Writers and professionals often rely on the phrase according to when attributing ideas, data, and sources. Finding credible alternatives helps vary tone, match formal contexts, and prevent repetition.
This guide walks through practical ways to say according to, supported by clear examples and a quick reference table. The goal is to help you choose the most natural phrasing for reports, emails, and client content.
Summary of Common Alternatives
| Phrase | Formality | Best Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per | Neutral to formal | Business, legal, and technical documents | Per the guidelines, submissions are due Friday. |
| As stated by | Formal | Quoting experts and external sources | As stated by the director, the project will launch next quarter. |
| According to reports | Neutral | News, summaries, and secondary sources | According to reports, temperatures are rising faster than predicted. |
| Based on | Neutral | Data, analysis, and evidence-driven contexts | Based on the findings, we recommend further testing. |
| Following | Formal | Instructions, sequences, and methodological steps | Following the review, the committee issued its decision. |
Using Per and Other Business Terms
In professional and legal writing, precision matters. The term per is widely accepted in contracts, policies, and operational notes, as it clearly indicates rates, ratios, or conditions.
Alternatives such as following and in accordance with can be useful when you need to emphasize sequence or compliance. Choosing the right phrase clarifies responsibility and expectations for stakeholders.
Citing Expert Opinions and External Sources
When you refer to research, commentary, or public statements, structured attribution strengthens credibility. Phrases like as stated by and according to reports help readers immediately recognize the source type and context.
Matching the formality of the phrase to the document tone ensures consistency. For example, marketing materials may favor neutral options, while academic work benefits from more formal attributions.
Evidence-Based and Data Contexts
For decisions grounded in metrics, frameworks, and analytics, neutral and explicit language works best. Expressions such as based on and according to emphasize the logical link between data and conclusion.
These options support transparency, making it clear whether the insight comes directly from figures, models, or interpreted reports. Clear attribution reduces ambiguity for executives and technical readers.
Style, Tone, and Document Type Guidelines
The document type influences which alternative feels natural. Formal reports and policy papers often lean toward per, in accordance with, and as outlined in, whereas blogs and briefings may prefer simpler variants.
Consistency across teams and channels reinforces professionalism. Aligning word choice with style guides helps maintain voice and accuracy across large projects.
Key Takeaways and Practical Recommendations
- Choose phrases based on document formality and audience expectations.
- Use per for contracts, policies, and technical specifications.
- Prefer as stated by and according to reports for quotes and news references.
- Apply based on and following when emphasizing evidence and stepwise processes.
- Maintain consistent attribution across sections to strengthen clarity and trust.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is per a suitable replacement for according to in formal reports?
Yes, per is widely accepted in formal business, legal, and technical writing as a concise and precise alternative when indicating conditions, rates, or specifications.
How can I vary my attribution phrases without losing clarity?
Use a mix of as stated by, based on, and according to reports depending on whether you are quoting individuals, evidence, or secondary sources, and maintain consistency within each section.
Should I avoid according to completely in SEO content?
Not at all. Retaining according to is valuable for clarity and SEO when it matches user search language; simply complement it with alternatives to avoid repetition and support natural phrasing.
What is the best phrase to use in instructions or step-by-step processes?
Following or in accordance with works well in procedural contexts, as they clearly signal sequence, dependencies, and required actions for the reader.