Better Way to Say ‘According to Me’ in English

If you have ever said or written “according to me,” you might have felt that something was slightly off. The direct answer is that “according to me” is not grammatically wrong, but it is rarely used by native speakers in natural conversation or writing. The phrase sounds awkward because “according to” is typically used to cite an external source, not your own opinion. A much better way to express the same idea is to use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” “from my perspective,” or “as I see it.” This guide will explain exactly why “according to me” is a common mistake, what to use instead, and how to choose the right alternative for different situations.

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

If you need a simple replacement right now, use one of these phrases:

• In my opinion – Best for formal writing and polite conversation.
• I think – Best for everyday conversation and informal emails.
• From my perspective – Best when you want to emphasize your personal viewpoint.
• As I see it – Best for friendly discussion and sharing a point of view.
• To me – Best for short, casual statements.

These alternatives are natural, widely accepted, and will help you sound more fluent in English.

Why ‘According to Me’ Is a Problem

The phrase “according to” is used to reference information from a source that is not yourself. For example:

• “According to the report, sales increased.”
• “According to John, the meeting is at 3 PM.”
• “According to the weather forecast, it will rain.”

When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which sounds unnatural. Native speakers almost never use this phrase because it creates a strange distance between the speaker and their own opinion. Instead, they use direct expressions of personal belief or viewpoint.

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

Natural Examples

Here are examples showing how native speakers naturally express personal opinions in different contexts.

In Conversation

• “I think we should try the new restaurant.”
• “As I see it, the movie was too long.”
• “To me, this color looks better.”
• “In my opinion, we made the right choice.”

In Emails

• “In my opinion, the proposal needs more detail.”
• “From my perspective, the timeline is too tight.”
• “I think we should schedule a follow-up meeting.”

In Formal Writing

• “In my opinion, the data supports this conclusion.”
• “From my perspective, the policy has several advantages.”

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make when trying to express personal opinions, along with corrections.

Mistake 1: Using ‘According to me’ in any context

Incorrect: “According to me, the answer is correct.”
Correct: “In my opinion, the answer is correct.”

Mistake 2: Using ‘According to my opinion’

Incorrect: “According to my opinion, this is better.”
Correct: “In my opinion, this is better.”

Mistake 3: Overusing ‘I think’ in formal writing

Incorrect: “I think the report shows a clear trend.” (Too casual for a formal paper)
Correct: “In my opinion, the report shows a clear trend.”

Mistake 4: Using ‘According to me’ in emails

Incorrect: “According to me, we should delay the project.”
Correct: “From my perspective, we should delay the project.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Choosing the right phrase depends on the situation. Here is a detailed guide.

‘In my opinion’ – Formal and Polite

Use this in professional emails, academic writing, and formal discussions. It sounds respectful and measured.

Example: “In my opinion, the budget should be increased.”

‘I think’ – Everyday and Natural

This is the most common way to express an opinion in casual conversation and informal writing. It is simple and direct.

Example: “I think we should go now.”

‘From my perspective’ – Emphasizing Viewpoint

Use this when you want to highlight that you are speaking from your own experience or position. It is useful in discussions where different viewpoints are being considered.

Example: “From my perspective, the customer service could be improved.”

‘As I see it’ – Friendly and Conversational

This phrase is great for friendly debates or sharing personal views. It sounds open and inviting.

Example: “As I see it, we have two good options.”

‘To me’ – Short and Personal

Use this for quick, personal statements. It works well in spoken English.

Example: “To me, that seems unnecessary.”

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the best alternative for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. “According to me, the meeting should be shorter.”
a) In my opinion, the meeting should be shorter.
b) According to my view, the meeting should be shorter.
c) As per me, the meeting should be shorter.

2. “According to me, this is the best solution.”
a) According to my thinking, this is the best solution.
b) I think this is the best solution.
c) As per my opinion, this is the best solution.

3. “According to me, the design needs changes.” (Formal email)
a) I think the design needs changes.
b) In my opinion, the design needs changes.
c) To me, the design needs changes.

4. “According to me, we should wait.” (Casual conversation)
a) As I see it, we should wait.
b) According to my perspective, we should wait.
c) In my personal opinion, we should wait.

Answers: 1-a, 2-b, 3-b, 4-a

FAQ: Common Questions About ‘According to Me’

Is ‘according to me’ ever correct?

Technically, it is grammatically correct, but it is almost never used by native speakers because it sounds unnatural. It is better to avoid it entirely and use a more natural alternative.

Can I use ‘according to me’ in informal conversation?

Even in informal conversation, native speakers do not use “according to me.” They use “I think,” “to me,” or “as I see it” instead. Using “according to me” will make you sound like a non-native speaker.

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

“In my opinion” is a general way to state what you believe. “From my perspective” emphasizes that your view is shaped by your personal experience or position. For example, “From my perspective as a manager, the team needs more training.”

Is ‘according to me’ used in British English?

No, “according to me” is not commonly used in British English either. Native speakers in all varieties of English prefer the alternatives mentioned in this guide.

Final Tip

If you catch yourself about to say or write “according to me,” pause and choose one of the natural alternatives. With a little practice, using “in my opinion,” “I think,” “from my perspective,” “as I see it,” or “to me” will become automatic. Your English will sound more fluent and natural in both conversation and writing.

For more help with common English corrections, visit our Better English Corrections section. If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. You can also check our FAQ page for answers to other common questions.