B1 1K

According

UK //əˈkɔː.dɪŋ// US //əˈkɔrdɪŋ// Pronunciation

Definition

In agreement with or based on something.

Listen to definition

In simple words: based on something or someone

Examples

• According to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.
• She made her decision according to the guidelines provided.
• According to my friend, this restaurant is the best in town.

Usage notes

Used to quote sources or references. Common in both spoken and written English, often in academic or formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

according + to + source

Memory hint

Think of 'coding' under a set of rules; you follow the rules 'according' to the code.

Collocations

• according to plan
• according to estimates
• according to tradition

Synonyms

• in line with
• as stated by
• as reported by

Antonyms

• disregarding
• ignoring

Common mistakes

• Used without 'to' when it should always be 'according to'.
• Confused with 'accordingly', which means 'as a result'.