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adv Very common

according

uh-KAW-dihng

According (adv) means used before "to" to show where information comes from, or to mean "depending on.". Example: “According to the forecast, it will rain all weekend.”

adv
1
Used before "to" to show where information comes from, or to mean "depending on."
"According to the forecast, it will rain all weekend."
"Pay varies according to experience and location."

How to Use According

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed to introduce a source of information ("according to X") or to show something depends on a factor.

Common pairings
according to

Word Forms

more according comparative, more according comparative, most according superlative, most according superlative

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_____ to the forecast, it will rain all weekend.

Related Words

Rhymes for according

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “according” mean?

The word “according” means used before "to" to show where information comes from, or to mean "depending on.". In plain terms, used to introduce a source of information ("according to X") or to show something depends on a factor.

How do you pronounce “according”?

“According” is pronounced uh-KAW-dihng (/əˈkɔɹ.dɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “according” in a sentence?

Here is “according” used in a sentence: “According to the forecast, it will rain all weekend.”

What part of speech is “according”?

“According” is an adverb.

Is “according” a common word?

“According” is a very common word in modern English.

What does 'according to' mean?

'According to' attributes information to a particular source, showing that a statement comes from someone or something rather than from the speaker — 'according to the report, sales rose.' It can also mean 'in agreement with' or 'depending on,' as in 'seats were allocated according to age.' The exact sense depends on the sentence.

What is the difference between 'according to' and 'accordingly'?

'According to' introduces a source or basis for information — 'according to the map, we turn left.' 'Accordingly' is an adverb meaning 'therefore' or 'in a way that suits the situation' — 'the rules changed, so we acted accordingly.' One attributes information; the other describes a fitting response.

What is an example of 'according to'?

'According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow' shows the attribution sense — the information comes from the forecast, not the speaker. 'Players are grouped according to skill' shows the other sense, where it means 'depending on' or 'in line with' something used as the basis for a decision.

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