According · The Harmony of Sequential Logic

Pronunciation

BrE /əˈkɔːdɪŋ/
AmE /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

Part of Speech

Adverb

Frequency Level

A2–B2 in general use, B2–C1 in academic and formal contexts.

Register

Neutral, Academic, Professional

Extended Meaning

According functions as a reporting device. It signals that the statement which follows does not reflect the speaker’s personal judgment but the viewpoint, rule, or information provided by another source. It is essential in research, news, analysis, legal documents, and any environment where attribution, accuracy, and transparency matter.

Detailed Explanation

In everyday communication, according to is used to report what someone else said, claimed, or believes. It allows the speaker to distance themselves from the information while still passing it on. This helps avoid misrepresentation and keeps conversations precise.

In academic writing, according to introduces scholarly opinions, research findings, theories, or data sources. It strengthens credibility by showing where evidence originates. It is often used with authors’ names, studies, and institutional sources.

In professional settings, according to is frequently used with reports, policies, internal guidelines, procedures, and regulations. It clarifies that the speaker follows formal standards rather than offering personal interpretation.

In journalism, according to is crucial for responsible reporting. It indicates where information came from—official statements, eyewitnesses, agencies, investigators, or documents—allowing readers to judge reliability.

In analytical and argumentative writing, according to can present a view that the writer may later support, critique, or compare. It becomes a tool for constructing structured reasoning with clear attribution.

Across all contexts, the meaning remains consistent: the speaker is referencing an external authority or source.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

as stated by — highlighting a source’s exact words
Example: As stated by the committee, the policy will change.

as reported by — common in journalism
Example: As reported by the agency, the storm is approaching.

as mentioned by — used to reference previously shared information
Example: As mentioned by our supervisor, deadlines remain strict.

in the words of — introduces direct or framed quotations
Example: In the words of the author, the issue is urgent.

based on — emphasizes interpretation or foundation
Example: Based on the data, the trend is clear.

Antonyms

independently — without relying on external sources
Example: She concluded independently that changes were needed.

personally — expressing one’s own view
Example: Personally, I think the plan needs revision.

directly — without mediation
Example: The message came directly from the manager.

on my own — not quoting or referring to another source
Example: I reviewed the results on my own.

Word Family

accord (verb) — to give or grant something
Example: The committee accorded him special recognition.

accord (noun) — agreement or harmony
Example: They reached an accord after long discussions.

accordance (noun) — conformity or alignment
Example: Procedures were followed in accordance with the guidelines.

accordingly (adverb) — in a way that matches a situation
Example: Conditions changed, so we adjusted accordingly.

according to (adverbial phrase) — reporting information or viewpoint
Example: According to the report, the risk is low.

Example Sentences

According to the contract, payment must be made within ten days.
According to the teacher, the test will focus on grammar.
According to the latest research, the method is effective.
According to him, the meeting was productive.
According to the weather service, temperatures will rise.
According to tradition, the ceremony begins at dawn.
According to the policy, all visitors must sign in.
According to her notes, the process took four hours.
According to the manager, new updates will arrive soon.
According to eyewitnesses, the event happened quickly.

Dialogues

A: According to the schedule, we start at nine.
B: Then we should be ready earlier.

A: According to her, the plan changed.
B: Did she say why?

A: According to the report, productivity increased.
B: That’s encouraging news.

A: According to the rules, you need approval first.
B: I’ll submit the request today.

A: According to the announcement, deadlines are extended.
B: That gives us more time.

Stories

A new employee reviewed the handbook carefully. According to the guidelines, every task required verification before submission. He followed each step closely, and by the end of the week he felt more confident, knowing he was aligned with the company’s standards.

She researched a topic for her presentation, comparing multiple sources. According to a recent study, the results had shifted dramatically. That detail changed her entire approach and helped her deliver a clearer, more informed analysis.

The team was preparing for a major update. According to the technical notes, several components needed recalibration. They divided responsibilities and worked methodically, ensuring that every adjustment matched the specifications.

Two journalists compared their findings late at night. According to the documents they reviewed, the timeline of events was different from earlier reports. Their careful attention brought clarity to a confusing story.

A traveler checked the regulations while planning a trip. According to the embassy’s website, certain documents were required. This simple step saved him hours of trouble and ensured the journey went smoothly.

Common Collocations

according to plan — following the intended order
The project developed according to plan.

according to the rules — in compliance with regulation
All actions must proceed according to the rules.

according to data — based on measurable information
According to the data, demand has increased.

according to policy — following official guidelines
Access is restricted according to policy.

according to tradition — in alignment with cultural practice
The event began according to tradition.

according to statistics — referencing numerical data
According to statistics, the trend is rising.

according to the report — citing documented information
According to the report, progress is steady.

according to experts — relying on specialist opinion
According to experts, the method is reliable.

Syntactic Patterns

according to + person
According to him, the issue is resolved.

according to + document
According to the manual, installation requires two steps.

according to + rule or law
According to the law, registration is mandatory.

according to + data source
According to statistics, sales increased.

according to + authority or institution
According to the agency, the update is safe.

Colligation

According to typically appears:

• at the start of formal statements
• before nouns indicating authority or information
• inside sentences set off by commas
• with passive structures in reporting
• with modals when describing rules
• in news, academic writing, and documentation

It rarely appears in informal speech.

Usage Notes

Use according to only to introduce reported information.
Do not use it to introduce your own opinion.
It clarifies responsibility and prevents ambiguity.
It is especially useful when discussing regulations, data, sources, and external viewpoints.
In essays, it is appropriate for citations, summaries, and commentary on research.
In business writing, it clarifies compliance and policy alignment.

Cultural and Historical Notes

According comes from the Middle English accorden, meaning “to agree” or “to be in harmony.” Over time, its use shifted toward expressing alignment with rules, sources, or information. The modern phrase according to became a standard way to attribute knowledge responsibly, especially in writing, research, and journalism.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

according to plan — proceeding as intended
The event unfolded according to plan.

according to schedule — happening at the correct time
The flight departed according to schedule.

according to experts — reflecting expert opinion
According to experts, the approach is effective.

according to custom — following usual practice
The ritual continued according to custom.

according to reports — citing information from reports
According to reports, demand is growing.

Pronunciation Notes

Stress falls on the second syllable: a-ccord-ing.
Maintain a clear /ɔː/ sound in the middle.
Avoid blending syllables; keep the ending -ing soft and natural.
Link smoothly when speaking: “according to” → /əˈkɔːdɪŋ tə/.

Typical Errors

Learners often misuse according by treating it as a standalone word, attaching it incorrectly to clauses, or confusing it with phrases that express personal opinion. Understanding these errors prevents unclear or ungrammatical sentences.

Incorrect: According, the results are positive.
Correct: According to the results, the outcome is positive.

Incorrect: According that she said…
Correct: According to what she said…

Incorrect: According to he was late.
Correct: According to him, he was late.

Incorrect: According my idea, this works.
Correct: According to my idea is unnatural; avoid using according to with your own opinion.

Incorrect: It happened according to yesterday.
Correct: According to cannot reference a time expression.

Learner’s Checklist

According always appears in according to + noun phrase.
Use it only to report information from an external source.
Do not use according by itself.
Do not follow according to with a full clause.
Use it frequently in academic, business, and journalistic writing.
Avoid using it for your own opinions.
Expect it to appear with rules, data, people, and documents.

Morphological Notes

According is derived from the verb accord, meaning “to be in agreement”. The modern phrase according to evolved as a fixed structure used for attribution, independent of the verb’s original meaning. It functions purely as a reporting device in contemporary English.

Mini Test

Fill in the blank:
________ the report, sales increased last quarter.

Choose the correct option:
According to her, the problem is solved. / According her, the problem is solved.

Correct the error:
According to he said, the plan will change.

True or False:
According to introduces someone else’s information, not your own opinion.

Create a sentence using according to.

Advanced Test

Rewrite using according to:
The data shows that the system is safe.

Contrast task:
Explain the difference between according to and based on.

Improve the sentence:
According to what he said that, the issue is fixed.

Fill in the blank:
The project will continue, ________ the committee.

Elaboration task:
Describe a situation where using according to makes a message clearer or more precise.

Usage Scenarios

Academic writing — referencing research
Example: According to Smith, the theory remains valid.

Business communication — following policy
Example: According to company policy, all requests require approval.

Journalism — reporting information
Example: According to officials, the situation is under control.

Legal documents — citing regulations
Example: According to the law, registration is compulsory.

Analysis — presenting perspectives
Example: According to the survey, preferences have shifted.

Everyday communication — referencing someone’s words
Example: According to her, the meeting went well.

FAQ

Q: Is according used without “to”?
A: No, in modern English it appears almost exclusively in “according to.”

Q: Can I use according to for my own opinion?
A: No, it should introduce someone else’s information.

Q: Does according to sound formal?
A: It is neutral and works well in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

Q: Can I follow according to with a clause?
A: No, it must be followed by a noun or noun phrase.

Q: Is according to common in writing?
A: Yes, especially in reporting, analysis, and documentation.

Conclusion

According plays a vital role in clear, responsible communication. It lets speakers and writers distinguish between their own ideas and information coming from other sources, adding precision and transparency. Whether referencing data, rules, opinions, or documents, according to helps structure thought with clarity and integrity. Mastering this phrase strengthens academic writing, improves reporting accuracy, and supports professional communication across all contexts.