Compendium of English Literature

 

ACCORDING TO ( Third Person Referent)

Meaning: ‘as reported’

When a reference is made to external evidence to support a statement or an opinion, according to is used. 

It is used to refer to statistics, official reports, surveys, opinion polls, studies, research, etc.

Examples: 

It’s the same in every block, according to Cliff, the caretaker.

According to the safety experts, it was all right when they left it.

NOTE: According to can not be used to refer to one’s own views or statements. According to refers to evidence from someone or somewhere else.

According to me, Ram is a good student. (Incorrect)

In my opinion, Ram is a good student. ✓

ACCORDING TO

Meaning: ‘in agreement with’

According to is also used to refer to ‘in line with’, ‘in harmony with’ or ‘depending on’. In this context, the sentence does not begin with ‘according to’. 

Example: Is it being done according to the plan?