Common Speaking Mistake: ‘according to me’ Explained
Many English learners use the phrase “according to me” when giving a personal opinion, but this is a common speaking mistake. The correct and natural way to express your own view is to say “in my opinion” or “I think”. The phrase “according to” is reserved for reporting what someone else has said or what a source states, not for introducing your own thoughts. This guide explains why “according to me” is incorrect, provides natural alternatives, and helps you avoid this error in conversations and emails.
Quick Answer: Why “According to Me” Is Wrong
“According to” means “as stated by” or “based on the information from.” It is used to cite an external source, such as a person, a book, a report, or an authority. When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which sounds unnatural and grammatically awkward in English. Instead, use “in my opinion,” “I think,” “I believe,” or “from my perspective” to share your personal view.
Understanding the Core Rule
The phrase “according to” always points to a source of information that is not the speaker. For example:
- According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
- According to my professor, the exam is next week.
- According to the report, sales increased by 20%.
In each case, the source is someone or something other than the speaker. When you want to give your own opinion, you are the source, so you need a different structure. Saying “according to me” is like quoting yourself as if you were a third party, which is not how native speakers use the phrase.
Comparison Table: “According to Me” vs. Correct Alternatives
| Incorrect Phrase | Correct Alternative | Context |
|---|---|---|
| According to me, this is the best option. | In my opinion, this is the best option. | Formal or informal conversation |
| According to me, the movie was boring. | I think the movie was boring. | Casual conversation |
| According to me, we should leave now. | I believe we should leave now. | Polite suggestion |
| According to me, the plan will fail. | From my perspective, the plan will fail. | Professional discussion |
| According to me, she is wrong. | It seems to me that she is wrong. | Softening a disagreement |
Natural Examples
Here are examples showing how to use correct phrases in everyday situations:
In Conversation
- Correct: “In my opinion, the restaurant is overpriced.”
- Correct: “I think we should take the train instead of driving.”
- Correct: “From my perspective, the project needs more time.”
In Emails
- Correct: “In my opinion, the proposal is strong, but we need more data.”
- Correct: “I believe this approach will save us money in the long run.”
- Correct: “From my point of view, the deadline is too tight.”
In Formal Writing
- Correct: “It is my view that the policy should be revised.”
- Correct: “I am of the opinion that further research is needed.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “according to me,” along with explanations:
Mistake 1: Using “According to Me” in Any Opinion
Incorrect: “According to me, the best way to learn is by practicing.”
Correct: “In my opinion, the best way to learn is by practicing.”
Why: “According to” requires an external source. Your own opinion is not an external source.
Mistake 2: Using “According to Me” in Group Discussions
Incorrect: “According to me, the team should focus on marketing.”
Correct: “I think the team should focus on marketing.”
Why: In a group setting, “I think” is more natural and collaborative.
Mistake 3: Using “According to Me” in Emails
Incorrect: “According to me, the budget is insufficient.”
Correct: “In my view, the budget is insufficient.”
Why: Emails require a professional tone, and “in my view” is more appropriate.
Mistake 4: Confusing “According to” with “In My Opinion”
Incorrect: “According to the manager, the meeting is at 3 PM. According to me, it should be at 2 PM.”
Correct: “According to the manager, the meeting is at 3 PM. In my opinion, it should be at 2 PM.”
Why: The first part correctly cites the manager. The second part needs a personal opinion phrase.
Better Alternatives: When to Use Each
Choosing the right alternative depends on the tone and context. Here is a guide:
Casual Conversation
- “I think” – Most common and natural. Example: “I think the pizza is cold.”
- “I feel” – Emphasizes emotion. Example: “I feel we should apologize.”
- “To me” – Simple and direct. Example: “To me, this seems unfair.”
Polite or Formal Conversation
- “In my opinion” – Neutral and widely accepted. Example: “In my opinion, the proposal has merit.”
- “I believe” – Slightly stronger than “I think.” Example: “I believe this is the right decision.”
- “From my perspective” – Acknowledges your viewpoint. Example: “From my perspective, the timeline is unrealistic.”
Professional or Written Context
- “In my view” – Formal and concise. Example: “In my view, the data supports this conclusion.”
- “It seems to me” – Tentative and polite. Example: “It seems to me that we need more evidence.”
- “I am of the opinion” – Very formal. Example: “I am of the opinion that the contract should be reviewed.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
Question 1
____, the movie was too long.
A) According to me
B) In my opinion
C) According to my opinion
Answer: B) In my opinion
Question 2
____ the news report, the storm is moving north.
A) According to
B) In my opinion
C) I think
Answer: A) According to
Question 3
____, we should postpone the meeting until next week.
A) According to me
B) I believe
C) According to my view
Answer: B) I believe
Question 4
____ the teacher, the assignment is due on Friday.
A) In my opinion
B) According to
C) I think
Answer: B) According to
FAQ: Common Questions About “According to Me”
1. Is “according to me” ever correct in English?
No, “according to me” is not considered correct in standard English. The phrase “according to” is used to cite an external source, and you cannot treat yourself as an external source. Always use “in my opinion,” “I think,” or a similar phrase instead.
2. Can I use “according to my opinion”?
No, “according to my opinion” is also incorrect. The word “opinion” already indicates a personal view, so using “according to” with it is redundant and unnatural. Stick with “in my opinion” or “I think.”
3. What about “according to me” in informal speech?
Even in informal speech, native speakers do not use “according to me.” It sounds awkward and marks you as a non-native speaker. In casual conversation, use “I think” or “to me.” For example, “To me, that doesn’t make sense” is natural.
4. How do I correct myself if I accidentally say “according to me”?
If you catch yourself saying it, simply rephrase immediately. For example: “According to me—sorry, I mean in my opinion—the plan needs work.” This shows self-correction and is perfectly acceptable in conversation.
Final Tips for Avoiding This Mistake
To master this rule, remember these three points:
- “According to” always needs an external source. If you are the source, do not use it.
- Use “in my opinion” for formal contexts and “I think” for casual ones.
- Practice with real examples. Write down sentences where you might be tempted to say “according to me” and replace them with correct alternatives.
For more help with common speaking errors, explore our Speaking Mistake Fixes section. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for other tricky rules. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.