Writers often fall into the trap of repeating “according to experts,” “according to research,” and “according to the study” throughout their work. This repetitive phrasing makes writing sound mechanical and boring, causing readers to lose interest quickly.
Overusing “according to” undermines your credibility as a writer. It signals that you’re merely echoing other people’s ideas instead of presenting information with confidence and authority.
Stronger alternatives exist that can transform your writing from repetitive to compelling. These varied phrases will help you sound knowledgeable and authoritative while keeping your readers engaged from start to finish.
What to Say Instead of “According To…”
Here’s your toolkit for expressing source-based information with more variety, authority, and style. Each alternative serves a different purpose and creates a unique tone.
1. Research Shows
Why it works: This phrase carries immediate scientific weight while being concise and direct.
Research shows that people form first impressions within seven seconds of meeting someone. This alternative works particularly well when you’re citing multiple studies or a broad scientific consensus. It implies that the finding isn’t from just one source but represents a pattern across multiple investigations.
The phrase also positions you as someone who stays current with research trends. Instead of sounding like you’re just reporting what others discovered, you appear knowledgeable about the field’s latest developments. Use this when the evidence is strong and comes from reputable scientific sources.
Best for: Academic writing, professional reports, health and science content, and any situation where you want to emphasize evidence-based conclusions.
2. Experts Reveal
Why it works: This creates anticipation and positions the information as insider knowledge.
Experts reveal that the most successful entrepreneurs share three key habits that drive their success. The word “reveal” suggests that this information isn’t common knowledge—you’re giving your readers access to professional insights they might not find elsewhere.
This alternative works especially well in how-to content, business writing, and anywhere you want to create a sense of exclusivity. It implies that you’ve done the legwork to gather expert opinions, making you a valuable intermediary between specialists and your audience.
Best for: Business content, career advice, lifestyle articles, and professional development pieces.
3. Data Indicates
Why it works: It emphasizes objectivity and removes personal bias from the equation.
Data indicates that remote workers are 13% more productive than their office-based counterparts. This phrase works when you want to sound analytical and fact-driven. It suggests that the conclusions emerge naturally from the numbers rather than from someone’s interpretation.
This alternative particularly shines in reports, market analysis, and any content where statistics play a central role. Your readers understand they’re getting information based on measurable evidence, not opinions or theories.
Best for: Market research, financial content, trend analysis, and statistical reporting.
4. Evidence Suggests
Why it works: It acknowledges uncertainty while still presenting credible information.
Evidence suggests that meditation can reduce anxiety levels by up to 60% in regular practitioners. Sometimes the research isn’t definitive, but it’s still worth sharing. This phrase lets you present compelling findings while maintaining intellectual honesty about their limitations.
Your readers appreciate this balanced approach. You’re not overstating the case, but you’re also not dismissing valuable insights just because they need further confirmation. This builds trust with your audience.
Best for: Health and wellness content, emerging research topics, and situations where findings are promising but not yet conclusive.
5. Studies Confirm
Why it works: This implies that multiple investigations have reached the same conclusion.
Studies confirm that gratitude practices improve mental health outcomes across diverse populations. When you use this phrase, you’re telling readers that this isn’t just one researcher’s finding—it’s been validated through multiple investigations.
This alternative adds significant credibility to your content. It suggests a scientific consensus has emerged, making your information more reliable and actionable for readers who want to make decisions based on solid evidence.
Best for: Health advice, educational content, and topics where scientific consensus exists.
6. Findings Show
Why it works: It’s straightforward and professional without being overly academic.
Findings show that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers by 35% in profitability. This phrase strikes the perfect balance between authority and accessibility. It’s more specific than “research shows” but less formal than academic language.
Your writing maintains credibility while staying conversational. Readers get the sense that you’ve thoroughly reviewed the available information and are presenting the most important discoveries.
Best for: Business writing, professional reports, and content that needs to sound authoritative but approachable.
7. Analysis Reveals
Why it works: It suggests deep examination and thoughtful interpretation of information.
Analysis reveals that successful startups pivot an average of 2.8 times before finding their optimal business model. This alternative implies that someone has gone beyond surface-level reporting to uncover meaningful patterns or insights.
When you use this phrase, you’re positioning the information as the result of careful examination rather than casual observation. It works especially well when presenting complex findings that require sophisticated interpretation.
Best for: In-depth reports, trend analysis, and content that examines complex patterns or relationships.
8. Researchers Discovered
Why it works: It emphasizes the active process of scientific investigation and breakthrough moments.
Researchers discovered that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. This phrase creates a sense of discovery and progress. It suggests that this information represents new knowledge that advances our understanding.
The word “discovered” also implies that this finding might surprise readers or challenge conventional wisdom. It’s perfect for presenting counterintuitive or groundbreaking research results.
Best for: Science communication, breakthrough research, and content about surprising or counterintuitive findings.
9. The Study Found
Why it works: It’s specific and direct while maintaining professional credibility.
The study found that employees who take regular breaks are 23% more creative in problem-solving tasks. Sometimes you want to reference a specific piece of research without getting bogged down in details. This phrase efficiently communicates that your information comes from a particular investigation.
This alternative works well when you’re building an argument using multiple studies. You can vary between “one study found,” “another study found,” and similar constructions to maintain reader interest while clearly citing your sources.
Best for: Evidence-based articles, research summaries, and content that references multiple specific studies.
10. Surveys Indicate
Why it works: It clearly identifies the methodology while suggesting broad representation.
Surveys indicate that 78% of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. When your information comes from survey data, this phrase immediately tells readers about the evidence base. They understand they’re getting information based on direct responses from relevant populations.
This alternative particularly shines when presenting consumer insights, public opinion data, or any information gathered through questionnaires and polls. It helps readers understand both the source and the scope of the findings.
Best for: Market research, consumer behavior content, and articles about public opinion or preferences.
11. Investigators’ Report
Why it works: It adds a sense of authority and thoroughness to your sources.
Investigators report that cybersecurity breaches cost companies an average of $4.45 million per incident. This phrase works particularly well for serious topics that require careful examination. It suggests that qualified professionals have thoroughly examined the evidence.
The word “investigators” implies expertise and a methodical approach. Your readers understand they’re getting information from people who specialize in uncovering and analyzing relevant data.
Best for: Security topics, investigative content, serious business issues, and topics requiring specialized expertise.
12. Multiple Sources Confirm
Why it works: It emphasizes consensus and reliability through verification.
Multiple sources confirm that artificial intelligence will eliminate 85 million jobs while creating 97 million new ones by 2025. Sometimes the most compelling evidence comes from agreement across different sources. This phrase tells readers that various independent sources have reached similar conclusions.
This alternative builds exceptional credibility because it suggests triangulation—the practice of confirming information through multiple independent channels. Readers can feel confident that the information isn’t based on a single source that might have biases or limitations.
Best for: Breaking news, trend predictions, and any topic where cross-verification is important.
13. Statistics Demonstrate
Why it works: It emphasizes measurable, quantifiable evidence.
Statistics demonstrate that personalized email campaigns generate six times higher transaction rates than generic messages. When your evidence is primarily numerical, this phrase efficiently communicates that your conclusions are based on measurable data rather than opinions or theories.
This alternative particularly appeals to readers who value data-driven decision-making. It signals that your recommendations are based on objective measurements rather than subjective assessments.
Best for: Marketing content, performance analysis, and any topic where numerical evidence is central.
14. Observations Suggest
Why it works: It acknowledges the empirical nature of the evidence while maintaining appropriate caution.
Observations suggest that remote team meetings are most productive when limited to 30 minutes or less. Sometimes your information comes from careful observation rather than controlled experiments. This phrase accurately represents the nature of the evidence while still presenting valuable insights.
This alternative works well for emerging trends, behavioral patterns, and situations where formal research hasn’t yet caught up with practical experience. It maintains credibility while acknowledging the preliminary nature of the findings.
Best for: Workplace trends, behavioral insights, and emerging practices that lack extensive formal research.
15. Reports Indicate
Why it works: It references formal documentation while maintaining a professional tone.
Reports indicate that climate change will affect global food production within the next decade. When your information comes from official reports, white papers, or formal publications, this phrase efficiently communicates the source type without getting bogged down in details.
This alternative particularly shines for policy discussions, industry trends, and topics where formal reports provide the primary evidence base. Readers understand they’re getting information from authoritative, documented sources.
Best for: Policy analysis, industry reports, and topics covered by formal publications or white papers.
16. Specialists Note
Why it works: It emphasizes expertise while maintaining a conversational tone.
Specialists note that successful weight loss requires changes in both diet and exercise habits, not just caloric restriction. This phrase efficiently communicates that your information comes from people with relevant expertise while avoiding overly formal language.
The word “note” suggests careful observation by qualified professionals. It’s more conversational than “experts state” but still communicates appropriate authority and credibility.
Best for: Health and wellness content, technical topics, and situations where specialized knowledge is relevant.
17. Evidence Points To
Why it works: It suggests logical progression from facts to conclusions.
Evidence points to increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging across all product categories. This phrase efficiently communicates that your conclusions follow logically from available evidence. It suggests reasoned analysis rather than speculation or opinion.
This alternative works particularly well when presenting trends, predictions, or conclusions that require the interpretation of multiple data points. Readers understand that your conclusions are based on careful evaluation of available information.
Best for: Trend analysis, market predictions, and content that concludes multiple evidence sources.
18. Insights Reveal
Why it works: It suggests deep understanding and valuable knowledge.
Insights reveal that high-performing sales teams spend 40% more time on customer research than their lower-performing counterparts. This phrase positions your information as valuable knowledge that goes beyond surface-level facts. It suggests understanding that can inform better decisions or strategies.
The word “insights” implies that someone has looked beyond obvious facts to understand underlying patterns or principles. Your readers get the sense they’re receiving knowledge that can genuinely improve their outcomes.
Best for: Business strategy content, performance improvement articles, and content that provides actionable intelligence.
19. Patterns Show
Why it works: It emphasizes systematic observation and analysis.
Patterns show that most successful habit changes happen gradually over 6-8 weeks rather than through dramatic lifestyle overhauls. When your information comes from observing consistent trends across multiple cases or time periods, this phrase efficiently communicates that systematic nature.
This alternative works particularly well for behavioral topics, trend analysis, and situations where the evidence emerges from consistent patterns rather than single studies. Readers understand they’re getting information based on repeated observations.
Best for: Behavioral content, trend analysis, and topics where evidence comes from consistent patterns.
20. Documentation Shows
Why it works: It emphasizes formal record-keeping and official sources.
Documentation shows that companies using agile project management complete projects 28% faster than those using traditional methods. When your evidence comes from official records, documented case studies, or formal tracking systems, this phrase efficiently communicates the systematic nature of the evidence.
This alternative particularly appeals to readers who value formal verification and official sources. It suggests that the information isn’t based on casual observation but on systematic record-keeping and documentation.
Best for: Project management content, case studies, and topics where formal documentation provides the evidence base.
Wrapping Up
Your writing doesn’t have to sound like everyone else’s. These alternatives to “according to” give you the tools to present source-based information with authority, variety, and style that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The best writers know that how you present information matters just as much as the information itself. Choose alternatives that match your content’s tone and your audience’s expectations.
Your readers will notice the difference, and your writing will stand out in a sea of generic, repetitive content.