Citing sources effectively is a cornerstone of clear and credible communication. While “according to” is a common phrase for attributing information, relying on it exclusively can make your writing sound repetitive and lack nuance.
This article explores a rich variety of alternative phrases and grammatical structures that allow you to introduce and attribute information from various sources with greater precision and style. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, mastering these techniques will enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more engaging and impactful.
This guide is designed for English learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced. We’ll delve into definitions, structural breakdowns, varied examples, usage rules, and common mistakes.
Practice exercises are included to solidify your understanding, and advanced topics are touched upon for those seeking a deeper dive. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with a versatile toolkit for citing sources in a way that is both accurate and stylistically sophisticated.
Table of Contents
- Definition: Attributing Information
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Attributive Phrases
- Examples of Attributive Phrases
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: Attributing Information
Attributing information involves explicitly acknowledging the source of ideas, data, or opinions that are not your own. It’s a fundamental aspect of academic integrity, journalistic ethics, and clear communication in general.
The phrase “according to” serves this purpose, but it’s just one tool in a much larger toolbox. Attributing information correctly gives credit to the original source, strengthens your own argument by demonstrating research, and helps readers evaluate the credibility of the information presented.
The function of attribution is multifaceted. It signals to the audience that the information is not the writer’s original thought, it provides a path for the audience to verify the information independently, and it positions the writer within a broader intellectual conversation.
In academic writing, proper attribution is crucial to avoid plagiarism. In journalism, it ensures accuracy and transparency.
In professional communication, it builds trust and demonstrates thoroughness.
The context in which you’re writing or speaking significantly influences how you attribute information. A formal academic paper requires meticulously detailed citations, often using footnotes or endnotes.
A news article might use more concise phrasing. A casual conversation might involve a simple, informal attribution.
Understanding the conventions of the specific context is essential for effective communication.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of an attribution involves identifying the source and connecting it to the information being presented. This connection can be achieved through various grammatical structures, each with its own nuances.
Let’s break down some common patterns:
- “[Attributive Phrase] + [Source] + [Comma] + [Information]”: This is perhaps the most straightforward structure. Examples include: “According to Smith, the results were inconclusive.” “As stated by the report,…”
- “[Information] + [Attributive Phrase] + [Source]”: This structure places the information first, followed by the attribution. Examples include: “The results were inconclusive, according to Smith.” “The data suggests a decline, as shown in the report.”
- “[Source] + [Attributive Verb] + [That-Clause]”: This structure uses a reporting verb to introduce the information. Examples include: “Smith argues that the results were inconclusive.” “The report indicates that the data suggests a decline.”
- “[It] + [Attributive Verb] + [Source] + [That-Clause]”: This structure uses an impersonal “it” to distance the writer from the claim. Examples include: “It is argued by Smith that the results were inconclusive.” “It is indicated in the report that the data suggests a decline.”
The choice of structure can affect the emphasis and tone of your writing. Placing the source first emphasizes the authority or credibility of that source.
Placing the information first emphasizes the content itself. Using an impersonal “it” can create a more objective or detached tone.
Types and Categories of Attributive Phrases
Moving beyond “according to,” we can categorize attributive phrases into several distinct types, each offering different stylistic and functional advantages.
Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs are verbs that introduce reported speech or ideas. They are a versatile way to attribute information, allowing you to convey not only the source but also the source’s attitude or stance towards the information.
Common reporting verbs include: argue, state, claim, suggest, believe, find, observe, note, emphasize, maintain, contend, demonstrate, reveal, explain, hypothesize, propose, posit, assert, conclude, determine.
The choice of reporting verb subtly influences the reader’s perception of the attributed information. For example, “Smith *argues* that…” suggests a debate or disagreement, while “Smith *states* that…” presents the information as a more neutral statement.
“Smith *claims* that…” can imply a degree of skepticism on the writer’s part.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases, such as “based on,” “in the words of,” “as stated by,” and “with reference to,” provide a concise and direct way to attribute information. These phrases are often followed by the source’s name or the name of a publication.
Prepositional phrases are particularly useful for attributing specific pieces of information or summarizing a source’s overall position. They can also be used to indicate the basis or foundation for a particular argument or analysis.
Nominalizations
Nominalizations are nouns formed from verbs or adjectives. Using nominalizations like “the argument of,” “the assertion by,” or “the finding of” can create a more formal and academic tone.
These are often followed by “that” clauses or prepositional phrases.
Nominalizations are frequently used in academic writing to present information in a concise and objective manner. They allow you to focus on the ideas themselves rather than the actions of the source.
Parenthetical Citations
While not strictly a phrase, parenthetical citations (e.g., (Smith, 2023)) are a crucial method of attribution, especially in academic writing. They are typically used in conjunction with a bibliography or works cited list.
Parenthetical citations provide a brief reference to the source within the text, allowing readers to quickly locate the full citation in the bibliography. Different citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) have specific rules for formatting parenthetical citations.
Examples of Attributive Phrases
To illustrate the diverse ways to attribute information, let’s examine numerous examples categorized by the types discussed above.
Reporting Verbs Examples
The following table showcases how different reporting verbs can be used to attribute information, each subtly influencing the reader’s perception.
| Reporting Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Argues | Smith argues that climate change is the greatest threat to humanity. |
| States | The report states that unemployment rates have decreased. |
| Claims | The CEO claims that the company will double its profits next year. |
| Suggests | The evidence suggests that there is a link between diet and health. |
| Believes | The scientist believes that a cure for cancer will be found within the next decade. |
| Finds | The study finds that exercise improves cognitive function. |
| Observes | The author observes that society is becoming increasingly polarized. |
| Notes | The historian notes that this event was a turning point in history. |
| Emphasizes | The speaker emphasizes the importance of education. |
| Maintains | The politician maintains that his policies will create jobs. |
| Contends | The lawyer contends that the defendant is innocent. |
| Demonstrates | The experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the new drug. |
| Reveals | The investigation reveals that there was widespread corruption. |
| Explains | The teacher explains that photosynthesis is essential for plant life. |
| Hypothesizes | The researcher hypothesizes that sleep deprivation affects memory. |
| Proposes | The architect proposes a new design for the building. |
| Posits | The philosopher posits that reality is a construct of the mind. |
| Asserts | The witness asserts that she saw the crime occur. |
| Concludes | The analysis concludes that further research is needed. |
| Determines | The court determines that the defendant is guilty. |
| Acknowledges | The author acknowledges the contributions of his colleagues. |
| Assumes | The model assumes a constant rate of growth. |
| Speculates | The journalist speculates about the reasons for the resignation. |
| Confirms | The data confirms the initial hypothesis. |
| Predicts | The economist predicts a recession next year. |
| Illustrates | This example illustrates the importance of careful planning. |
| Suggests | The doctor suggests that the patient get more rest. |
| Implies | Her silence implies that she disagrees with the proposal. |
| Indicates | The survey indicates widespread support for the new policy. |
Prepositional Phrases Examples
This table provides examples of sentences using prepositional phrases to attribute information, offering a concise alternative to “according to.”
| Prepositional Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Based on | Based on the evidence, we can conclude that the suspect is guilty. |
| In the words of | In the words of Shakespeare, “To be or not to be, that is the question.” |
| As stated by | As stated by the witness, the car was speeding. |
| With reference to | With reference to your email, I am writing to confirm the meeting. |
| According to | According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow. |
| As per | As per your request, I have attached the document. |
| Following | Following the guidelines, we must submit the report by Friday. |
| In line with | In line with company policy, we cannot accept gifts from clients. |
| Pursuant to | Pursuant to the law, you are required to pay taxes. |
| By virtue of | By virtue of his position, he has access to confidential information. |
| In accordance with | In accordance with the contract, we are entitled to compensation. |
| On the authority of | On the authority of the doctor, I am taking this medication. |
| By the agency of | The project was completed by the agency of several volunteers. |
| Through the lens of | Through the lens of feminist theory, we can analyze the novel. |
| From the perspective of | From the perspective of a child, the world is a magical place. |
| Drawing from | Drawing from historical data, we can predict future trends. |
| By way of | By way of explanation, I would like to clarify my previous statement. |
| In light of | In light of the recent events, we have decided to postpone the meeting. |
| On the basis of | On the basis of this evidence, we can conclude that the defendant is guilty. |
| With regard to | With regard to your question, I will provide an answer shortly. |
| In reference to | In reference to your application, we regret to inform you that… |
| According to | According to the manual, the machine should be serviced every six months. |
| Derived from | The recipe is derived from a traditional family cookbook. |
| Attributed to | The success of the project is attributed to the hard work of the team. |
| In connection with | The police are investigating a case in connection with the robbery. |
| With respect to | With respect to your concerns, we will address them promptly. |
| With consideration for | The design was created with consideration for the environment. |
| In relation to | The study examines the factors in relation to childhood obesity. |
Nominalizations Examples
The following examples demonstrate how nominalizations can be used to attribute information in a more formal and concise manner.
| Nominalization | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| The argument of | The argument of Smith is that current policies are ineffective. |
| The assertion by | The assertion by Jones is that the data is flawed. |
| The finding of | The finding of the study is that exercise improves mental health. |
| The claim made by | The claim made by the company is that their product is superior. |
| The suggestion from | The suggestion from the doctor is that the patient needs more rest. |
| The belief of | The belief of many people is that education is the key to success. |
| The observation by | The observation by the scientist is that the climate is changing rapidly. |
| The note made by | The note made by the historian is that this event was a turning point. |
| The emphasis on | The emphasis on education is crucial for national development. |
| The contention of | The contention of the lawyer is that the evidence is inadmissible. |
| The demonstration of | The demonstration of the new technology was impressive. |
| The revelation that | The revelation that there was corruption shocked the public. |
| The explanation of | The explanation of the theory was clear and concise. |
| The hypothesis that | The hypothesis that sleep deprivation affects memory is being tested. |
| The proposal for | The proposal for the new building has been approved. |
| The position of | The position of the company is that they are committed to sustainability. |
| The conclusion of | The conclusion of the report is that further research is needed. |
| The determination by | The determination by the court was that the defendant was guilty. |
| The acknowledgement of | The acknowledgement of the mistake was appreciated. |
| The assumption that | The assumption that the rate of growth will remain constant is unrealistic. |
| The speculation about | The speculation about his resignation is widespread. |
| The confirmation of | The confirmation of the hypothesis was a major breakthrough. |
| The prediction that | The prediction that a recession is coming is causing concern. |
| The illustration of | The illustration of the concept was very helpful. |
| The suggestion for | The suggestion for improvement was well-received. |
| The implication that | The implication that she was involved was unfair. |
| The indication of | The indication of support for the policy is encouraging. |
| The observation that | The observation that technology is advancing rapidly is undeniable. |
General Examples
This table provides a variety of examples, showcasing different ways to attribute information in different contexts.
| Attributive Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| It is generally believed that | It is generally believed that exercise is good for your health. |
| Research indicates that | Research indicates that a healthy diet can prevent disease. |
| Studies have shown that | Studies have shown that meditation can reduce stress. |
| Experts agree that | Experts agree that climate change is a serious problem. |
| According to recent findings | According to recent findings, the economy is improving. |
| As noted earlier | As noted earlier, this is a complex issue. |
| In their view | In their view, the solution is to invest in education. |
| From their perspective | From their perspective, the situation is hopeless. |
| They argue that | They argue that the government is not doing enough. |
| She claims that | She claims that she was unfairly dismissed. |
| He suggests that | He suggests that we try a different approach. |
| It is reported that | It is reported that a major earthquake has struck. |
| The evidence suggests that | The evidence suggests that the suspect is guilty. |
| The data indicates that | The data indicates that sales are increasing. |
| Analysis reveals that | Analysis reveals that the project was a success. |
| The authors conclude that | The authors conclude that further research is needed. |
| It is worth noting that | It is worth noting that this is just one interpretation. |
| It is important to remember that | It is important to remember that context is crucial. |
| It should be emphasized that | It should be emphasized that this is a complex issue. |
| It is generally accepted that | It is generally accepted that the Earth is round. |
| Based on available information | Based on available information, we can make an informed decision. |
| Drawing on previous research | Drawing on previous research, we can build on existing knowledge. |
| With reference to the literature | With reference to the literature, we can see the different perspectives. |
| In the context of | In the context of the current economic climate, this is a risky investment. |
| It has been suggested that | It has been suggested that the problem is due to lack of funding. |
| It can be argued that | It can be argued that the benefits outweigh the risks. |
| Many believe that | Many believe that a positive attitude is essential for success. |
| Some researchers suggest that | Some researchers suggest that there is a link between social media and depression. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
While there are many ways to say “according to,” it’s crucial to use them correctly and appropriately. Here are some key usage rules and considerations:
- Accuracy: Ensure that your attribution accurately reflects the source’s position. Avoid misrepresenting or distorting the original meaning.
- Context: Choose an attribution method that is appropriate for the context of your writing or speaking. Formal academic writing requires more detailed and precise citations than informal communication.
- Variety: Vary your attribution phrases to avoid repetition and make your writing more engaging.
- Verb Tense: Use the appropriate verb tense in your reporting verbs. If the source is still relevant or their ideas are still current, use the present tense (e.g., “Smith argues”). If the source is historical or their ideas are no longer current, use the past tense (e.g., “Smith argued”).
- Clarity: Ensure that your attribution is clear and unambiguous. The reader should be able to easily identify the source of the information.
- Neutrality: Be mindful of the connotations of your attribution phrases. Some phrases, like “claims,” can imply skepticism, while others, like “states,” are more neutral.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in your citation style throughout your document.
Exceptions to these rules often depend on stylistic choices and specific field conventions. For example, in some journalistic contexts, brevity and directness are prioritized over strict adherence to academic citation styles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make common mistakes when attributing information. Here are some examples of incorrect and correct usage:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| According to, the book says that… | According to the book, … | The comma should not separate “According to” from the source. |
| Smith argues, climate change is real. | Smith argues that climate change is real. | A “that” clause is needed after “argues” to introduce the reported speech. |
| The report states, and it is true. | The report states that it is true. | Avoid unnecessary conjunctions after the reporting verb. |
| Based on, Smith’s research… | Based on Smith’s research… | The comma should not separate “Based on” from the source. |
| Smith claims, that the data is wrong. | Smith claims that the data is wrong. | Avoid the unnecessary comma before the “that” clause. |
| In the words of, Shakespeare said… | In the words of Shakespeare, … or Shakespeare said… | Avoid redundancy by not repeating the verb “said.” |
| As the study saying… | As the study says… or According to the study… | Use the correct verb tense and appropriate preposition. |
| The book states, it is interesting. | The book states that it is interesting. | The “that” clause is necessary for grammatically correct sentence. |
| The author argues, and I agree. | The author argues that… and I agree. | Maintain grammatical correctness when adding your own opinion. |
| According to Smith, he said… | According to Smith, … or Smith said… | Avoid redundancy by not repeating “he said.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of attributive phrases with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Phrase
Choose the most appropriate attributive phrase from the options provided to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| __________ the report, the economy is expected to grow. | a) According, b) According to, c) According with | b) According to |
| __________ Smith, climate change is a major threat. | a) Argue, b) Arguing, c) Argues | c) Argues |
| __________ the data, there is a clear correlation. | a) Based in, b) Based on, c) Base on | b) Based on |
| __________ the author, the book is a work of fiction. | a) State by, b) Stated by, c) As stated by | c) As stated by |
| __________ company policy, we cannot offer refunds. | a) In line to, b) In line with, c) In line on | b) In line with |
| __________ recent studies, exercise improves mood. | a) Researching, b) Research, c) Research indicates | c) Research indicates |
| __________ their view, the solution is simple. | a) In, b) On, c) To | a) In |
| __________ the evidence, the suspect is guilty. | a) Suggest, b) Suggesting, c) The evidence suggests | c) The evidence suggests |
| __________ the investigation, there was no foul play. | a) Reveled, b) Revealing, c) Analysis reveals | c) Analysis reveals |
| __________ the authors, further research is needed. | a) Concluding, b) Conclude, c) The authors conclude | c) The authors conclude |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite each sentence using a different attributive phrase from the list provided (According to, States, Claims, Suggests, Based on):
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| According to the report, the company’s profits have increased. | The report states that the company’s profits have increased. |
| The scientist claims that the new drug is effective. | The scientist suggests that the new drug is effective. |
| Based on the evidence, the detective concluded the case. | The evidence suggests that the detective concluded the case. |
| The CEO states that the company will expand its operations. | According to the CEO, the company will expand its operations. |
| The study suggests that there is a link between diet and health. | Based on the study, there is a link between diet and health. |
| According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow. | The weather forecast states that it will rain tomorrow. |
| The economist claims that the recession will end soon. | The economist suggests that the recession will end soon. |
| Based on the research, the product is successful. | The research suggests that the product is successful. |
| The author states that the book is based on real events. | According to the author, the book is based on real events. |
| The doctor suggests that the patient needs more exercise. | The doctor claims that the patient needs more exercise. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to attributive phrases.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| According to, the study says that… | According to the study, … |
| Smith argues, climate change is real. | Smith argues that climate change is real. |
| The report states, and it is true. | The report states that it is true. |
| Based on, Smith’s research… | Based on Smith’s research… |
| Smith claims, that the data is wrong. | Smith claims that the data is wrong. |
| In the words of, Shakespeare said… | In the words of Shakespeare, … |
| As the study saying… | As the study says… |
| The book states, it is interesting. | The book states that it is interesting. |
| The author argues, and I agree. | The author argues that… and I agree. |
| According to Smith, he said… | According to Smith, … |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of attribution involves considering concepts like hedging and boosting.
Hedging
Hedging involves using language to express uncertainty or tentativeness when attributing information. This is often done when the evidence is not conclusive or when the writer wants to avoid making strong claims.
Examples of hedging language include: “may,” “might,” “could,” “seems to,” “appears to,” “suggests that,” “indicates that.”
Example: “The study *suggests that* there *may be* a link between diet and cancer.”
Boosting
Boosting, conversely, involves using language to express confidence or certainty when attributing information. This is often done when the evidence is strong or when the writer wants to emphasize the importance of the information.
Examples of boosting language include: “clearly,” “definitely,” “certainly,” “proves that,” “demonstrates that,” “establishes that.”
Example: “The evidence *clearly demonstrates that* climate change is a serious threat.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is it important to use different ways to say “according to”?
Using a
variety of attributive phrases makes your writing more engaging and demonstrates a greater command of the English language. It also allows you to convey nuances in meaning that “according to” alone cannot capture.
- How do I choose the right attributive phrase?
Consider the context of your writing, the source of the information, and the level of certainty you want to convey. Choose a phrase that accurately reflects the source’s position and is appropriate for your audience.
- What is the difference between hedging and boosting?
Hedging is used to express uncertainty or tentativeness, while boosting is used to express confidence or certainty. The choice between hedging and boosting depends on the strength of the evidence and the writer’s purpose.
- How can I avoid plagiarism?
Always attribute information that is not your own. Use quotation marks for direct quotes and paraphrase carefully, making sure to cite your source. When in doubt, cite the source.
- Are there any phrases I should avoid?
Avoid using overly informal or colloquial phrases in formal writing. Also, be cautious of phrases that could be interpreted as biased or misleading.
Conclusion
Mastering a diverse range of attributive phrases is essential for effective and nuanced communication. By moving beyond the simple “according to” and embracing the variety of options available, you can enhance the clarity, credibility, and style of your writing and speaking.
Remember to consider the context, the source, and the level of certainty you want to convey when choosing your attributive phrases. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to attribute information with confidence and precision.