according to

== English == === Pronunciation === === Preposition === according to Based on what is said or stated by; on the authority of; by the order of. Synonyms: as per, per, following Coordinate term: on the basis of In a manner conforming or corresponding to; in proportion to; in accordance with. [from 16th c.] Synonyms: as per, per, following, as to Near-synonym: on the basis of Depending on. ==== Usage notes ==== According to is shown as a preposition in all four American unabridged dictionaries MW3, RHU, Encarta, and AHD. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (CGEL) classifies according as a preposition with to phrase as its complement, noting that the meaning when used as a preposition differs from the meaning of the "-ing" form of the verb accord. The same underlying mechanism, a pluripotency for part of speech, can be seen with various other present participles (e.g., concerning, regarding, speaking of); see also absolute construction and dangling participle). The Oxford Dictionary of English, 2nd edition, 2005, lists according (according to) as an adverb with the definition "as stated by or in: according to financial experts"; also "in a manner corresponding or conforming to: cook the rice according to the instructions" and "in proportion or relation to: salary will be fixed according to experience". ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====