according什么意思（What is 'According' ）

There are certain words in the English language that can often cause confusion amongst non-native speakers. One such word is 'according'. At first glance, it may seem like a simple preposition, but its usage can vary greatly depending on the context. In this article, we will explore the different meanings and uses of the word 'according'.

Meaning as a Preposition

The most common meaning of 'according' is as a preposition, which is used to show a relationship between two things. For example, \"According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow\" or \"According to the professor, the exam will be difficult\". In both of these examples, 'according' is used to indicate that the information is coming from a reliable source or authority.

It's also worth noting that 'according' can be used interchangeably with 'based on' or 'as per'. For instance, \"Based on the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow\" or \"As per the professor, the exam will be difficult\".

Meaning as an Adjective

Despite the fact that 'according' is more commonly used as a preposition, it can also be an adjective. In this sense, it is used to describe something that is generally agreed upon or accepted. For example, \"According to popular opinion, cats are more independent than dogs\" or \"This is the plan of action according to the CEO\". In both cases, 'according' is used to imply that the information is widely accepted or acknowledged.

When used as an adjective, 'according' can be replaced with synonyms such as 'accepted', 'believed', or 'endorsed'. For example, \"This is the accepted plan of action\" or \"The plan that is believed to be the best by the CEO\".

Meaning as an Adverb

Finally, 'according' can also be an adverb, which is used to modify a verb, adjective or another adverb. When used in this sense, it means \"as stated by someone or something\". For example, \"His story was according to his wife\" or \"The ceremony proceeded according to plan\". In both cases, 'according' is used to indicate that the action or event is in accordance with what was expected or stated.

Other words that can be used to replace 'according' when used as an adverb include 'as', 'relying on', 'consistent with', or 'as per'. For instance, \"His story was as stated by his wife\" or \"The ceremony proceeded as per plan\".

Conclusion

As we have seen, 'according' can have different meanings based on its usage. It can be a preposition, an adjective or an adverb, each with its own nuanced meaning. Understanding the appropriate usage of 'according' can help improve communication and avoid misunderstandings.