When writing academic papers in the field of social sciences, it is crucial to cite your sources properly using the American Psychological Association (APA) style. One common phrase that often appears in research papers, essays, and other scholarly works is “according to.” In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this phrase in APA format, without forgetting to touch upon any regional variations that may exist. Additionally, we will provide you with helpful tips and numerous examples throughout this comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “According to” in APA
In academic writing, maintaining a formal tone is essential to convey credibility and professionalism. Here are some formal alternatives to the phrase “according to” that you can utilize within the APA style:
1. Stated by
Example: Smith (2018) stated that…
2. Asserted by
Example: The study asserts that…
3. Mentioned by
Example: The article mentioned that…
4. Proclaimed by
Example: The expert proclaimed that…
5. Affirmed by
Example: The research affirmed…
Informal Ways to Say “According to” in APA
Sometimes, in less formal writing such as blog posts or opinion pieces, you may want to use a more conversational style that connects with your readers. Here are some informal expressions you can incorporate into your writing while adhering to APA guidelines:
1. As per
Example: As per the study,…
2. According to the findings
Example: According to the findings,…
3. Based on
Example: The researcher’s conclusions were based on…
4. In line with
Example: In line with previous research,…
5. Following
Example: Following the analysis,…
Regional Variations
While there are no specific regional variations for saying “according to” in APA, it is worth noting that certain phrases may be more commonly used in certain cultural or linguistic contexts. However, since APA style is widely accepted and applied globally, it is advisable to prioritize consistency and clarity over regional variations in your writing.
Tips and Examples
Tip 1: Vary Your Sentence Structures
Avoid overusing the same phrases repeatedly. Instead, vary your sentence structures to enhance readability. Consider the following examples:
In their study, Johnson and Smith (2019) noted…
According to Johnson and Smith (2019),…
Based on the research conducted by Johnson and Smith (2019),…
Tip 2: Use Signal Phrases
Signal phrases play a crucial role in smoothly integrating citations into your writing. Here are some examples:
Smith (2020) argued that…
According to a recent study by Johnson and Miller (2021),…
As per Thompson’s (2018) findings,…
Tip 3: Be Mindful of Tense and Voice
When referring to a source, ensure that the tense and voice are appropriate. For example:
The article states that…
In their study, Johnson and Smith (2021) found that…
The researchers have identified that…
Tip 4: Synonyms and Thesaurus
Explore synonyms using a thesaurus to avoid repetitive language. Here are a few examples:
Claimed by
Suggested by
Proposed by
Reported by
Remember, maintaining clarity, credibility, and professionalism when citing sources using APA style is of utmost importance. By incorporating these tips and utilizing various alternatives to “according to” in your writing, you can enhance the overall quality and readability of your academic papers.
