Is It Correct to Say ‘according to me’?
No, it is not grammatically correct or natural to say “according to me” in standard English. The phrase “according to” is used to report information from an external source, not your own opinion. Native speakers avoid this phrase because it sounds awkward and illogical. Instead, you should use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective” to express your personal views.
Quick Answer
Do not use “according to me.” Use these alternatives instead:
- In my opinion – for giving your personal view.
- I think – for stating what you believe.
- From my perspective – for sharing your point of view.
- As I see it – for explaining your understanding.
- To me – for expressing how something seems to you.
Why “According to Me” Is Incorrect
The phrase “according to” has a specific function in English. It introduces information that comes from another person, a document, a study, or a reliable source. For example, you can say “according to the weather report” or “according to my professor.” The source is always external to the speaker. When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which creates a logical problem. You cannot report your own opinion as if it came from someone else.
This mistake often happens because learners translate directly from their native languages. In many languages, a phrase like “according to me” is perfectly natural. However, in English, it sounds odd and can confuse listeners or readers. They may wonder why you are speaking about yourself as if you were a third party.
Formal and Informal Contexts
The problem with “according to me” exists in both formal and informal English. In formal writing, such as academic papers, business reports, or professional emails, you should never use this phrase. It is considered a basic error. In informal conversation, it might be understood, but it still sounds unnatural. Native speakers will notice it and may think you are not fluent.
Here is a quick comparison of how tone changes with the correct alternatives:
| Context | Incorrect Phrase | Correct Alternative | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal email | According to me, the deadline is too tight. | In my opinion, the deadline is too tight. | Professional |
| Business meeting | According to me, we should change the strategy. | I believe we should change the strategy. | Confident |
| Casual conversation | According to me, this movie is boring. | To me, this movie is boring. | Natural |
| Academic writing | According to me, the results are significant. | From my perspective, the results are significant. | Appropriate |
Natural Examples
Read these examples to see how native speakers express their opinions correctly.
In Conversation
- Correct: “In my opinion, the restaurant is overpriced.”
- Correct: “I think we should leave early to avoid traffic.”
- Correct: “As I see it, the problem is not that serious.”
- Correct: “To me, this color looks better.”
In Email
- Correct: “In my opinion, the proposal needs more detail.”
- Correct: “I believe this approach will save time.”
- Correct: “From my perspective, the budget is too low.”
In Writing
- Correct: “From my perspective, the data supports a different conclusion.”
- Correct: “I think the main issue is communication.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “according to” and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “According to Me” in Any Context
Incorrect: “According to me, the meeting was productive.”
Correct: “In my opinion, the meeting was productive.”
Mistake 2: Using “According to” with Personal Feelings
Incorrect: “According to me, this song is beautiful.”
Correct: “To me, this song is beautiful.”
Mistake 3: Confusing “According to” with “Based on”
Incorrect: “According to my experience, this works well.”
Correct: “Based on my experience, this works well.”
Mistake 4: Using “According to” for General Beliefs
Incorrect: “According to me, honesty is important.”
Correct: “I think honesty is important.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Choosing the right alternative depends on the situation. Here is a guide to help you.
In My Opinion
Use this in formal and semi-formal contexts. It is the safest choice for emails, meetings, and discussions. It clearly signals that you are giving your personal view.
Example: “In my opinion, the report should be revised.”
I Think
This is the most common and neutral option. Use it in both formal and informal situations. It is simple and direct.
Example: “I think we need more time.”
From My Perspective
Use this when you want to emphasize your unique point of view. It works well in professional settings and when discussing complex topics.
Example: “From my perspective, the customer’s complaint is valid.”
As I See It
This is slightly informal but still appropriate in many conversations. It suggests that you are sharing your personal interpretation.
Example: “As I see it, the plan has some risks.”
To Me
Use this for personal feelings, preferences, or subjective judgments. It is informal and works best in casual conversation.
Example: “To me, this coffee tastes bitter.”
I Believe
This is stronger than “I think” and shows conviction. Use it when you want to express a firm opinion.
Example: “I believe this is the right decision.”
Comparison Table: “According to Me” vs. Alternatives
| Phrase | Correct Usage | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to me | Never correct | Avoid entirely | According to me, it is late. |
| In my opinion | Personal view | Formal and semi-formal | In my opinion, it is late. |
| I think | Personal belief | All contexts | I think it is late. |
| From my perspective | Unique viewpoint | Professional | From my perspective, it is late. |
| As I see it | Personal interpretation | Informal to semi-formal | As I see it, it is late. |
| To me | Subjective feeling | Informal | To me, it is late. |
| I believe | Strong opinion | Formal and informal | I believe it is late. |
Mini Practice: Choose the Correct Phrase
Test your understanding. Choose the best option for each sentence.
Question 1
“______, the project is on track.”
A) According to me
B) In my opinion
C) According to my opinion
Answer: B) In my opinion
Question 2
“______, this is the best solution.”
A) According to me
B) To me
C) According to my view
Answer: B) To me (or “I think” would also work, but “to me” is correct here for a subjective feeling)
Question 3
“______, the data is incomplete.”
A) According to me
B) From my perspective
C) According to my perspective
Answer: B) From my perspective
Question 4
“______, we should wait for more information.”
A) According to me
B) I think
C) According to my thought
Answer: B) I think
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “according to me” ever correct in English?
No, it is never correct in standard English. Even in very informal speech, native speakers do not use this phrase. It is a common error among learners, but you should avoid it completely.
2. Can I use “according to my opinion”?
No, this is also incorrect. The phrase “according to” already implies a source, so “according to my opinion” is redundant and unnatural. Use “in my opinion” instead.
3. What is the difference between “in my opinion” and “from my perspective”?
“In my opinion” is a general way to give your view. “From my perspective” emphasizes that you are speaking from a specific point of view, often based on your experience or role. For example, “From my perspective as a manager, the team needs more training.”
4. Is it okay to use “according to me” in creative writing or dialogue?
You might use it in dialogue to show that a character is a non-native speaker or making a mistake. However, for standard writing and speaking, you should always use the correct alternatives.
Final Tip
If you ever feel tempted to say “according to me,” stop and ask yourself: “Am I the source of this information?” If the answer is yes, use “in my opinion,” “I think,” or another alternative. This simple check will help you avoid the error and sound more natural in English.
For more help with common grammar mistakes, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. You can also read our FAQ for answers to other common questions.
