In 15 Seconds
- A way to share information without claiming it is 100% true.
- Used to distance yourself from a specific opinion or claim.
- Perfect for introducing rumors, theories, or subjective tastes politely.
Meaning
This phrase is a clever way to share information without taking full responsibility for it. It suggests that while some people believe something is true, you aren't 100% sure yourself.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing office rumors
According to some, the manager is planning to quit next month.
According to some, the manager is planning to quit next month.
Debating food preferences
According to some, pineapple belongs on pizza, but I disagree.
According to some, pineapple belongs on pizza, but I disagree.
In a business meeting
According to some analysts, the market will recover by Q4.
According to some analysts, the market will recover by Q4.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a classic example of 'hedging' in English-speaking cultures, particularly in the UK and US. It reflects a societal preference for avoiding absolute statements to remain polite or legally safe. It became a staple in journalism and academic writing to maintain a veneer of objectivity.
The 'Skeptical' Tone
If you emphasize the word 'some', it often implies that you personally think those people are wrong or crazy.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you have no opinions of your own and lack confidence.
In 15 Seconds
- A way to share information without claiming it is 100% true.
- Used to distance yourself from a specific opinion or claim.
- Perfect for introducing rumors, theories, or subjective tastes politely.
What It Means
According to some is a linguistic safety net. It tells your listener that the information comes from others. You are reporting a rumor, a theory, or a common belief. You aren't saying it is a cold, hard fact. It is like saying, "I heard this, but don't blame me if it's wrong!"
How To Use It
Place it at the start or end of your sentence. It works best when discussing opinions or unverified news. Use it to introduce a controversial idea gently. It helps you stay neutral in a heated debate. For example: "According to some, the best pizza is in Chicago."
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound objective. It is perfect for office gossip or debating movies. Use it when you lack data to prove a point. It works well when you want to distance yourself from a weird idea. It makes you sound thoughtful and less aggressive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it when stating obvious facts. Don't say, "According to some, the sun is hot." That sounds silly. Do not use it if you want to sound like an expert. It can make you seem indecisive or poorly informed. If you are 100% sure, just state the fact directly.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to avoid direct conflict. We use "hedging" to keep conversations polite and open-ended. This phrase reflects a cultural value of skepticism and intellectual humility. It allows for multiple perspectives without calling anyone a liar. It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug emoji.
Common Variations
According to many(adds more weight to the claim)According to reports(sounds more journalistic)Some say that...(more casual and conversational)Rumor has it...(specifically for juicy secrets or gossip)
Usage Notes
This phrase is a 'hedge' that fits perfectly in neutral to formal registers. Be careful with your intonation; a sarcastic tone can make it sound like you are mocking the people you are referring to.
The 'Skeptical' Tone
If you emphasize the word 'some', it often implies that you personally think those people are wrong or crazy.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you have no opinions of your own and lack confidence.
The British Understatement
In the UK, this is often used to politely disagree. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' they might say, 'Well, according to some...'
Examples
6According to some, the manager is planning to quit next month.
According to some, the manager is planning to quit next month.
Used here to share gossip without being the source of the rumor.
According to some, pineapple belongs on pizza, but I disagree.
According to some, pineapple belongs on pizza, but I disagree.
Softens the introduction of a controversial opinion.
According to some analysts, the market will recover by Q4.
According to some analysts, the market will recover by Q4.
Adds a professional layer of caution to a prediction.
The new Marvel movie is a masterpiece, according to some.
The new Marvel movie is a masterpiece, according to some.
Shows the speaker is skeptical of the hype.
According to some, I have a shopping problem, but I call it 'retail therapy'.
According to some, I have a shopping problem, but I call it 'retail therapy'.
Uses the phrase to playfully acknowledge criticism.
According to some, they were never a good match anyway.
According to some, they were never a good match anyway.
Provides a way to discuss a sad situation with emotional distance.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where the speaker wants to sound neutral.
___, the old house on the hill is haunted.
This phrase allows the speaker to share a ghost story without claiming it is a proven fact.
Select the option that fits a professional but cautious tone.
The project failed due to poor timing, ___.
In a professional context, this avoids placing direct blame while acknowledging other viewpoints.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'According to some'
Used in gossip or casual chats.
According to some, he's lazy.
Standard everyday usage.
According to some, this is the best cafe.
Used in reports to show multiple views.
According to some sources, the data is flawed.
When to use 'According to some'
Debating Tastes
According to some, tea is better than coffee.
Sharing Rumors
According to some, they are getting married.
Professional Caution
According to some, the strategy is risky.
Reviewing Art
The book is boring, according to some.
Practice Bank
2 exercises___, the old house on the hill is haunted.
This phrase allows the speaker to share a ghost story without claiming it is a proven fact.
The project failed due to poor timing, ___.
In a professional context, this avoids placing direct blame while acknowledging other viewpoints.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it feeling out of place.
Not really. Using it for facts like According to some, water is wet sounds sarcastic or strange.
Some say is much more casual and common in spoken English. According to some feels slightly more structured.
No, it actually suggests you are staying neutral. It allows you to report an idea without owning it.
It usually goes at the very beginning or the very end, like According to some, it's raining or It's raining, according to some.
The 'some' are unspecified people. It could be experts, neighbors, or just the general public.
Technically yes, but it sounds very arrogant. It is better to say In my opinion or I think.
Yes, but usually it is more specific, such as According to some historians or According to some studies.
No, it is actually a very polite way to introduce a different perspective without being confrontational.
Yes, it is a classic 'shield' for gossip. It protects you because you are just repeating what 'some' say.
Related Phrases
Allegedly
Used to convey that something is claimed to be the case, although there is no proof.
So they say
A casual way to acknowledge a common belief or rumor.
Reportedly
According to what many people say or what has been written.
In some circles
Used to describe an opinion held by a specific group of people.
