The phrase “according to” appears frequently in business emails, reports, presentations, workplace communication, and professional writing. While it is clear and widely accepted, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging.
Many professionals search for compelling alternatives to the word according to because they want to improve email etiquette, strengthen professional communication, and sound more polished when referencing information, sources, colleagues, clients, or official documents.
Whether you’re writing a business email, creating a report, speaking with clients, or communicating with coworkers, choosing the right alternative can improve clarity and credibility.
This guide covers professional, formal, friendly, and email-ready alternatives, along with examples and practical workplace usage.
What Does “According To” Mean?
Literal Meaning
“According to” means:
Based on information provided by someone or something.
Tone
The phrase is generally:
- Neutral
- Professional
- Informative
- Objective
Purpose
People use it to:
- Cite information
- Reference a source
- Support a statement
- Attribute facts or opinions
Emotional Context
The phrase itself carries little emotion. Instead, it signals that the information comes from another source.
Examples
- According to the latest report, sales increased by 15%.
- According to our client, the project deadline has changed.
- According to company policy, remote work is permitted twice a week.
When Is “According To” Appropriate?
Emails
Useful when citing information from reports, clients, or managers.
Example:
According to your previous email, the shipment should arrive tomorrow.
Workplace Communication
Helps support statements with evidence.
Example:
According to the quarterly review, customer satisfaction improved significantly.
Client Communication
Creates credibility and transparency.
Example:
According to the market analysis, demand is expected to grow next year.
Networking
Useful when discussing industry insights.
Example:
According to recent industry research, hybrid work continues to expand.
Customer Service
Provides authoritative answers.
Example:
According to our records, your subscription remains active.
50 Compelling Alternatives to “According To”
Professional Alternatives
1. Based on
Meaning: Using information as a foundation
Tone: Professional
Best Use: Reports, analysis
Example:
Based on the survey results, employee engagement increased.
2. As stated by
Meaning: Directly expressed by someone
Tone: Professional
Best Use: Formal communication
Example:
As stated by the client, the launch date remains unchanged.
3. As reported by
Meaning: Information provided through reporting
Tone: Professional
Best Use: News and business reports
Example:
As reported by the finance team, expenses declined.
4. As indicated by
Meaning: Suggested by evidence
Tone: Analytical
Example:
As indicated by recent data, customer demand is rising.
5. As outlined by
Meaning: Explained in detail
Tone: Professional
Example:
As outlined by management, the new process begins next month.
6. As noted by
Example:
As noted by our auditors, several improvements are required.
7. As identified by
Example:
As identified by the research team, several risks remain.
8. In line with
Example:
In line with company policy, all requests require approval.
9. Drawing from
Example:
Drawing from recent findings, we recommend expanding the campaign.
10. Referencing
Example:
Referencing customer feedback, we updated the product.
11. Supported by
Example:
Supported by market research, the proposal appears promising.
12. Citing
Example:
Citing recent statistics, the presenter explained the trend.
13. As documented by
Example:
As documented by the compliance department, the issue was resolved.
14. Per
Example:
Per your instructions, the files have been updated.
15. In accordance with
Example:
In accordance with company guidelines, all expenses require receipts.
Formal Alternatives
16. Pursuant to
Example:
Pursuant to the agreement, payment is due within 30 days.
17. In conformity with
Example:
In conformity with regulations, records were maintained.
18. Consistent with
Example:
Consistent with prior discussions, we approved the request.
19. As affirmed by
Example:
As affirmed by the board, the policy will remain in effect.
20. As evidenced by
Example:
As evidenced by recent figures, growth continues steadily.
21. In keeping with
Example:
In keeping with company values, we prioritize transparency.
22. As conveyed by
Example:
As conveyed by legal counsel, revisions are necessary.
23. As stipulated in
Example:
As stipulated in the contract, termination requires notice.
24. As referenced in
Example:
As referenced in the report, performance improved.
25. As detailed in
Example:
As detailed in the proposal, implementation begins next quarter.
Friendly Alternatives
26. From what I understand
Example:
From what I understand, the meeting has been rescheduled.
27. Based on what I’ve heard
Example:
Based on what I’ve heard, the project is progressing well.
28. From the information provided
Example:
From the information provided, everything looks good.
29. It appears that
Example:
It appears that the shipment arrived early.
30. From our discussion
Example:
From our discussion, we agreed to move forward.
31. As shared by
Example:
As shared by the customer, the issue is resolved.
32. As mentioned by
Example:
As mentioned by Sarah, the event starts at 10 AM.
33. From recent feedback
Example:
From recent feedback, customers prefer faster delivery.
34. As discussed
Example:
As discussed, I have attached the updated document.
35. From available information
Example:
From available information, demand remains strong.
Email-Friendly Alternatives
36. Per your email
Example:
Per your email, I have completed the requested revisions.
37. As you mentioned
Example:
As you mentioned, we will review the proposal next week.
38. Based on your feedback
Example:
Based on your feedback, we updated the presentation.
39. Following your guidance
Example:
Following your guidance, the changes have been implemented.
40. In response to your message
Example:
In response to your message, please find the requested documents attached.
41. As requested
Example:
As requested, I have included the revised budget.
42. Per our conversation
Example:
Per our conversation, the meeting has been confirmed.
43. Following our discussion
Example:
Following our discussion, we finalized the timeline.
44. As agreed
Example:
As agreed, we will proceed with the next phase.
45. In reference to
Example:
In reference to your inquiry, here is the information requested.
Workplace Alternatives
46. According to company policy → Per company policy
Example:
Per company policy, annual training is mandatory.
47. According to management → As directed by management
Example:
As directed by management, the process has changed.
48. According to HR → Based on HR guidance
Example:
Based on HR guidance, employees may work remotely.
49. According to the report → As highlighted in the report
Example:
As highlighted in the report, profits increased.
50. According to the data → The data suggests
Example:
The data suggests a significant improvement in retention.
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Tone | Best Use |
| Based on | Professional | Reports |
| Per | Business | Emails |
| As stated by | Formal | Documentation |
| As discussed | Friendly | Follow-ups |
| In accordance with | Formal | Policies |
| As outlined by | Professional | Procedures |
| As mentioned by | Friendly | Conversations |
| As detailed in | Formal | Reports |
| Following our discussion | Professional | Meetings |
| Supported by | Analytical | Research |
Email Examples
Client
Based on your feedback, we have updated the proposal.
Manager
Per your instructions, the report has been finalized.
Colleague
As discussed, I’ve attached the revised presentation.
Customer
According to our records, your account remains active.
Alternative:
Based on our records, your account remains active.
Networking Contact
Based on industry research, AI adoption continues to grow.
Meeting Follow-Up
Following our discussion, here are the next steps.
Common Mistakes
1. Overusing One Phrase
Avoid:
According to the report…
According to the survey…
According to management…
Use variety instead.
2. Choosing Excessively Formal Language
“Pursuant to” may sound too legal in casual emails.
3. Using Casual Alternatives in Formal Reports
Avoid:
From what I’ve heard…
in official documentation.
4. Incorrect Attribution
Always ensure the source is accurate.
5. Poor Email Etiquette
Avoid vague references.
Bad:
According to someone in the office…
Better:
Based on information provided by the operations team…
Related Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| Based on | Using evidence | Based on results |
| Per | Following instructions | Per policy |
| As stated by | Directly said | As stated by HR |
| As discussed | Previously talked about | As discussed yesterday |
| As reported by | Reported information | As reported by finance |
| In line with | Matching requirements | In line with goals |
| As noted by | Mentioned previously | As noted by management |
| Supported by | Backed by evidence | Supported by data |
| In accordance with | Following rules | In accordance with policy |
| As outlined by | Explained clearly | As outlined by leadership |
| As detailed in | Explained fully | As detailed in the report |
| Following | After reference | Following the meeting |
| Referencing | Mentioning source | Referencing research |
| Citing | Quoting source | Citing statistics |
| Drawing from | Using information | Drawing from feedback |
Phrase Comparison
| Phrase | Formality | Best Use |
| According to | Neutral | General business use |
| Based on | Professional | Analysis |
| Per | Business | Emails |
| In accordance with | Formal | Policies |
| As discussed | Friendly | Internal communication |
| As stated by | Formal | Documentation |
| Following our discussion | Professional | Follow-ups |
| Supported by | Analytical | Research |
| As outlined by | Professional | Procedures |
| Pursuant to | Legal | Contracts |
Cultural Usage
US English
“Based on,” “per,” and “as discussed” are common.
UK English
“In accordance with” and “as outlined in” appear frequently.
Corporate Communication
Companies often use:
- Based on
- Per
- In line with
- As outlined by
Customer Service
Common choices include:
- Based on our records
- As noted in your account
- Per your request
Networking
Professionals often prefer:
- Based on industry research
- As discussed
- From recent findings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a professional way to say “according to”?
Based on, per, and as outlined by are excellent professional alternatives.
2. What is a formal alternative to “according to”?
In accordance with, pursuant to, and as stipulated in work well.
3. Is “per” professional?
Yes. It is widely used in business emails.
4. Can I use “based on” instead?
Absolutely. It often sounds more natural.
5. Is “according to” too formal?
No. It is neutral and appropriate in most situations.
6. Which alternative is best for emails?
Per your email and as discussed.
7. Which option sounds most authoritative?
As evidenced by and supported by.
8. What works best in reports?
Based on and as indicated by.
9. What should I use with clients?
Based on your feedback.
10. What should I use with managers?
Per your instructions.
11. Is “as mentioned by” professional?
Yes, especially in workplace communication.
12. Which phrase sounds friendliest?
From our discussion.
13. Which phrase is best for customer service?
Based on our records.
14. Should I avoid “according to”?
No. Simply avoid overusing it.
15. What is the best overall replacement?
Based on is usually the most versatile and natural alternative.
Conclusion
Using compelling alternatives to the word “according to” can instantly improve your professional communication, business emails, reports, and workplace conversations. While “according to” remains a reliable and widely accepted phrase, varying your language helps your writing sound more polished, confident, and engaging. For professional settings, based on, per, as outlined by, and supported by are excellent choices. For formal documents, consider in accordance with, as stipulated in, or pursuant to. In friendly workplace communication, phrases like as discussed and from our conversation feel natural and approachable. Selecting the right alternative for the situation enhances clarity, strengthens credibility, and demonstrates strong communication skills in every professional interaction.
