According to

Definition

'According to' is a prepositional phrase that introduces information or a statement that is attributed to a source or reference. This phrase often precedes a source of information, indicating where the subsequent information can be traced back to, and helps to clarify the context of the statement being made. It plays a significant role in both written and spoken language by linking ideas and providing credibility to the claims presented.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'According to' helps attribute statements to specific sources, enhancing the reliability and authority of the information provided.
2. 'According to' can introduce direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, or summaries from the cited source, making it versatile in usage.
3. 'According to' is commonly used in academic writing to clarify where research findings and opinions are derived from.
4. 'According to' can serve as a transition in writing, smoothly connecting various statements while attributing them to relevant sources.
5. 'According to' is often found in news articles, reports, and studies where factual accuracy and source credibility are essential.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'according to' enhance the credibility of statements in academic writing?
  • 'According to' enhances credibility by clearly indicating the source of the information being presented. This attribution allows readers to verify the reliability of the data and understand its context. In academic writing, where substantiating claims with evidence is critical, using 'according to' signals that the author respects intellectual property and research integrity.
• Discuss how 'according to' functions within a sentence and its impact on meaning.
  • 'According to' functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a source or reference point within a sentence. Its impact on meaning is significant; it not only attributes the following statement to a specific authority but also shapes the reader's interpretation of that statement. For instance, saying 'According to Dr. Smith, climate change is accelerating' frames Dr. Smith’s opinion as an expert perspective, influencing how seriously the reader may take the claim.
• Evaluate the implications of misusing 'according to' in written work, particularly in terms of integrity and clarity.
  • Misusing 'according to' can lead to serious implications regarding integrity and clarity in writing. If an author incorrectly attributes information or fails to cite sources accurately, it can mislead readers and undermine trust in their work. Furthermore, it can distort the original meaning of the cited material, resulting in confusion about what is factual versus opinion-based. This not only affects the author's credibility but also contributes to misinformation within broader discourse.

Related terms

Preposition:

'A word that connects nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence, typically indicating relationships of time, place, or direction.'

Source: 'The origin of information, such as a person, book, article, or other resource from which data is derived.'

Attribution: 'The act of acknowledging the source of information or ideas used in writing or speech.'