according
prep. · adj.-
1 as stated by (prep.) B1 Intermediateyou use this to say who said something or where you found information.
used to indicate the source of a statement or information; functions as part of the complex preposition 'according to'.
ExampleAccording to the weather report, it will rain later this afternoon.
ExampleAccording to the latest census data, the urban population has grown by nearly fifteen percent over the last decade.
UsageAlways followed by the preposition 'to' and a noun or pronoun.
Teacher's tipRemind students that 'according to' is for external sources, not for their own thoughts.
- as stated by
- per
PitfallAccording to my opinion, the movie was too long.In my opinion, the movie was too long.Do not use 'according to' for your own personal opinion. Use 'in my opinion' or 'I think' instead.
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2 depending on (prep.) B2 Upper Intermediatein a way that matches a particular system or set of rules.
in a manner that is consistent with or determined by a particular system, rule, or status.
ExampleThe students were grouped according to their reading level.
ExampleThe inheritance was distributed among the heirs according to the specific instructions laid out in the final will.
UsageUsed with 'to' to show a relationship of proportion or classification.
- consistent with
- in line with
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3 matching or agreeing (adj.) C2 Proficiency Formal Literarymatching or in agreement with something else.
agreeing or harmonious; often used in formal contexts to describe things that match.
ExampleThe two countries reached an according agreement on trade.
ExampleThe witness provided an according account that supported the defendant's version of events during the trial.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
Teacher's tipThis adjective use is rare in modern speech; students will mostly encounter it in older literature or very formal legal documents.
From accord + -ing.
- Nounaccord
- Nounaccordance
- Adverbaccordingly
- Prepositionaccording