Common Speaking Mistake: ‘according to me’ Explained

If you have ever said or written “according to me,” you have likely made a common speaking mistake that can sound unnatural or even slightly arrogant to native English speakers. The direct answer is: “according to me” is almost always incorrect in standard English. The phrase “according to” is used to report someone else’s opinion, a source of information, or an external authority—not your own. Using it for your own view creates a contradiction, as if you are citing yourself as an external source. This guide will explain why this mistake happens, what to say instead, and how to express your opinion naturally in conversation, email, and writing.

Quick Answer: Why ‘According to Me’ Is Wrong

Think of “according to” as a tool for reporting. You use it to say what a book, a news report, a boss, or an expert says. When you say “according to me,” you are treating your own opinion as if it were an outside source. This is not how native speakers use the phrase. Instead, use simple, direct expressions like “I think,” “in my opinion,” “from my perspective,” or “as I see it.” These phrases are clearer, more natural, and more appropriate for both speaking and writing.

Understanding the Core Problem

The phrase “according to” has a very specific job in English. It introduces information that comes from a source other than the speaker. For example:

• “According to the weather forecast, it will rain.” (Source: weather forecast)
• “According to my professor, the exam is next week.” (Source: professor)
• “According to the report, sales increased.” (Source: report)

When you say “according to me,” you are trying to make yourself the source. But in English, your own opinion does not need a citation. It is simply your view. Using “according to me” can sound like you are trying to give your opinion extra weight, which can come across as self-important or awkward.

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

This mistake is common in both formal and informal settings, but it stands out more in formal writing or professional emails. In casual conversation, a learner might say “According to me, this movie is boring.” A native speaker would likely say “I think this movie is boring” or “In my opinion, this movie is boring.” The difference is subtle but important for sounding natural.

Email and Conversation Context

In an email, using “according to me” can make you sound unsure of how to express your own thoughts. For example, writing “According to me, we should delay the project” is less direct and professional than “In my view, we should delay the project” or “I recommend we delay the project.” In conversation, it can create a moment of confusion because the listener expects a source, not your personal view.

Comparison Table: ‘According to Me’ vs. Better Alternatives

Natural Examples

Here are examples of how native speakers express personal opinions in different situations.

In Conversation

• Natural: “I think the new policy is fair.”
• Natural: “In my view, we should try a different approach.”
• Natural: “As far as I’m concerned, the price is too high.”
• Natural: “If you ask me, that restaurant is overrated.”

In Email

• Natural: “In my opinion, the proposal needs more detail.”
• Natural: “From my perspective, the timeline is too tight.”
• Natural: “I would suggest that we review the data again.”
• Natural: “It seems to me that the client is not satisfied.”

In Writing

• Natural: “The author argues that the economy is improving. In my view, this is overly optimistic.”
• Natural: “Many people enjoy this film. Personally, I found it boring.”

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “according to me” and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using ‘According to Me’ in Any Context

Incorrect: “According to me, the best way to learn is by practicing.”
Correct: “I believe the best way to learn is by practicing.”

Mistake 2: Using ‘According to My Opinion’

This is a double mistake. “According to” and “my opinion” do not work together.
Incorrect: “According to my opinion, we need more time.”
Correct: “In my opinion, we need more time.”

Mistake 3: Using ‘According to Me’ in Formal Writing

Incorrect: “According to me, the data supports this conclusion.”
Correct: “I argue that the data supports this conclusion.” or “In my analysis, the data supports this conclusion.”

Mistake 4: Confusing ‘According to’ with ‘For Me’

“For me” is used to express personal experience or preference, not to cite a source.
Incorrect: “According to me, this exercise is difficult.”
Correct: “For me, this exercise is difficult.”

Better Alternatives: When to Use Them

Knowing the right phrase for the right situation will make your English sound much more natural.

For Everyday Conversation

• I think – The most common and neutral way to give an opinion.
• I feel – Good for expressing emotions or personal reactions.
• If you ask me – Casual and friendly, often used to introduce a strong opinion.
• As far as I’m concerned – Emphasizes that this is your personal view.

For Professional or Formal Settings

• In my opinion – Standard for business and academic writing.
• From my perspective – Shows you are considering your own point of view.
• I believe – Slightly stronger than “I think,” good for expressing conviction.
• It seems to me – Softer and more tentative, useful for polite suggestions.

When ‘According to’ Is Correct

Use “according to” only when you are reporting information from an external source.

• “According to the study, exercise improves memory.”
• “According to my manager, the deadline has been extended.”
• “According to the news, the storm is moving north.”

Mini Practice: Test Yourself

Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. Which sentence is correct?
a) According to me, this is the best option.
b) In my opinion, this is the best option.

2. How would you naturally express your view in a meeting?
a) According to me, we should change the strategy.
b) I believe we should change the strategy.

3. Which phrase is correct for reporting a source?
a) According to the doctor, rest is important.
b) According to me, rest is important.

4. What is the best way to say this in an email?
a) According to my perspective, the budget is too low.
b) From my perspective, the budget is too low.

Answers

1. b) “In my opinion, this is the best option.” is correct.
2. b) “I believe we should change the strategy.” is natural.
3. a) “According to the doctor, rest is important.” is correct.
4. b) “From my perspective, the budget is too low.” is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ‘according to me’ ever correct?

No, in standard English, “according to me” is not considered correct. It is a common mistake among learners. Use “I think” or “in my opinion” instead.

2. Can I use ‘according to my view’?

No, this is also incorrect. The phrase “according to” does not combine with “my view” or “my opinion.” Use “in my view” or “from my perspective.”

3. What should I say instead of ‘according to me’ in a formal essay?

In a formal essay, use phrases like “I argue,” “in my analysis,” “it is my contention that,” or “from my perspective.” These are more academic and appropriate.

4. Why do some English learners use ‘according to me’?

This mistake often comes from direct translation from other languages where a similar phrase is acceptable. In French, “selon moi” is correct. In Spanish, “según yo” is used. However, in English, the structure does not work the same way.

Final Tip

To avoid this mistake, remember this simple rule: Use “according to” for others, and use “I think” for yourself. If you catch yourself starting a sentence with “according to me,” stop and replace it with one of the natural alternatives from this guide. With practice, your English will sound more fluent and confident.

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