Is It Correct to Say ‘According to Me’?

No, it is generally not correct to say “according to me” in standard English. The phrase “according to” is used to report someone else’s opinion, statement, or source of information, not your own. Using it to refer to yourself sounds unnatural and is considered a common mistake among English learners. Instead, you should use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective.”

Quick Answer

Do not use “according to me.” The phrase “according to” is reserved for citing external sources or other people’s views. When expressing your own opinion, use these alternatives:

• In my opinion
• I think / I believe
• From my perspective
• As far as I am concerned
• To me

Why “According to Me” Is Incorrect

The core issue is that “according to” implies a neutral reporting of information from a source outside yourself. It is used to attribute statements, facts, or opinions to a third party. When you say “according to me,” you are treating your own opinion as if it were an external reference, which creates a logical and grammatical conflict.

Think of it this way: “according to” is like a citation. You use it to say, “This is what this person or source says.” You do not need to cite yourself because you are the one speaking. Using “according to me” sounds as odd as saying “as stated by myself.”

Formal vs. Informal Context

In formal writing or speech, “according to me” is never acceptable. In informal conversation, some native speakers might use it jokingly or sarcastically, but it is not standard English. For example, if someone says, “According to me, that movie was terrible,” they are often being humorous or emphatic. However, for learners, it is safest to avoid it entirely.

Email and Conversation Context

In professional emails, using “according to me” can make you sound unsure or unprofessional. Instead, use confident phrases like “I believe” or “in my view.” In casual conversation, “I think” or “to me” are natural and clear.

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

Natural Examples

Here are examples showing how to use “according to” correctly, and how to express your own opinion naturally.

Using “According to” Correctly (External Sources)

• According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
• According to my professor, the exam covers chapters 1 through 5.
• According to the study, exercise improves mental health.
• According to the news, the company is merging with a competitor.

Expressing Your Own Opinion (Alternatives)

• In my opinion, we should wait before making a decision.
• I think this restaurant serves the best pasta in town.
• From my perspective, the project needs more time.
• To me, this song sounds better live.
• As far as I am concerned, the plan is ready to go.

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “according to me,” along with corrections.

Mistake 1: Using “According to Me” in Writing

Incorrect: According to me, the meeting should be rescheduled.
Correct: In my opinion, the meeting should be rescheduled.

Mistake 2: Using “According to Me” in Conversation

Incorrect: According to me, she is the best candidate.
Correct: I think she is the best candidate.

Mistake 3: Confusing “According to” with “In My Opinion”

Incorrect: According to the manager, the deadline is Friday. (This is correct if the manager said it.)
Confusion: Learners sometimes use “according to me” because they think it is a formal version of “in my opinion.” It is not.

Mistake 4: Using “According to Me” in Emails

Incorrect: According to me, we need to revise the budget.
Correct: I believe we need to revise the budget.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Here is a guide to choosing the right phrase for different situations.

Formal Writing or Professional Emails

• In my opinion – Safe and professional.
• From my perspective – Slightly more formal.
• It seems to me that – Polite and tentative.

Casual Conversation

• I think – Natural and direct.
• To me – Very common in speech.
• I feel – Good for expressing emotions.

When to Use “According To”

Use “according to” only when you are reporting what someone else said or what a source states. Examples:

• According to the instructions, press the red button.
• According to my colleague, the client is unhappy.
• According to the dictionary, this word is a noun.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct option.

Question 1

Which sentence is correct?

1. According to me, this movie is boring.
2. In my opinion, this movie is boring.

Answer: b. “In my opinion” is correct for expressing your own view.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: “______ the teacher, the test is next week.”

1. According to
2. In my opinion

Answer: a. “According to” is correct because you are reporting the teacher’s statement.

Question 3

Which phrase is best for a formal email?

1. According to me
2. I think
3. In my opinion

Answer: c. “In my opinion” is the most professional choice.

Question 4

Is this sentence correct? “According to the report, sales increased by 10%.”

1. Yes
2. No

Answer: a. Yes, because “the report” is an external source.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I ever use “according to me”?

In very informal or humorous contexts, some native speakers might say it for emphasis, but it is not standard English. As a learner, it is best to avoid it completely. Stick to “in my opinion” or “I think.”

2. What is the difference between “according to me” and “in my opinion”?

“According to” is used to cite an external source. “In my opinion” is used to express your own view. They are not interchangeable. “According to me” is incorrect because you are not an external source to yourself.

3. Is “according to my opinion” correct?

No, “according to my opinion” is also incorrect. It is redundant and unnatural. Use “in my opinion” instead.

4. How do I express my opinion politely in English?

You can use phrases like “I think,” “I believe,” “in my view,” “from my perspective,” or “it seems to me that.” For extra politeness, add “personally” or “if you ask me.” For example: “Personally, I think we should wait.”

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