Better Way to Say ‘According to Me’ in English
If you have ever said or written “according to me,” you have likely felt that something was off. The direct answer is that “according to me” is not a natural or grammatically standard phrase in English. Native speakers almost never use it. Instead, they use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” “as far as I’m concerned,” or “from my perspective.” This guide will explain exactly why “according to me” is a mistake, what to say instead, and how to choose the right alternative for any situation.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead of ‘According to Me’
Do not use “according to me.” It sounds unnatural and can confuse listeners. Use one of these common alternatives instead:
- In my opinion – Best for formal writing and polite conversation.
- I think – Best for everyday speaking and informal writing.
- As far as I’m concerned – Best for expressing a strong personal view.
- From my perspective – Best for explaining your personal viewpoint or experience.
- It seems to me – Best for being tentative or polite.
Why ‘According to Me’ Is Wrong
The phrase “according to” is used to report information from an external source, not from yourself. You use it to cite a person, a document, a study, or a news report. For example:
- According to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.
- According to my boss, the meeting is at 3 PM.
- According to the study, exercise improves memory.
When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which sounds strange. It is like saying “according to the person standing right here.” The phrase is grammatically possible but pragmatically odd. Native speakers avoid it because it sounds self-important or like a translation from another language.
Comparison Table: ‘According to Me’ vs. Better Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Context | Natural? |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to me | Awkward, unnatural | Avoid completely | No |
| In my opinion | Formal to neutral | Writing, meetings, polite discussion | Yes |
| I think | Informal to neutral | Conversation, emails, everyday talk | Yes |
| As far as I’m concerned | Informal, strong | Personal stance, disagreement | Yes |
| From my perspective | Neutral to formal | Explaining viewpoint, professional | Yes |
| It seems to me | Tentative, polite | Softening an opinion, being diplomatic | Yes |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers express the same idea that learners try to express with “according to me.”
In Conversation
- Instead of: According to me, this movie is too long.
Say: I think this movie is too long. - Instead of: According to me, we should leave now.
Say: In my opinion, we should leave now. - Instead of: According to me, he is wrong.
Say: As far as I’m concerned, he is wrong.
In Email or Writing
- Instead of: According to me, the proposal needs changes.
Say: In my opinion, the proposal needs changes. - Instead of: According to me, this approach is better.
Say: From my perspective, this approach is better. - Instead of: According to me, the deadline is too tight.
Say: It seems to me that the deadline is too tight.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors when trying to express personal opinions. Avoid them:
- Mistake: According to my opinion, this is correct.
Correction: In my opinion, this is correct. (Do not combine “according to” with “my opinion.”) - Mistake: According to me, the food is delicious.
Correction: I think the food is delicious. - Mistake: According to myself, I did a good job.
Correction: In my own opinion, I did a good job. (Never use “myself” with “according to.”) - Mistake: According to me, she is the best candidate.
Correction: From my perspective, she is the best candidate.
Better Alternatives: When to Use Each One
Choosing the right phrase depends on your tone and context. Here is a detailed guide.
In My Opinion
Use this in formal writing, business emails, presentations, and polite discussions. It is safe and widely accepted. It sounds more thoughtful than “I think.”
Example: In my opinion, the company should invest in training.
I Think
Use this in everyday conversation, informal emails, and casual writing. It is the most common and natural way to express an opinion.
Example: I think we should try the new restaurant.
As Far As I’m Concerned
Use this when you want to emphasize that this is your personal view, especially if you are disagreeing or stating a strong opinion. It can sound a little defensive or firm.
Example: As far as I’m concerned, the decision has already been made.
From My Perspective
Use this when you want to explain your personal viewpoint, often based on your experience or role. It is good for professional settings.
Example: From my perspective as a project manager, the timeline is unrealistic.
It Seems to Me
Use this when you want to be polite, tentative, or diplomatic. It softens your opinion and makes it sound less confrontational.
Example: It seems to me that we might need more data before deciding.
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Alternative
Test yourself. For each sentence, choose the best alternative to replace “according to me.” Answers are below.
- According to me, this is the best solution.
a) In my opinion, this is the best solution.
b) According to my view, this is the best solution.
c) As far as I see, this is the best solution. - According to me, the meeting was too long.
a) According to my perspective, the meeting was too long.
b) I think the meeting was too long.
c) According to myself, the meeting was too long. - According to me, you should apologize.
a) In my opinion, you should apologize.
b) According to my opinion, you should apologize.
c) As far as I’m concerned, you should apologize. - According to me, the plan will fail.
a) It seems to me that the plan will fail.
b) According to my thinking, the plan will fail.
c) According to me, the plan will fail.
Answers: 1-a, 2-b, 3-c (or a), 4-a
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘According to Me’
1. Is ‘according to me’ ever correct?
No, it is not considered correct or natural in standard English. You should avoid it in both speaking and writing. Use one of the alternatives listed in this guide.
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. Say “in my opinion” instead.
3. What should I say in a formal email instead of ‘according to me’?
Use “in my opinion” or “from my perspective.” For example: “In my opinion, the report requires further review.” These phrases are professional and clear.
4. Why do some non-native speakers use ‘according to me’?
This phrase is a direct translation from many languages, such as French (selon moi), Spanish (según yo), Italian (secondo me), and others. While it makes sense in those languages, it does not work in English. Learning the natural English alternatives will help you sound more fluent.
Final Tip for Better English
Whenever you want to give your personal opinion, remember that “according to” is for reporting what others say or what facts show. For your own thoughts, use “I think,” “in my opinion,” or one of the other alternatives. Practice using these phrases in your daily conversations and writing, and you will quickly sound more natural and confident.
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