according to me (in my opinion)

Native speakers rarely say "according to me" to introduce a personal opinion. "According to" names an external source (according to the report, according to Sara). For your own view, use direct opinion markers like "in my opinion," "I think," or casual "to me."

Below are quick fixes, clear rules on register and formatting, and many copy-and-paste rewrites for work, school, and casual contexts.

Quick answer

Don't use "according to me" for your own opinion. Replace it with "in my opinion," "I think," "I believe," or casual forms such as "to me" or "IMO." Reserve "according to" for named external sources (according to the study; according to Maria).

• "According to + source" = correct (According to the report, sales rose).
• Personal view = "I think" / "In my opinion" / "To me".
• Register guide: formal = "In my view / I believe"; neutral = "I think"; casual = "To me / IMO".

Core explanation (why "according to me" sounds wrong)

"According to" is a reporting phrase that points to someone or something outside the speaker. When the speaker is the source, English prefers direct opinion constructions: verbs (I think, I believe) or noun-phrases (in my opinion).

Using "according to me" mixes a reporting pattern with first-person subjectivity and often sounds like a literal translation from another language. Swap it for a direct opinion marker to sound natural.

Real usage: pick the right phrase by context

Match the phrase to tone and purpose. Formal writing favors "in my opinion," "in my view," or "I believe." Everyday speech tends to use "I think" or "to me." When you want to influence action, use stronger verbs like "recommend" or "suggest."

• Formal: In my opinion / In my view / I believe.
• Neutral: I think / It seems to me.
• Casual: To me / IMO / I feel like.

• Work (formal): Use "In my view" or "I recommend."
• Everyday: Use "I think" or "I feel."
• Chat/casual: Use "To me" or "IMO."

Grammar and formatting (hyphenation & spacing)

"According to" is a preposition + object that names a source. For personal opinions, use "I think" (verb), "in my opinion" (noun phrase), or "it seems to me" (impersonal).

• No hyphens: write "in my opinion," not "in-my-opinion."
• Avoid "according-to-me" styling or other joined forms; keep normal spacing.
• Abbreviations: "IMO" is fine in chat but not in formal writing.
• Tone tip: choose "I recommend/suggest" when you want action rather than a mere opinion.

Examples: wrong → right pairs by register

Each incorrect sentence uses "according to me." Pick the rewrite that matches your tone.

Work - 3 examples

• Incorrect: According to me, we should postpone the launch.
  • Formal: In my opinion, we should postpone the launch.
  • Directive: I recommend postponing the launch.
  • Neutral: I think we should postpone the launch.
• Incorrect: According to me, the client will accept.
  • Neutral: I expect the client will accept.
  • Formal: In my view, the client is likely to accept.
• Incorrect: According to me, this KPI is irrelevant.
  • Formal: In my opinion, this KPI no longer measures success.
  • Neutral: I don't think this KPI is useful anymore.

School - 3 examples

• Incorrect: According to me, the essay lacks depth.
  • Formal: In my opinion, the essay needs more analysis.
  • Neutral: I believe the essay lacks depth.
• Incorrect: According to me, the experiment failed.
  • Neutral: It seems to me the experiment did not work as planned.
  • Casual: I think the experiment failed.
• Incorrect: According to me, the answer is C.
  • Neutral: I think the answer is C.

Casual - 3 examples

• Incorrect: According to me, pizza is better than burgers.
  • Casual: To me, pizza is better than burgers.
  • Neutral: I prefer pizza to burgers.
• Incorrect: According to me, we should go now.
  • Neutral: I think we should go now.
  • Casual: I'm ready to go.
• Incorrect: According to me, that song is awful.
  • Neutral: I thought that song was awful.
  • Casual: To me, it's not great.

Mixed / reporting example

• Incorrect (confuses reporting and opinion): According to me, the report says X.
  • Report correctly: According to the report, X.
  • Opinion instead: In my opinion, X.

Rewrite help: checklist, templates, and quick rewrites

Use the checklist, then paste a template that fits your tone. Keep rewrites short and direct.

• Checklist: 1) Is the source external? If yes, use "according to + source." 2) If it's your view, pick formal/neutral/casual. 3) Replace and tighten-drop unnecessary hedges.
• Formal template: In my opinion, [clause]. Example: In my opinion, the proposal needs another review.
• Neutral template: I think [clause]. Example: I think the algorithm needs optimization.
• Casual template: To me, [clause] / IMO, [clause]. Example: To me, that shortcut doesn't help.
• Decision template: I recommend/suggest [action]. Example: I recommend postponing the release until QA completes.

Try your sentence below to see how the rewrite sounds in context.

Memory trick

Insert a name after "according to." If it sounds natural, the phrase is correct. If not, choose an opinion phrase.

• Test: According to the study → OK. According to me → odd. Swap to "I think" or "In my opinion."
• Swap-in test: Replace "according to me" with "the report says." If that fails, use an opinion construction instead.

Similar mistakes and fast corrections

Learners often translate literal phrases from other languages: "as per my opinion," "according to my opinion," or "according to my mind." These feel awkward in English.

• "As per my opinion" → In my opinion / I think.
• "According to my opinion" → In my opinion.
• "According to people" (without naming) → Some people say / According to users (name the source).

• Fix1: Incorrect: As per my opinion, we should wait.
  Correct: In my opinion, we should wait.
• Fix2: Incorrect: According to my opinion, the test is easy.
  Correct: I find the test easy / In my opinion, the test is easy.
• Fix3: Incorrect: According to people, it's good. Better: Some people say it's good / According to users, it's good.

FAQ

Is "according to me" grammatically correct?

It's possible but sounds unnatural. "According to" expects an external source; use "I think" or "in my opinion" for personal views.

Can I use "according to" to report my own view in a formal report?

No. For self-expressed views in formal writing, use "In my opinion" or "I believe." Use "according to" only with a named external source.

When should I use stronger verbs like "recommend"?

Use "recommend" or "suggest" when you want to advise action or influence a decision rather than simply state an opinion.

How do I report someone else's opinion?

Use "according to + source": According to Dr. Lee, the sample is contaminated. If the source is general, say "some experts say" or "many users report."

What's a quick fix when I see "according to me" in my text?

Replace it with "I think" (neutral), "In my opinion" (formal), or "To me/IMO" (casual). If you're reporting someone else, name the source.

Soft CTA

Unsure which phrasing fits? Read your rewrites aloud. A grammar or tone checker can flag unnatural phrasing and offer formal, neutral, and casual options so your sentence matches the audience-work, school, or casual conversation.