Do I need a comma after these phrases?

Often yes. If the phrase starts the sentence, a comma usually follows it to separate the introductory clause. For example, As stated by the report, the data is clear. Check your style guide for specific rules.