Better Way to Say ‘According to Me’ in English

If you have ever said or written “according to me,” you may have noticed that it sounds a little off to native speakers. The direct answer is that “according to me” is not grammatically incorrect, but it is almost never used by native English speakers in natural conversation or writing. The phrase “according to” is typically used to cite an external source, not your own opinion. A much better way to express your personal view is to use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” “from my perspective,” or “as I see it.” This guide will explain why “according to me” is a common mistake, show you the best alternatives, and help you sound more natural in both formal and informal English.

Quick Answer: What to Say Instead of ‘According to Me’

If you need a quick replacement right now, use one of these phrases depending on your context:

• In my opinion – Best for formal writing and professional emails.
• I think – Best for everyday conversation and informal writing.
• From my perspective – Best when you want to emphasize your personal viewpoint.
• As I see it – Best for friendly discussions and casual opinions.
• To my mind – Best for slightly formal or thoughtful statements.

These alternatives are natural, widely understood, and will never sound awkward to a native speaker.

Why ‘According to Me’ Is a Problem

The phrase “according to” is used to report what someone else has said or what a source states. For example:

• “According to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.”
• “According to the manager, the meeting has been postponed.”
• “According to the study, exercise improves memory.”

When you say “according to me,” you are treating your own opinion as if it were an external source. This sounds unnatural because we do not usually cite ourselves as an authority in the same way we cite others. Native speakers rarely use this phrase, and when they do, it is often for humorous or ironic effect. For everyday use, it is better to choose a phrase that clearly signals a personal opinion.

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

Natural Examples

Here are examples of how to use the better alternatives in real situations. Notice how each one sounds natural and clear.

In a professional email

Instead of: “According to me, we should extend the deadline.”
Use: “In my opinion, we should extend the deadline to ensure quality.”

In a casual conversation

Instead of: “According to me, this movie is boring.”
Use: “I think this movie is boring, don’t you?”

In a meeting or discussion

Instead of: “According to me, the marketing strategy is wrong.”
Use: “From my perspective, the marketing strategy could be improved.”

In a friendly debate

Instead of: “According to me, you are overreacting.”
Use: “As I see it, you might be overreacting a little.”

In a thoughtful essay

Instead of: “According to me, social media has negative effects.”
Use: “To my mind, social media has both positive and negative effects.”

Common Mistakes

Even when learners know the alternatives, they sometimes make small errors. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for.

Mistake 1: Using ‘according to me’ in formal writing

This is the most frequent error. Learners often translate directly from their native language. For example, in some languages, a direct translation of “according to me” is perfectly normal. In English, it is not. Always replace it with “in my opinion” or “I believe” in formal contexts.

Mistake 2: Overusing ‘in my opinion’

While “in my opinion” is correct, using it too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with “I think,” “from my perspective,” or “as I see it” to keep your speech or writing natural.

Mistake 3: Using ‘according to me’ with strong claims

If you are making a strong statement, “according to me” sounds especially odd. For example, “According to me, climate change is real” sounds like you are trying to be an authority on the topic. Instead, say “I believe climate change is real” or “In my opinion, climate change is a serious issue.”

Mistake 4: Confusing ‘according to’ with ‘in my opinion’

Remember that “according to” is for external sources. Do not mix them. For example, do not say “According to my opinion, the project is late.” Instead, say “In my opinion, the project is late.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Here is a detailed guide to the best alternatives for “according to me,” with advice on when each one fits best.

In my opinion

Tone: Formal to neutral.
When to use it: Use in professional emails, business reports, academic writing, and any situation where you want to sound polite and considered. It is the safest and most versatile replacement.
Example: “In my opinion, the proposal needs more research before we proceed.”

I think

Tone: Informal to neutral.
When to use it: Use in everyday conversation, casual emails, and informal writing. It is the most common way to express an opinion in English.
Example: “I think we should try the new restaurant tonight.”

From my perspective

Tone: Formal and thoughtful.
When to use it: Use when you want to emphasize that your view is based on your personal experience or position. Good for meetings, discussions, and reflective writing.
Example: “From my perspective as a team leader, the workload is manageable.”

As I see it

Tone: Informal and friendly.
When to use it: Use in casual conversations, friendly debates, and personal blogs. It sounds conversational and approachable.
Example: “As I see it, the best solution is to talk directly to the client.”

To my mind

Tone: Slightly formal and thoughtful.
When to use it: Use in essays, opinion pieces, and thoughtful discussions. It has a slightly old-fashioned but elegant feel.
Example: “To my mind, the most important factor is trust.”

Mini Practice: Choose the Best Phrase

Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the best alternative for each sentence.

Question 1

“According to me, the best time to visit is in spring.” Which is the best replacement?

Answer: “In my opinion, the best time to visit is in spring.”

Question 2

“According to me, you should apologize.” Which is the best replacement for a casual conversation?

Answer: “I think you should apologize.”

Question 3

“According to me, the company needs to change its policy.” Which is the best replacement for a formal email?

Answer: “From my perspective, the company needs to change its policy.”

Question 4

“According to me, the movie was too long.” Which is the best replacement for a friendly discussion?

Answer: “As I see it, the movie was too long.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ‘according to me’ ever correct?

Technically, it is not grammatically wrong, but it is almost never used by native speakers in natural English. It sounds awkward and is best avoided. Use one of the alternatives listed in this guide instead.

2. Can I use ‘according to me’ in informal speech?

Even in informal speech, native speakers do not use “according to me.” They say “I think,” “in my opinion,” or “as I see it.” Using “according to me” will make you sound like a non-native speaker, even if your English is otherwise fluent.

3. What is the difference between ‘in my opinion’ and ‘from my perspective’?

“In my opinion” is a general way to state your view. “From my perspective” emphasizes that your view is shaped by your personal experience, role, or situation. For example, “From my perspective as a parent, the school hours are inconvenient.”

4. How can I practice using these alternatives?

The best way is to write down five sentences using “according to me” and then rewrite each one using a different alternative from this guide. Then, read them aloud to see how much more natural they sound. You can also listen to native speakers in movies, podcasts, or conversations and notice how they express opinions.

For more help with common English mistakes, explore our Better English Corrections section. You can also check our FAQ page for answers to other common questions. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us. To understand how we create our content, please read our editorial policy.