C1 Expression 中性 2分钟阅读

According to some

Hedging expression to soften claims

15秒了解

  • 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.

意思

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.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

Discussing office rumors

According to some, the manager is planning to quit next month.

According to some, the manager is planning to quit next month.

2

Debating food preferences

According to some, pineapple belongs on pizza, but I disagree.

According to some, pineapple belongs on pizza, but I disagree.

3

In a business meeting

According to some analysts, the market will recover by Q4.

According to some analysts, the market will recover by Q4.

🌍

文化背景

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.

15秒了解

  • 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)

使用说明

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...'

例句

6
#1 Discussing office rumors

According 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.

#2 Debating food preferences

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.

#3 In a business meeting

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.

#4 Texting about a new movie

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.

#5 A humorous observation

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.

#6 Discussing a sensitive breakup

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.

自我测试

Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where the speaker wants to sound neutral.

___, the old house on the hill is haunted.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: According to some

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, ___.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: according to some

In a professional context, this avoids placing direct blame while acknowledging other viewpoints.

🎉 得分: /2

视觉学习工具

Formality of 'According to some'

Informal

Used in gossip or casual chats.

According to some, he's lazy.

Neutral

Standard everyday usage.

According to some, this is the best cafe.

Formal

Used in reports to show multiple views.

According to some sources, the data is flawed.

When to use 'According to some'

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.

练习题库

2 练习
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where the speaker wants to sound neutral. Fill Blank

___, the old house on the hill is haunted.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: According to some

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. Fill Blank

The project failed due to poor timing, ___.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: according to some

In a professional context, this avoids placing direct blame while acknowledging other viewpoints.

🎉 得分: /2

常见问题

10 个问题

It 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.

相关表达

🔗

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.

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