Looking for compelling alternatives to the word “according to”? You’re not alone.
The phrase “according to” appears frequently in emails, reports, presentations, academic writing, workplace communication, and client correspondence. While it is correct and widely accepted, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging.
Whether you’re writing a business email, preparing a professional report, communicating with clients, or improving workplace communication, learning alternative expressions can make your message sound more polished, credible, and professional.
In this guide, you’ll discover 55 professional, formal, friendly, and email-ready alternatives to “according to,” along with practical examples, tone guidance, and usage tips.
What Does “According To” Mean?
Literal Meaning
“According to” means:
- As stated by
- Based on information from
- As reported by
- Following the opinion or authority of someone
Purpose
Writers use it to:
- Cite information
- Reference sources
- Attribute statements
- Support arguments
- Show authority
Tone
The phrase is generally:
- Neutral
- Professional
- Informative
- Credible
Emotional Context
Using “according to” helps establish trust because it shows the information comes from a recognized source rather than personal opinion.
Examples
- According to the latest sales report, revenue increased by 15%.
- According to our customer survey, satisfaction levels remain high.
- According to company policy, all requests require manager approval.
When Is It Appropriate to Use “According To”?
In Emails
Useful when referencing:
- Reports
- Previous conversations
- Company policies
- External sources
Example:
According to our discussion yesterday, the project deadline remains unchanged.
In Workplace Communication
Helpful for:
- Presenting evidence
- Supporting recommendations
- Referencing procedures
Example:
According to the operations manual, inspections must occur monthly.
With Clients
Shows professionalism and transparency.
Example:
According to the agreement, the implementation phase begins next month.
Networking
Useful when discussing industry insights.
Example:
According to recent market research, demand is expected to grow significantly.
Customer Service
Provides authoritative responses.
Example:
According to our records, your order was delivered on Tuesday.
55 Professional Alternatives to “According To”
Professional Alternatives
1. Based on
Meaning: Derived from information
Tone: Professional
Best Use: Reports
Example:
Based on recent findings, customer engagement increased.
2. As stated by
Tone: Professional
Example:
As stated by the finance department, budgets will be reviewed quarterly.
3. As reported by
Tone: Professional
Example:
As reported by the analytics team, website traffic grew significantly.
4. As indicated by
Tone: Professional
Example:
As indicated by survey results, employees prefer flexible schedules.
5. As noted by
Tone: Professional
Example:
As noted by management, improvements are already underway.
6. As outlined by
Example:
As outlined by leadership, the strategy focuses on expansion.
7. As referenced in
Example:
As referenced in the report, market demand remains strong.
8. In line with
Example:
In line with company guidelines, all expenses require approval.
9. Following
Example:
Following legal recommendations, the policy was updated.
10. Per
Example:
Per our agreement, payment is due within 30 days.
11. In accordance with
Example:
In accordance with regulations, documentation must be retained.
12. Pursuant to
Example:
Pursuant to the contract, services begin immediately.
13. Consistent with
Example:
Consistent with previous trends, demand continues to rise.
14. In keeping with
Example:
In keeping with company standards, quality checks are mandatory.
15. As documented by
Example:
As documented by auditors, controls remain effective.
Formal Alternatives
16. As asserted by
Example:
As asserted by the committee, revisions are necessary.
17. As cited by
Example:
As cited by researchers, the methodology is reliable.
18. As detailed in
Example:
As detailed in the proposal, implementation occurs in phases.
19. As specified in
Example:
As specified in the agreement, terms remain unchanged.
20. As prescribed by
Example:
As prescribed by policy, approvals are required.
21. As stipulated by
Example:
As stipulated by regulations, records must be maintained.
22. Under
Example:
Under company guidelines, reimbursement is available.
23. As recognized by
Example:
As recognized by industry experts, the trend is growing.
24. In conformity with
Example:
In conformity with standards, testing was completed.
25. As established by
Example:
As established by research, customer retention drives profitability.
Friendly Alternatives
26. From what we know
Example:
From what we know, the launch is on schedule.
27. Based on what we’ve seen
Example:
Based on what we’ve seen, customers love the new feature.
28. From our findings
Example:
From our findings, satisfaction rates continue to improve.
29. As shared by
Example:
As shared by our team, the event was successful.
30. From feedback received
Example:
From feedback received, attendees appreciated the workshop.
31. According to feedback
Example:
According to feedback, communication has improved.
32. Based on responses
Example:
Based on responses, additional training is needed.
33. As mentioned by
Example:
As mentioned by several customers, onboarding is straightforward.
34. From recent discussions
Example:
From recent discussions, priorities have shifted slightly.
35. As communicated by
Example:
As communicated by stakeholders, timelines remain realistic.
Email-Friendly Alternatives
36. Per our conversation
Example:
Per our conversation, I have attached the requested files.
37. As discussed
Example:
As discussed, the proposal is attached.
38. As agreed
Example:
As agreed, we will proceed next Monday.
39. As confirmed by
Example:
As confirmed by the vendor, delivery is expected tomorrow.
40. As communicated earlier
Example:
As communicated earlier, system maintenance begins tonight.
41. Per your request
Example:
Per your request, I have updated the presentation.
42. Based on your feedback
Example:
Based on your feedback, revisions have been completed.
43. As requested
Example:
As requested, please find the report attached.
44. In reference to
Example:
In reference to your inquiry, we have completed our review.
45. Regarding information provided by
Example:
Regarding information provided by the team, timelines remain achievable.
Workplace Alternatives
46. As reflected in
47. As evidenced by
48. As demonstrated by
49. As highlighted by
50. As presented in
51. As observed by
52. As identified by
53. As revealed by
54. As explained by
55. As supported by
Example:
As supported by recent performance data, productivity increased across departments.
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Tone | Best Use |
| Based on | Professional | Reports |
| Per | Professional | Emails |
| In accordance with | Formal | Policies |
| As discussed | Friendly | Follow-up emails |
| As agreed | Professional | Commitments |
| As reported by | Professional | Data references |
| As outlined by | Formal | Strategies |
| As highlighted by | Workplace | Presentations |
| As evidenced by | Formal | Analysis |
| From our findings | Friendly | Team updates |
Email Examples
Client Email
Based on our recent discussion, we have updated the proposal accordingly.
Manager Email
As discussed during today’s meeting, the project timeline has been revised.
Colleague Email
Per your request, I have attached the latest version of the report.
Customer Email
According to our records, your order was successfully delivered.
Alternative:
Based on our records, your order was successfully delivered.
Networking Email
As shared by industry leaders, artificial intelligence continues to influence business operations.
Meeting Follow-Up
As agreed during the meeting, we will begin implementation next week.
Common Mistakes
1. Overusing the Same Phrase
Poor:
According to the report, according to management, and according to customers…
Better:
Based on the report, management noted, and customer feedback indicated…
2. Using an Overly Formal Option
“Pursuant to” may sound stiff in casual workplace emails.
Use:
As discussed
or
Per our conversation
instead.
3. Choosing a Casual Phrase for Formal Documents
Avoid:
From what we’ve seen
in legal or executive reports.
Use:
As evidenced by
or
Based on
instead.
4. Ignoring Email Etiquette
Keep references concise and relevant.
Avoid excessive source citations in routine emails.
Related Phrases and Expressions
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| Based on | Derived from | Based on feedback |
| Per | Following | Per our agreement |
| In line with | Consistent with | In line with policy |
| Following | After considering | Following review |
| As stated by | Reported by | As stated by HR |
| As reported by | Shared by source | As reported by finance |
| As indicated by | Suggested by data | As indicated by surveys |
| As noted by | Mentioned by | As noted by leadership |
| As discussed | Previously talked about | As discussed yesterday |
| As agreed | Mutually accepted | As agreed earlier |
| As requested | Requested by recipient | As requested |
| As confirmed by | Verified by | As confirmed by supplier |
| In accordance with | Complying with | In accordance with rules |
| As detailed in | Explained in | As detailed in report |
| Consistent with | Matching | Consistent with findings |
Phrase Comparison
| Phrase | Formality | Best Use |
| According to | Neutral | General communication |
| Based on | Professional | Reports |
| Per | Professional | Emails |
| As discussed | Friendly | Follow-ups |
| In accordance with | Formal | Compliance |
| Pursuant to | Very Formal | Legal communication |
| As evidenced by | Formal | Analysis |
| As reported by | Professional | Research |
| As agreed | Professional | Commitments |
| From our findings | Friendly | Team communication |
Cultural Usage
US English
Common choices:
- Based on
- Per
- As discussed
- As reported by
UK English
Common choices:
- In accordance with
- As outlined by
- As noted by
Corporate Communication
Preferred:
- Based on
- As outlined by
- In line with
- As evidenced by
Customer Service
Preferred:
- Based on our records
- As confirmed by
- According to our records
Networking
Preferred:
- As shared by
- Based on industry insights
- As reported by
FAQs
1. What is a professional way to say “according to”?
“Based on,” “as reported by,” and “as stated by” are excellent professional alternatives.
2. What is a formal alternative to “according to”?
“In accordance with,” “pursuant to,” and “as stipulated by.”
3. Can I use “per” instead of “according to”?
Yes. It is common in business emails.
4. Is “according to” professional?
Yes. It remains a professional and widely accepted phrase.
5. What sounds better in emails?
“As discussed,” “per our conversation,” and “as agreed.”
6. What is the best alternative in reports?
“Based on” is usually the strongest choice.
7. Is “per” too informal?
No. It is standard business language.
8. Which alternative sounds most authoritative?
“As evidenced by” and “as supported by.”
9. What should I use with clients?
“Based on,” “as agreed,” and “as confirmed by.”
10. What should I use in presentations?
“As highlighted by” and “as demonstrated by.”
11. Which phrase works best for policies?
“In accordance with.”
12. What works best in workplace communication?
“As discussed” and “based on.”
13. Can I use “according to” repeatedly?
You can, but varying your language improves readability.
14. What is the friendliest alternative?
“From what we know” or “as shared by.”
15. What is the strongest business email alternative?
“Based on” remains the most versatile and professional option.
Final Summary
Choosing compelling alternatives to “according to” can significantly improve your professional communication. While the original phrase remains correct and useful, replacing it with more specific alternatives helps make emails, reports, presentations, and workplace messages sound more polished and engaging. For professional situations, “based on,” “as reported by,” and “as stated by” work exceptionally well. For formal communication, consider “in accordance with,” “as stipulated by,” or “pursuant to.” In emails, “as discussed,” “per our conversation,” and “as agreed” create a natural and collaborative tone. By matching the alternative to the situation, you strengthen clarity, credibility, and overall professional communication.
