Beyond “According To”: Diverse Ways to Attribute Information

Attributing information correctly is crucial for clear and credible communication. While “according to” is a common phrase for this purpose, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive.

This article explores a wide range of alternative phrases and expressions that serve the same function, adding nuance and sophistication to your language. By mastering these alternatives, you’ll enhance your ability to express sources accurately and engage your audience more effectively.

This guide is perfect for students, writers, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their English communication skills.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of each alternative, providing clear definitions, structural breakdowns, example sentences, usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid. You’ll also find practice exercises to reinforce your understanding and advanced topics for those seeking a deeper dive.

Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

Definition of Attributive Phrases

Attributive phrases, in the context of this article, are words or groups of words used to indicate the source of information. They serve the crucial function of attributing statements, ideas, or facts to a specific person, document, or other authority.

These phrases are essential for maintaining academic integrity, providing context, and establishing credibility in writing and speech. They help the audience understand where the information originates and assess its reliability.

These phrases can be classified based on their grammatical structure and function. They can be reporting verbs (e.g., states, claims, argues), prepositional phrases (e.g., according to, based on, in the opinion of), or noun phrases (e.g., in the words of, the study by). The choice of phrase depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality and emphasis.

In essence, attributive phrases act as signposts, guiding the reader or listener to the origin of the information being presented. This transparency is vital for building trust and ensuring that ideas are properly credited.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of attributive phrases can vary depending on the type of phrase used. However, a common pattern involves the following elements:

  1. Attributive Marker: This is the word or phrase that signals the attribution (e.g., “according to,” “states,” “in the view of”).
  2. Source: This identifies the person, document, or authority being cited (e.g., “the report,” “Dr. Smith,” “the study”).
  3. Information: This is the statement, idea, or fact being attributed (e.g., “the economy is improving,” “climate change is a serious threat,” “the results are statistically significant”).

These elements can be arranged in different orders depending on the desired emphasis and style. For example:

  • Source + Attributive Marker + Information: “Dr. Jones states that the research is conclusive.”
  • Attributive Marker + Source + Information: “According to the study, there is a correlation between exercise and mental health.”
  • Information + Attributive Marker + Source: “The data suggests a decline in sales, according to the latest market analysis.”

Understanding these basic structures allows you to construct and interpret attributive phrases effectively. It also helps you to choose the most appropriate phrase for a given context.

Types of Attributive Phrases

Attributive phrases can be categorized into several types based on their grammatical structure. Understanding these categories will allow you to use a wider variety of phrases and choose the most appropriate one for your needs.

Reporting Verbs

Reporting verbs are verbs that introduce reported speech or ideas. They are often used to indicate the source of a statement or opinion. Common reporting verbs include: say, state, claim, argue, assert, believe, suggest, find, report, explain, emphasize, maintain, observe, note, conclude, demonstrate, reveal, indicate, show, prove.

Reporting verbs can convey different levels of certainty or agreement. For example, “assert” and “claim” might suggest a stronger, more forceful statement, while “suggest” and “indicate” might imply a more tentative or cautious view.

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun. They can be used to attribute information to a specific source. Common prepositional phrases include: according to, based on, in the opinion of, in the view of, on the authority of, with reference to, by.

These phrases often provide a more formal or objective tone compared to reporting verbs. They are particularly useful when citing documents, reports, or other sources of information.

Noun Phrases

Noun phrases can also be used to attribute information, often by referring to the source itself. Common noun phrases include: in the words of, the study by, the research of, the analysis by, the report by, the statement of, the findings of.

These phrases are often used to emphasize the source of the information and can add a layer of authority or credibility to the statement.

While not directly attributive in the same way as reporting verbs or prepositional phrases, modal verbs can subtly indicate the source’s degree of certainty or possibility regarding the information. Modal verbs include: might, could, may, should.

For example, instead of saying “The scientist claims that the drug will be effective,” you could say “The drug *might* be effective, according to the scientist.” This subtly shifts the focus to the possibility while still attributing the information.

Examples

This section provides a comprehensive list of examples for each type of attributive phrase discussed above. These examples will help you understand how to use these phrases correctly and effectively in your own writing and speech.

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Reporting Verbs Examples

The following table illustrates the use of different reporting verbs in various contexts. Each example shows how the verb is used to attribute information to a specific source.

Reporting Verb Example Sentence
States The report states that the economy is improving.
Claims The company claims to have developed a revolutionary new technology.
Argues The author argues that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity.
Asserts The witness asserts that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.
Believes The doctor believes that the patient will make a full recovery.
Suggests The data suggests a correlation between exercise and mental health.
Finds The study finds that students who attend class regularly perform better on exams.
Reports The news reports that a major earthquake has struck the region.
Explains The teacher explains that the formula is used to calculate the area of a circle.
Emphasizes The speaker emphasizes the importance of education.
Maintains The defendant maintains his innocence.
Observes The researcher observes that the animals exhibit unusual behavior.
Notes The author notes that the historical context is crucial to understanding the events.
Concludes The scientist concludes that further research is needed.
Demonstrates The experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the new drug.
Reveals The investigation reveals a pattern of corruption within the organization.
Indicates The evidence indicates that the fire was deliberately set.
Shows The graph shows a significant increase in sales over the past year.
Proves The data proves that the theory is correct.
Acknowledges The politician acknowledges the need for reform.
Implies Her silence implies agreement.
Confirms The witness confirms the suspect’s alibi.
Predicts The economist predicts a recession.
Assumes The study assumes a linear relationship between the variables.
Hypothesizes The researcher hypothesizes that the treatment will be effective.
Posits The philosopher posits the existence of a higher power.
Reckons He reckons the job will take about a week.
Suspects The detective suspects foul play.
Presumes The law presumes innocence until proven guilty.

Prepositional Phrases Examples

The following table demonstrates the use of prepositional phrases to attribute information. These phrases often provide a more formal or objective tone.

Prepositional Phrase Example Sentence
According to According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
Based on Based on the evidence, the jury found the defendant guilty.
In the opinion of In the opinion of the experts, the project is not feasible.
In the view of In the view of the government, the economy is strong.
On the authority of On the authority of the director, the meeting has been cancelled.
With reference to With reference to your email, I am writing to confirm the appointment.
By By all accounts, he was a kind and generous man.
As per As per the agreement, the payment is due on the first of the month.
Pursuant to Pursuant to the law, the company is required to submit an annual report.
Under Under the circumstances, we have no choice but to proceed.
Subject to The contract is subject to approval by the board.
In accordance with The project was completed in accordance with the regulations.
Consistent with The findings are consistent with previous research.
In line with The company’s strategy is in line with market trends.
By virtue of By virtue of his position, he has the authority to make decisions.
Owing to Owing to the weather, the event has been postponed.
Thanks to Thanks to their hard work, the project was a success.
Due to The delay was due to unforeseen circumstances.
On account of On account of the rain, the game was cancelled.
In light of In light of the new evidence, the case will be reopened.
With regard to With regard to your inquiry, we will respond shortly.
In respect of In respect of the matter at hand, we need more information.
With relation to With relation to the previous discussion, let’s move on.
In connection with He was arrested in connection with the robbery.
In terms of In terms of cost, this is the best option.
Regarding Regarding your question, I will provide an answer later.
Concerning Concerning the proposal, we need more details.
As for As for the rest of the team, they will continue to work remotely.
With reference to With reference to your complaint, we are investigating the matter.

Noun Phrases Examples

The following table illustrates the use of noun phrases to attribute information. These phrases often emphasize the source of the information.

Noun Phrase Example Sentence
In the words of In the words of the president, “We will overcome these challenges.”
The study by The study by Smith et al. found a strong correlation between diet and health.
The research of The research of Dr. Jones has revolutionized the field.
The analysis by The analysis by the consulting firm revealed significant inefficiencies.
The report by The report by the government agency highlighted the need for reform.
The statement of The statement of the witness contradicted the defendant’s testimony.
The findings of The findings of the investigation were inconclusive.
An expert opinion from We sought an expert opinion from Dr. Emily Carter.
A claim made by There’s a claim made by several sources about the company’s impending bankruptcy.
According to sources at According to sources at the Pentagon, the mission was a success.
Based on data from Based on data from the Census Bureau, the population is aging.
The assessment of The assessment of the damage is still underway.
The conclusion drawn by The conclusion drawn by the researchers was unexpected.
The viewpoint of The viewpoint of the minority group was not considered.
The perspective of The perspective of the artist offers a unique insight.
The interpretation of The interpretation of the text is open to debate.
The understanding of The understanding of the concept is crucial for success.
The explanation given by The explanation given by the guide was helpful.
The description provided by The description provided by the witness was detailed.
The account reported by The account reported by the journalist was unbiased.
A theory proposed by A theory proposed by Einstein changed our understanding of physics.
A principle established by A principle established by Newton is still relevant today.
The rule set by The rule set by the organization must be followed.
A guideline issued by A guideline issued by the health ministry is being implemented.
A regulation imposed by A regulation imposed by the government affects the industry.
A standard defined by A standard defined by ISO ensures quality.
A precedent set by A precedent set by the court will influence future cases.
An example cited by An example cited by the professor clarified the concept.
An instance related by An instance related by my grandfather was quite amusing.
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Usage Rules

Using attributive phrases correctly involves several important rules:

  1. Accuracy: Ensure that the information is accurately attributed to the correct source. Misattributing information can damage your credibility and lead to misunderstandings.
  2. Context: Choose the appropriate phrase based on the context and the desired tone. Formal writing may require more formal phrases, while informal writing may allow for more casual expressions.
  3. Clarity: Make sure the attribution is clear and unambiguous. The reader or listener should be able to easily identify the source of the information.
  4. Variety: Avoid overusing the same phrase. Use a variety of attributive phrases to make your writing more engaging and sophisticated.
  5. Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent verb tenses when reporting speech or ideas. If the original statement was made in the past, use the past tense in your attribution.

Pay close attention to these rules to ensure that you are using attributive phrases effectively and accurately.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes can occur when using attributive phrases. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them in your own writing.

  • Misattribution: Attributing information to the wrong source.
    • Incorrect: According to Smith, Jones argues that…
    • Correct: Jones argues that…, according to Smith.
  • Overuse of “According To”: Relying too heavily on this phrase, leading to repetitive writing.
    • Incorrect: According to the report… According to the study… According to the expert…
    • Correct: The report states… The study finds… The expert believes…
  • Incorrect Tense: Using the wrong verb tense when reporting speech or ideas.
    • Incorrect: He said that he *will* go.
    • Correct: He said that he *would* go.
  • Ambiguous Attribution: Making it unclear who or what is being cited.
    • Incorrect: They said it was a good idea. (Who are “they”?)
    • Correct: The consultants said it was a good idea.
  • Omitting the Source: Failing to provide a source for the information.
    • Incorrect: It is believed that the economy will improve. (By whom?)
    • Correct: Economists believe that the economy will improve.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

Practice Exercises

These practice exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of attributive phrases and their usage. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of attributive phrases, from filling in the blanks to rewriting sentences and correcting errors.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate attributive phrase from the list below.

(according to / states / in the opinion of / claims / based on)

Question Answer
1. ________ the weather forecast, it will be sunny tomorrow. According to
2. The report ________ that the company’s profits have increased. states
3. ________ the experts, the project is likely to succeed. In the opinion of
4. The company ________ to have developed a new technology. claims
5. ________ the evidence, the defendant is guilty. Based on
6. ________ my understanding, the meeting has been postponed. According to
7. The scientist ________ that the experiment was a success. states
8. ________ many reviews, the movie is excellent. According to
9. The witness ________ that he saw the suspect at the scene. claims
10. ________ the manager, the team is performing well. In the opinion of

Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting

Rewrite the following sentences using a different attributive phrase. Try to vary your choices.

Question Answer
1. According to the report, the economy is improving. The report states that the economy is improving.
2. The scientist claims that the drug is effective. The drug might be effective, according to the scientist.
3. In the opinion of the experts, the project is feasible. The experts believe that the project is feasible.
4. The study states that there is a correlation between exercise and health. The study finds a correlation between exercise and health.
5. The witness said that he saw the defendant at the scene. The witness asserts that he saw the defendant at the scene.
6. As per the contract, the payment is due on the first of the month. According to the contract, the payment is due on the first of the month.
7. The research of Dr. Smith demonstrated a new method. Dr. Smith’s research demonstrated a new method.
8. In the words of the author, “The future is uncertain.” The author states that “The future is uncertain.”
9. According to sources, the company is planning a merger. Sources indicate that the company is planning a merger.
10. Based on the evidence, the jury found the defendant guilty. The evidence led the jury to find the defendant guilty.
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Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Question Answer
1. According to Smith, Jones *claim* that… According to Smith, Jones *claims* that…
2. He said that he *will* go to the party. He said that he *would* go to the party.
3. It is believe that the economy will improve. It is believed that the economy will improve. OR Economists believe that the economy will improve.
4. According to the report… According to the study… The report states… The study finds…
5. They said it was a good idea. The consultants said it was a good idea.
6. The witness assert that he saw the suspect. The witness asserts that he saw the suspect.
7. The study are showing positive results. The study is showing positive results.
8. The expert believes the solution are simple. The expert believes the solution is simple.
9. In the opinion of we, the project is a success. In our opinion, the project is a success. OR In the opinion of us, the project is a success.
10. Based of the data, we can conclude… Based on the data, we can conclude…

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of attributive phrases can involve exploring more complex aspects of their usage. This includes understanding the subtle differences in meaning between different reporting verbs, the impact of attribution on the reader’s perception of credibility, and the use of attributive phrases in persuasive writing.

For instance, consider the difference between saying “The scientist *claims* that…” versus “The scientist *demonstrates* that…” The word “claims” suggests a level of skepticism or uncertainty, while “demonstrates” implies a higher degree of proof. Choosing the right verb can significantly influence the audience’s perception of the information.

Furthermore, in persuasive writing, the strategic use of attributive phrases can enhance the credibility of arguments. Citing respected authorities or well-regarded research can strengthen the writer’s position and make their arguments more convincing.

Beyond these considerations, advanced learners might also explore the use of attributive phrases in different genres of writing, such as academic papers, news articles, and literary works. Each genre may have its own conventions and expectations regarding the use of attribution.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about attributive phrases:

  1. What is the purpose of using attributive phrases?

    Attributive phrases are used to indicate the source of information, providing context, establishing credibility, and maintaining academic integrity. They help the audience understand where the information originates and assess its reliability.

  2. What are the different types of attributive phrases?

    The main types of attributive phrases are reporting verbs (e.g., states, claims), prepositional phrases (e.g., according to, based on), and noun phrases (e.g., in the words of, the study by).

  3. How do I choose the right attributive phrase for a given context?

    Consider the level of formality, the desired tone, and the specific source of the information. Formal writing may require more formal phrases, while informal writing may allow for more casual expressions. Also, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the source’s level of certainty.

  4. How can I avoid overusing “according to”?

    Use a variety of attributive phrases, such as reporting verbs and noun phrases, to make your writing more engaging and sophisticated. Refer to the examples provided in this article for inspiration.

  5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using attributive phrases?

    Avoid misattributing information, overusing “according to,” using incorrect verb tenses, making ambiguous attributions, and omitting the source of the information.

  6. How can I improve the clarity of my attributions?

    Ensure that the attribution is clear and unambiguous. The reader or listener should be able to easily identify the source of the information. Use specific names or titles when possible.

  7. What is the difference between “claim” and “state” as reporting verbs?

    “Claim” often suggests a level of skepticism or uncertainty, while “state” implies a more neutral or factual presentation. Choose the verb that best reflects the source’s level of certainty and your own perspective.

  8. How can attributive phrases be used in persuasive writing?

    The strategic use of attributive phrases can enhance the credibility of arguments. Citing respected authorities or well-regarded research can strengthen your position and make your arguments more convincing.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of attribution is essential for clear, credible, and engaging communication. While “according to” is a useful phrase, expanding your repertoire with a variety of alternatives will significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills.

By understanding the different types of attributive phrases, their structural elements, and the rules governing their usage, you can express sources accurately and effectively.

Remember to pay attention to accuracy, context, clarity, and variety when using attributive phrases. Avoid common mistakes such as misattribution and overuse of “according to.” Practice using different phrases in your writing and speaking, and seek feedback from others to improve your skills.

With consistent effort, you can become a proficient communicator who effectively attributes information and engages your audience.

By continually refining your understanding and application of these techniques, you’ll not only improve your command of the English language but also elevate the quality and impact of your communication in all areas of your life.

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