Common Speaking Mistake: ‘according to me’ Explained

If you have ever said “according to me” in a conversation or meeting, you have likely made a mistake that sounds unnatural to native speakers. The phrase “according to me” is not grammatically wrong, but it is almost never used in standard English. Native speakers do not use it because “according to” is reserved for external sources, not personal opinion. The direct answer is this: instead of “according to me,” use “in my opinion,” “I think,” or “from my perspective.” This article explains why, gives you natural alternatives, and helps you avoid this common speaking error.

Quick Answer: What to Say Instead

Do not say “according to me.” Say one of these instead:

• In my opinion – for formal and neutral contexts.
• I think – for everyday conversation.
• From my perspective – when you want to emphasize your viewpoint.
• As I see it – for informal discussion.
• To my mind – slightly formal, common in British English.

These phrases are natural, clear, and correct in any workplace or social setting.

Why ‘According to Me’ Is a Mistake

The phrase “according to” is used to report information from a source that is not yourself. You use it to cite a person, a document, a study, or a rule. For example:

• “According to the report, sales increased by 10%.”
• “According to John, the meeting starts at 3 PM.”
• “According to the dictionary, this word is a noun.”

When you say “according to me,” you are treating yourself as an external source, which sounds odd. It implies you are reporting your own opinion as if it came from someone else. Native speakers rarely, if ever, use this construction. It is a direct translation from some other languages (like French “selon moi” or Spanish “según yo”), but it does not work in English.

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

Natural Examples

Here are examples of how to use the correct phrases in real situations:

• In a meeting: “In my opinion, we should focus on customer retention first.”
• In an email: “From my perspective, the new timeline is too aggressive.”
• In casual conversation: “I think the movie was better than the book.”
• In a debate: “As I see it, the main issue is lack of communication.”
• In a written report: “To my mind, the proposal lacks clear objectives.”

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “according to me”:

• Mistake 1: “According to me, this is the best solution.”
  Correction: “In my opinion, this is the best solution.”
• Mistake 2: “According to my opinion, we need more time.”
  Correction: “In my opinion, we need more time.” (Do not combine “according to” with “my opinion.”)
• Mistake 3: “According to myself, the project is on track.”
  Correction: “I think the project is on track.” (Never use “myself” with “according to.”)
• Mistake 4: Using “according to me” in formal writing like reports or emails.
  Correction: Use “from my perspective” or “in my view” instead.

Better Alternatives: When to Use Each

In my opinion

Use this in most professional situations. It is safe, neutral, and widely accepted. It works in emails, meetings, and presentations. Example: “In my opinion, the budget should be increased.”

I think

Use this in everyday conversation. It is the most common and natural way to give an opinion. Example: “I think we should try a different approach.”

From my perspective

Use this when you want to emphasize your personal viewpoint, especially in a professional context. It sounds thoughtful and respectful. Example: “From my perspective, the customer’s complaint is valid.”

As I see it

Use this in discussions or debates. It is slightly informal but polite. Example: “As I see it, the problem is not the product but the pricing.”

To my mind

Use this in written English, especially if you are writing for a British audience. It is formal and slightly old-fashioned. Example: “To my mind, the evidence is insufficient.”

Mini Practice Section

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

1. __________, the training session was too long. (According to me / In my opinion)
2. __________, we should hire more staff. (I think / According to me)
3. __________, the design needs improvement. (From my perspective / According to myself)
4. __________, the deadline is unrealistic. (As I see it / According to my view)

Answers:

1. In my opinion
2. I think
3. From my perspective
4. As I see it

FAQ

1. Is “according to me” ever correct?

No, it is not considered correct in standard English. Native speakers do not use it. Always replace it with “in my opinion” or “I think.”

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

No. This is a double mistake. “According to” already implies a source, and “my opinion” is not a source. Say “in my opinion” instead.

3. What about “according to my point of view”?

Avoid this as well. It sounds awkward and unnatural. Use “from my point of view” or “from my perspective.”

4. Is “according to me” used in any dialect of English?

It is not standard in any major dialect, including American, British, Australian, or Canadian English. You may hear it from non-native speakers, but it is always a mistake.

Final Tip for Workplace English

In professional settings, your choice of words affects how others perceive you. Using “according to me” can make you sound less fluent. Stick with “in my opinion” for formal situations and “I think” for casual ones. If you want to learn more about fixing common speaking mistakes, explore our Speaking Mistake Fixes section. For broader grammar help, visit Grammar Accuracy Checks. If you have questions, check our FAQ or contact us. For more on how we write, see our Editorial Policy.