§ Understanding "According"
- DEFINITION
- According is used to state something that someone said or wrote. It indicates the source of information or a statement.
The word "according" functions as a preposition in English. It is a very useful word for attributing information to a source, whether that source is a person, a document, or a general consensus. Using "according" correctly helps to make your statements clear and to give credit where it's due. It's especially common in formal writing, news reports, and academic contexts, but you'll also hear it frequently in everyday conversation.
§ Basic Usage: "According to"
The most common way to use "according" is with the preposition "to", forming the phrase "according to". This phrase is always followed by the source of the information.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
The new policy, according to the director, will be implemented next month.
§ Placing "According to" in a Sentence
The phrase "according to" can be placed at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence. Its position can slightly change the emphasis.
- At the beginning: This is the most common and often the clearest placement. It immediately tells the listener/reader where the information is coming from.
According to the survey, most people prefer working from home.
- In the middle: This can be used to interrupt the flow of the sentence, often to add the source as an important detail or clarification. When placed in the middle, it is usually set off by commas.
The report, according to the manager, is due by Friday.
- At the end: While less common, placing "according to" at the end can sometimes be used for emphasis or when the source is a secondary piece of information.
The concert has been canceled, according to the venue's website.
§ Common Sources with "According to"
You can attribute information to various types of sources:
- People: "According to John," "According to the CEO."
According to Sarah, the meeting starts at 10 AM.
- Documents/Reports: "According to the report," "According to the contract."
According to the company's annual statement, profits have increased.
- Organizations/Institutions: "According to the government," "According to the university study."
According to NASA, there are billions of galaxies.
- General Knowledge/Rules: "According to tradition," "According to the rules."
According to popular belief, black cats bring bad luck.
§ Avoiding Common Mistakes
While "according to" is straightforward, there are a few points to keep in mind:
- Don't use for your own opinion: As mentioned, "according to me" is generally considered incorrect or awkward. Instead, use phrases like "In my opinion," "I think," or "I believe."
According to me, this is a great idea. (Incorrect)
In my opinion, this is a great idea. (Correct)
- Ensure the source is clear: Always make sure the source you are attributing to is specific and identifiable, especially in formal contexts.
According to someone, the store is closed. (Vague)
According to the sign on the door, the store is closed. (Clear)
By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "according" to accurately convey information and its source in your English communication.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
According to leading economists, the global financial outlook remains uncertain, with potential for both rapid recovery and protracted stagnation.
Leading economists say that the global financial future is unclear, possibly with quick recovery or long-term stagnation.
Here, 'according to' introduces the source of an opinion, emphasizing expert consensus.
The archaeological team's preliminary report, according to sources close to the excavation, suggests a previously unknown civilization flourished in the region.
Sources near the dig say the archaeological team's first report hints at a hidden civilization once thriving there.
'According to' attributes information to informal sources, indicating a degree of hearsay or unconfirmed information.
According to the tenets of existential philosophy, individuals are condemned to be free, bearing full responsibility for their choices and values.
Existential philosophy's principles state that people are bound to be free, fully responsible for their decisions and values.
This use of 'according to' refers to a foundational principle or doctrine of a philosophical school.
The complex quantum entanglement phenomenon, according to theoretical physicists, challenges our classical understanding of space and time.
Theoretical physicists say that the complex quantum entanglement phenomenon questions our traditional view of space and time.
Here, 'according to' introduces an explanation or interpretation from a specific scientific discipline.
According to highly classified intelligence briefings, the geopolitical landscape is shifting dramatically, necessitating a reassessment of international alliances.
Secret intelligence reports indicate that the world's political situation is changing fast, requiring a reevaluation of global partnerships.
'According to' points to confidential or sensitive information as the basis for a strategic conclusion.
The eminent art historian, according to a recent interview, postulates that Vermeer utilized a camera obscura to achieve the precise light and perspective in his paintings.
A recent interview with the famous art historian suggests that Vermeer might have used a camera obscura for the exact light and perspective in his works.
This example uses 'according to' to introduce a hypothesis or theory put forth by an authority in a specific field.
According to the revised corporate governance guidelines, all executive compensation packages must be transparent and subject to shareholder approval.
The updated company rules state that all executive pay must be clear and approved by shareholders.
'According to' refers to official regulations or policies that dictate conduct or procedures.
The renowned neuroscientist, according to an upcoming journal publication, has made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the neural mechanisms of consciousness.
An upcoming journal article by the famous neuroscientist reveals significant findings about the brain processes of consciousness.
This usage of 'according to' previews information from a forthcoming academic publication, highlighting its authoritative source.
खुद को परखो 18 सवाल
___ to my mom, dinner is ready.
The word 'according' is used to show that the information comes from someone, in this case, 'my mom'.
The news says, ___ to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.
'According' is used here to indicate that the weather information comes from 'the weather report'.
___ to the teacher, we have homework.
This sentence uses 'according' to show that the information about homework comes from 'the teacher'.
___ to the book, the cat is black.
Here, 'according' tells us that the description of the cat comes from 'the book'.
My friend said, ___ to him, the movie is good.
The word 'according' is used to indicate that the opinion about the movie comes from 'my friend'.
___ to the rules, we must be quiet.
'According' shows that the instruction to be quiet comes from 'the rules'.
This sentence uses 'according to' to show that the information about dinner time comes from 'my mom'.
This sentence uses 'according to' to indicate that the weather forecast comes from 'the news'.
This sentence uses 'according to' to show that the information about the sleeping cat comes from 'the book'.
___ to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.
'According to' is used to state the source of information, in this case, the weather report.
The meeting was canceled ___ to the manager's email.
'According to' indicates that the information about the meeting's cancellation came from the manager's email.
___ to the new regulations, all employees must wear ID badges.
'According to' introduces the source of the rule, which is the new regulations.
You can use 'according to' to express your own opinion.
'According to' is used to state information from an external source, not your personal opinion.
If you say 'According to my friend, the movie was great,' you are stating your friend's opinion.
This sentence correctly uses 'according to' to attribute the opinion about the movie to your friend.
The phrase 'according to' can be replaced by 'because of' in all situations.
'According to' states a source of information, while 'because of' states a reason or cause. They are not interchangeable.
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