According vs. Accordingly: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Hifza Nasir || Updated on March 5, 2024
"According" involves referring or relating to something as a source, while "accordingly" means acting in a way that is appropriate or consistent with something.
Key Differences
"According" is often used to attribute information or actions to a source or standard, implying that something is determined or stated by the source. For example, decisions can be made according to guidelines or rules, indicating reliance on or compliance with those guidelines. On the other hand, "accordingly" is an adverb that guides the manner of an action, suggesting actions are taken in a way that aligns with previously mentioned facts or rules.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
When we say something is done according to a plan, we're highlighting the plan as the basis or criterion for actions or decisions. This usage emphasizes adherence or conformity to the plan. Whereas, when we state that someone acted accordingly, we mean their actions were in direct response or adaptation to a situation or information, emphasizing a cause-and-effect relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
"According" can also introduce a statement that explains the reason or basis for something, linking it directly to a source or reference. It suggests a direct quotation or paraphrasing from a document, person, or another form of authority. Conversely, "accordingly" transitions to the consequence or logical response to the aforementioned basis, focusing on the outcome of the adherence to the source or information.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
In legal or formal documents, "according to" serves to cite specific articles, laws, or documents as the foundation for statements or actions, indicating a formal reference. Meanwhile, "accordingly" in such contexts implies that the subsequent actions or decisions are justified by the cited information, ensuring a logical flow from reference to action.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
"According" often precedes a specific source, like a person, document, or rule, making it clear where the information or directive originates. This clarity is crucial for understanding the basis of the argument or action. On the other hand, "accordingly" follows the acknowledgment of a situation or information, leading to a decision or action that reflects the acknowledgment, thus focusing on the response rather than the source.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Function
Links an action or statement to a source or standard
Indicates an action is taken in response to a situation or information
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Usage Context
Often used to cite or refer to a source
Used to describe how actions should follow from the given information
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Examples
"According to the manual, the device should not overheat."
"The device overheated, and accordingly, it was shut down."
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Focus
On the source or basis for information or action
On the response or adaptation to the given information or situation
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
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According and Accordingly Definitions
Accordingly
Therefore; so.
The contract was breached, and accordingly, legal action was taken.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
According
Based on.
Salary increases will be given according to performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Accordingly
Conforming or adapting to.
Adjustments were made accordingly to fit the new regulations.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
According
As stated by or in someone’s words.
According to John, the meeting is at noon.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
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Accordingly
As a result.
The team failed to score, and accordingly, they lost the match.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
According
Dependent on whether.
We will proceed according to how the weather looks.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Accordingly
In accordance with.
She was deemed qualified and was accordingly awarded the position.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
According
As corresponds or relates to.
The team was organized according to skill level.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Accordingly
In a way that is appropriate to the particular circumstances.
He knew he was wrong and acted accordingly.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
According
A settlement or compromise between conflicting parties
The strikers and the owners reached an accord.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Accordingly
Agreeably; correspondingly; suitably; in a manner conformable.
Behold, and so proceed accordingly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
According
Spontaneous or voluntary desire to take a certain action
The children returned on their own accord. He confessed of his own accord.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
According
Agreeing; in agreement or harmony; harmonious.
According to him, every person was to be bought.
Our zeal should be according to knowledge.
Is all things well,According as I gave directions?
The land which the Lord will give you according as he hath promised.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "accordingly" only used at the beginning of a sentence?
No, it can also be used in the middle or end, depending on the context.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
How is "accordingly" used in a sentence?
It's used to indicate that actions are taken in a way that aligns with the information or situation mentioned.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can "according" be used without following text?
No, it typically precedes a source or standard for reference.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can "accordingly" imply causality?
Yes, it implies that an action is taken because of a certain situation or information.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
How does "according" relate to accuracy?
It emphasizes the accuracy or adherence to the cited source or standard.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What distinguishes "according to" from "accordingly"?
"According to" refers to a source or standard, while "accordingly" describes an action taken in response to a situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Does "according" always require a direct object?
Yes, it typically requires a noun or noun phrase to specify the source or standard.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
What does "according to" mean?
It means as stated by someone or something, or in conformity with a standard.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Can "accordingly" be used to indicate a consequence?
Yes, it's used to show that something is done as a result of something else.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Is it correct to say "according to this, we should act accordingly"?
Yes, this phrase correctly uses both terms to first cite a basis and then suggest a consequent action.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Can "accordingly" be replaced with "therefore" in a sentence?
In many contexts, yes, as both can indicate a logical consequence.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Is "according" a formal word?
Yes, it's often used in formal contexts to cite sources or standards.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Do "according" and "accordingly" have the same part of speech?
No, "according" is a preposition, while "accordingly" is an adverb.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How does the use of "accordingly" affect the tone of a document?
It can make the document more formal or logical by showing reasoned actions.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Is "according" specific to written documents?
While often found in written contexts, it's also used in speech for citing sources or standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
