Is It Correct to Say ‘according to me’?

No, it is not grammatically correct to say “according to me” in standard English. The phrase is widely considered a mistake because “according to” is used to report someone else’s opinion, source, or authority, not your own. Native speakers and careful writers avoid it because it sounds unnatural and self-referential. Instead, you should use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective.” This article explains why “according to me” is wrong, when you might hear it, and what to say instead.

Quick Answer: Why ‘according to me’ Is Wrong

The phrase “according to” is used to attribute information to an external source. For example, “according to the weather report” or “according to the manager.” When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which is illogical. The correct way to express your own view is with subjective phrases like “in my opinion” or “I believe.”

Understanding ‘according to’

The preposition “according to” has two main uses:

• Reporting someone else’s statement or opinion: “According to the professor, the exam is next week.”
• Indicating a source of information: “According to the dictionary, the word has two meanings.”

In both cases, the source is a third party. Using “according to me” breaks this rule because you cannot be a third party to your own opinion.

Formal vs. Informal Context

In formal writing, “according to me” is never acceptable. In informal conversation, some learners use it by mistake, but native speakers rarely do. Even in casual speech, “in my opinion” or “I think” sound more natural. The only exception is when you are quoting yourself in a specific context, such as “according to my notes,” but that is different from stating an opinion.

Comparison Table: ‘according to me’ vs. Correct Alternatives

Natural Examples

Here are examples showing correct and incorrect usage in real situations:

• Incorrect: “According to me, we should leave early.”
  Correct: “In my opinion, we should leave early.”
• Incorrect: “According to me, the movie was boring.”
  Correct: “I think the movie was boring.”
• Incorrect: “According to me, the report needs more data.”
  Correct: “From my perspective, the report needs more data.”
• Incorrect: “According to me, she is the best candidate.”
  Correct: “As I see it, she is the best candidate.”

Common Mistakes

Learners often make these errors with “according to me”:

• Using it in emails: “According to me, the deadline is too tight.” Instead, write “In my view, the deadline is too tight.”
• Using it in conversations: “According to me, you should apologize.” Instead, say “I believe you should apologize.”
• Confusing it with “according to my understanding”: “According to my understanding” is acceptable because it refers to your comprehension of facts, not your opinion. For example, “According to my understanding, the meeting is at 3 PM.”

Better Alternatives

Here are the best alternatives to “according to me” for different situations:

For Formal Writing or Emails

• “In my view” – professional and clear.
• “From my perspective” – suitable for reports or discussions.
• “It seems to me that” – polite and tentative.

For Casual Conversation

• “I think” – simple and natural.
• “I feel” – good for expressing emotions.
• “As far as I’m concerned” – informal but common.

For Group Discussions

• “In my experience” – when sharing personal knowledge.
• “To my mind” – slightly formal but acceptable.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct phrase for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. __________, the project is on schedule. (According to me / In my opinion)
2. __________ the manager, the meeting is canceled. (According to / In my opinion)
3. __________, this restaurant serves the best pasta. (According to me / I think)
4. __________ the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow. (According to / From my perspective)

Answers

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

FAQ: Common Questions About ‘according to me’

1. Is “according to me” ever correct?

No, it is not correct in standard English. The only exception is when you are quoting your own written or spoken words, such as “according to my previous statement,” but this is rare and not for opinions.

2. Can I use “according to my opinion”?

No, this is also incorrect. “According to” already implies an opinion or source, so “according to my opinion” is redundant. Use “in my opinion” instead.

3. What should I say instead of “according to me” in an email?

Use “in my view,” “from my perspective,” or “I believe.” For example, “In my view, the proposal needs revision.”

4. Do native speakers ever say “according to me”?

Rarely, and usually by mistake or as a joke. Native speakers naturally avoid it because it sounds awkward. If you hear it, it is likely from a non-native speaker or in very informal, self-aware speech.

Final Advice for Learners

To avoid this common mistake, remember that “according to” is for external sources. When you want to share your own opinion, use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective.” Practice using these alternatives in your writing and speaking, and you will sound more natural and accurate. For more help with similar grammar issues, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.