Is It Correct to Say ‘According to Me’?
No, it is not correct to say “according to me” in standard English. The phrase is widely considered a grammatical and stylistic error. Native speakers rarely use it because “according to” is reserved for citing an external source, authority, or objective fact—not a personal opinion. If you want to express your own view, you should use phrases like “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective.” Using “according to me” can sound unnatural and may even confuse your listener or reader, as it implies you are quoting yourself as an authority, which is logically awkward.
Quick Answer
Do not use “according to me.” Instead, use these alternatives depending on the context:
- In my opinion – for formal or neutral statements of belief.
- I think – for everyday conversation.
- From my perspective – to emphasize your personal viewpoint.
- As I see it – for a more conversational tone.
- To my mind – slightly formal, common in British English.
These phrases clearly signal that you are sharing a personal view, not citing an external source.
Why “According to Me” Is Incorrect
The phrase “according to” is used to report information from a specific source, such as a person, document, study, or organization. For example:
- “According to the weather report, it will rain today.”
- “According to my professor, the deadline is Friday.”
When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which creates a logical problem. You cannot objectively cite yourself as an authority on your own opinion because the opinion is inherently subjective. Native English speakers instinctively avoid this construction because it sounds self-referential and unnatural.
Formal vs. Informal Context
In formal writing, such as academic essays, business reports, or professional emails, “according to me” is never acceptable. It undermines your credibility because it suggests you are trying to present a personal opinion as an objective fact. In informal conversation, it might be understood but still sounds odd. Most native speakers would say “I think” or “in my opinion” instead.
Comparison Table: “According to Me” vs. Correct Alternatives
| Phrase | Correct? | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to me | No | Avoid in all contexts | “According to me, this is the best option.” (incorrect) |
| In my opinion | Yes | Formal and informal | “In my opinion, this is the best option.” |
| I think | Yes | Everyday conversation | “I think this is the best option.” |
| From my perspective | Yes | Formal or reflective | “From my perspective, this is the best option.” |
| As I see it | Yes | Informal conversation | “As I see it, this is the best option.” |
| To my mind | Yes | Formal, especially British English | “To my mind, this is the best option.” |
Natural Examples
Here are examples showing how to correctly express personal opinions in different situations:
- In a business email: “In my opinion, the proposal needs more detail before we present it to the client.”
- In a casual conversation: “I think we should go to the Italian restaurant tonight.”
- In a classroom discussion: “From my perspective, the author’s main argument is about social change.”
- In a friendly debate: “As I see it, the movie was better than the book.”
- In a formal essay: “To my mind, the evidence supports a different conclusion.”
Notice how each of these sounds natural and clear. If you replaced them with “according to me,” the sentences would feel awkward and incorrect.
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these errors when trying to express personal opinions:
- Mistake 1: Using “according to me” in writing. Example: “According to me, the project is on track.” Correction: “In my opinion, the project is on track.”
- Mistake 2: Using “according to my opinion.” This is redundant because “according to” already implies a source. Example: “According to my opinion, we should wait.” Correction: “In my opinion, we should wait.”
- Mistake 3: Using “according to myself.” This is even more awkward and grammatically incorrect. Example: “According to myself, I did a good job.” Correction: “I think I did a good job.”
- Mistake 4: Overusing “according to” for personal views in general. Some learners try to apply the structure to all opinions. Remember: “according to” is for external sources only.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Choosing the right alternative depends on the tone and situation. Here is a guide:
- “In my opinion” – Use this in formal writing, professional emails, or when you want to sound measured and polite. It is the safest choice for most contexts.
- “I think” – Use this in everyday conversation, informal messages, or when you want to sound direct and personal. It is the most common and natural option.
- “From my perspective” – Use this when you want to emphasize that your view is based on your personal experience or position. It works well in discussions about subjective topics.
- “As I see it” – Use this in casual conversation or friendly debates. It has a slightly informal, conversational feel.
- “To my mind” – Use this in formal writing, especially if you are following British English conventions. It is less common in American English.
If you are ever unsure, “in my opinion” and “I think” are almost always correct and natural.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence.
- ______, the best way to learn a language is through practice.
a) According to me
b) In my opinion
c) According to myself
Answer: b) In my opinion - ______, we should leave early to avoid traffic.
a) I think
b) According to me
c) According to my view
Answer: a) I think - ______, the company needs to update its policies.
a) From my perspective
b) According to me
c) According to myself
Answer: a) From my perspective - ______, the book was more interesting than the movie.
a) According to me
b) As I see it
c) According to my opinion
Answer: b) As I see it
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “according to me” ever correct in any dialect of English?
No, “according to me” is not considered correct in any standard dialect of English, including American, British, Australian, or Canadian English. It is a common error among learners, but native speakers avoid it entirely. Some people might use it jokingly or sarcastically, but it is not a standard or acceptable phrase.
2. Can I use “according to my opinion” instead?
No, “according to my opinion” is also incorrect. The phrase “according to” already implies a source, so adding “my opinion” is redundant and awkward. Use “in my opinion” or “I think” instead.
3. What should I say in a formal email instead of “according to me”?
In a formal email, use “in my opinion” or “from my perspective.” For example: “In my opinion, the report requires further review.” This sounds professional and clear. Avoid “I think” in very formal contexts, as it can sound too casual.
4. Why do some English learners use “according to me”?
Many learners use “according to me” because they are directly translating from their native language. In some languages, a similar structure is used to express personal opinions. However, English has different rules, and the direct translation does not work. Learning the correct alternatives will help you sound more natural.
For more guidance on common grammar questions, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us directly. You can also review our Editorial Policy to understand how we ensure accuracy in our guides.
