Is It Correct to Say ‘According to Me’?

No, it is generally not correct to say “according to me” in standard English. This phrase is widely considered a common mistake because “according to” is used to report someone else’s opinion, statement, or source of information, not your own. Native speakers almost never use it, and it can sound unnatural or even arrogant. Instead, you should use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective” to express your own views.

Quick Answer: What to Use Instead

If you want to give your personal opinion, avoid “according to me.” Use one of these alternatives:

• In my opinion – Best for formal and informal contexts.
• I think – Simple and natural for everyday conversation.
• From my perspective – Useful when explaining your personal viewpoint.
• As I see it – A friendly, conversational option.
• To me – Short and direct for casual speech.

Why “According to Me” Is a Mistake

The phrase “according to” has a specific function in English. It introduces information that comes from an external source, not from the speaker. For example, you say “according to the news” or “according to my doctor” because the news or the doctor is the source. When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which is illogical. You are the speaker, so you do not need to cite yourself.

This mistake is especially common among learners whose native languages use a direct translation of “according to me” to mean “in my opinion.” In English, however, the two phrases are not interchangeable. Using “according to me” can confuse listeners or make you sound like you are trying to distance yourself from your own opinion.

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In formal writing, such as academic essays or business reports, “according to me” is never appropriate. You should use “in my opinion” or “it is my view that.” In informal conversation, “I think” or “to me” are much more natural. Even in very casual settings, native speakers do not say “according to me.”

Email and Conversation Nuance

In emails, especially professional ones, using “according to me” can make you sound unsure or self-important. For example, writing “According to me, the deadline should be extended” sounds odd because you are presenting your own opinion as if it were a fact from an outside authority. A better choice is “In my opinion, the deadline should be extended” or “I believe we should extend the deadline.” In conversation, the same rule applies. If you are sharing your thoughts, simply say what you think without citing yourself.

Comparison Table: “According to Me” vs. Correct Alternatives

Natural Examples

Here are examples showing how to express your opinion correctly in different situations:

• In a meeting: “In my opinion, we should focus on customer feedback first.”
• In an email to a colleague: “I think the report needs more data before we submit it.”
• In a casual conversation: “To me, that movie was too long.”
• In a discussion: “From my perspective, the main issue is communication.”
• In a blog comment: “As I see it, the solution is simpler than we think.”

Common Mistakes

Learners often make these errors when trying to express their opinion. Avoid them:

• Mistake: “According to me, the weather is nice today.”
  Correction: “I think the weather is nice today.”
• Mistake: “According to my opinion, we should leave now.”
  Correction: “In my opinion, we should leave now.” (Do not combine “according to” with “my opinion.”)
• Mistake: “According to myself, this is the best option.”
  Correction: “I believe this is the best option.” (Using “myself” does not fix the problem.)
• Mistake: “According to me, he is wrong.”
  Correction: “I think he is wrong.”

Better Alternatives: When to Use Each

Choosing the right alternative depends on the situation. Here is a guide:

• In my opinion: Use in formal writing, presentations, or when you want to sound thoughtful. Example: “In my opinion, the proposal has several strengths.”
• I think: Use in everyday speech, emails to friends, or when you are less certain. Example: “I think we should try a different approach.”
• From my perspective: Use when you want to emphasize your personal experience or viewpoint. Example: “From my perspective, the training was very helpful.”
• As I see it: Use in discussions to show you are sharing your interpretation. Example: “As I see it, the problem is not the budget but the timeline.”
• To me: Use in casual conversation to express a personal feeling or reaction. Example: “To me, this music is relaxing.”

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding. Choose the correct phrase for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. __________, the best time to visit is spring.
   a) According to me
   b) In my opinion
2. __________, the project will be finished on time.
   a) I think
   b) According to me
3. __________, this restaurant serves the best pasta in town.
   a) According to me
   b) To me
4. __________, the instructions were unclear.
   a) From my perspective
   b) According to me

Answers: 1. b, 2. a, 3. b, 4. a

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is “according to me” ever correct in English?

No, it is not considered correct in standard English. Even in very informal speech, native speakers do not use it. Stick to “in my opinion” or “I think.”

2. Can I use “according to my opinion”?

No. This is a double mistake. “According to” already implies a source, and “my opinion” is not an external source. Use “in my opinion” instead.

3. What about “according to myself”?

This is also incorrect. Reflexive pronouns like “myself” are not used as sources. Use “I think” or “in my view.”

4. How do I express my opinion in a formal email?

Use “in my opinion,” “it is my view that,” or “I believe.” For example: “In my opinion, the data supports our conclusion.” Avoid “according to me” entirely.

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