Introduction
Learning Spanish involves mastering many subtle grammatical distinctions that can confuse even dedicated language learners. Two phrases that frequently cause difficulty are según and de acuerdo con. Both expressions mean similar things in English, but they have distinct uses and applications in Spanish. Understanding the differences between these two phrases is crucial for achieving fluency and avoiding common mistakes that native speakers will immediately notice. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate these tricky constructions and use them correctly in any situation.
Understanding the Basics
What Do These Phrases Mean?
Según is a preposition that translates to according to or in accordance with in English. It is used to indicate that information comes from a particular source or follows someone’s perspective.
De acuerdo con is a prepositional phrase that also means according to or in agreement with. It can sometimes be shortened to de acuerdo a, though the former is more formally correct in standard Spanish.
While these definitions sound almost identical, the devil is in the details. The contexts in which you use each phrase, the grammatical structures that follow them, and the subtle nuances they convey can make a significant difference in your Spanish communication.
The Core Similarity
Both según and de acuerdo con introduce information that originates from an external source. When you say something is según someone, you are citing that person as your source. Similarly, when you use de acuerdo con, you are indicating agreement with a statement, rule, or person’s viewpoint.
When to Use “Según”
Indicating Source or Authority
Según is primarily used when you want to attribute information to a specific source, authority, or person. This is perhaps its most common application.
Example: Según el doctor, necesitas descansar más. (According to the doctor, you need to rest more.)
Example: Según las noticias, lloverá mañana. (According to the news, it will rain tomorrow.)
In these examples, según clearly establishes where the information originates. The doctor and the news are the sources being cited.
With Pronouns and Names
Según works particularly well when followed directly by pronouns or proper names. This is where many learners make mistakes by trying to use de acuerdo con instead.
Example: Según tú, todo es fácil. (According to you, everything is easy.)
Example: Según María, la reunión fue exitosa. (According to María, the meeting was successful.)
Notice that según flows naturally with pronouns and names. You would not typically say de acuerdo con tú or de acuerdo con María in normal conversation, although grammatically it is not entirely incorrect.
Expressing a Viewpoint or Perspective
Según can also indicate that something depends on perspective or interpretation. This usage is more subtle but equally important.
Example: Según cómo lo mires, puede ser bueno o malo. (Depending on how you look at it, it can be good or bad.)
Example: Según el punto de vista, la situación es diferente. (Depending on the viewpoint, the situation is different.)
In these cases, según suggests that the truth or validity of a statement varies based on how one perceives it.
When to Use “De acuerdo con”
Expressing Agreement with Rules or Statements
De acuerdo con is often used when you want to emphasize agreement or compliance with a rule, law, document, or formal statement.
Example: De acuerdo con el contrato, el pago debe realizarse antes del 30 de junio. (In accordance with the contract, payment must be made before June 30.)
Example: De acuerdo con la ley, los menores de edad no pueden trabajar. (According to the law, minors cannot work.)
Notice that de acuerdo con often precedes formal documents, rules, or legal statements. It carries a more official, formal tone than según.
Following Constructions with Nouns
De acuerdo con is typically followed by nouns rather than pronouns. This is one of the most important distinctions between these two phrases.
Example: De acuerdo con nuestro plan, debemos empezar temprano. (In accordance with our plan, we should start early.)
Example: De acuerdo con tu propuesta, podemos hacerlo de esa manera. (In accordance with your proposal, we can do it that way.)
When you want to follow the phrase with a noun or noun phrase, de acuerdo con is the more natural choice, especially in formal or written Spanish.
Emphasis on Alignment
De acuerdo con sometimes emphasizes that two things are in alignment or that one thing aligns with another. This nuance is particularly useful in business and formal contexts.
Example: De acuerdo con los resultados, nuestro proyecto fue un éxito. (In line with the results, our project was a success.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using De acuerdo con with Pronouns
One of the most frequent errors is using de acuerdo con immediately followed by a pronoun. While it is not grammatically incorrect, it sounds awkward and unnatural to native speakers.
Incorrect: De acuerdo con yo, este es el mejor camino. (According to me, this is the best path.)
Correct: Según yo, este es el mejor camino.
If you must express agreement with a pronoun, use según instead. The corrected version sounds much more natural.
Mistake 2: Confusing Formality Levels
Another common mistake involves using según in very formal contexts where de acuerdo con would be more appropriate. While según is versatile, formal documents and official communications benefit from the more authoritative tone of de acuerdo con.
Less formal: Según el reglamento, no se permite fumar aquí. (According to the regulation, smoking is not allowed here.)
More formal: De acuerdo con el reglamento, no se permite fumar aquí. (In accordance with the regulation, smoking is not allowed here.)
Both versions are correct, but in official contexts, de acuerdo con is preferable.
Mistake 3: Mixing Up the Prepositional Phrases
Some learners mistakenly use de acuerdo a as a complete replacement for de acuerdo con. While de acuerdo a exists, it is less standard in formal Spanish, particularly in Spain, though it is more common in some Latin American countries.
Standard: De acuerdo con nuestros datos, el crecimiento es positivo.
Less standard but used: De acuerdo a nuestros datos, el crecimiento es positivo.
For maximum correctness and to sound more educated, stick with de acuerdo con rather than de acuerdo a.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the Preposition
Some learners drop the preposition entirely, which is incorrect. You cannot simply say acuerdo con or según without the proper article or structure.
Incorrect: Acuerdo con el plan, nos reuniremos mañana.
Correct: De acuerdo con el plan, nos reuniremos mañana.
Practical Examples in Context
In Casual Conversation
When chatting with friends, según is far more common because you are often citing what someone said or believes.
Example: Según Pedro, la película fue aburrida. (According to Pedro, the movie was boring.)
Example: Según lo que me dijiste, debo llamar al gerente. (According to what you told me, I should call the manager.)
In these casual contexts, según flows naturally and is what native speakers use most frequently.
In Business and Professional Settings
De acuerdo con dominates professional and business Spanish because it carries the formal authority needed in these contexts.
Example: De acuerdo con nuestro presupuesto anual, debemos reducir gastos. (In accordance with our annual budget, we must reduce expenses.)
Example: De acuerdo con los estándares internacionales, este producto cumple todos los requisitos. (In accordance with international standards, this product meets all requirements.)
In Academic Writing
Academic Spanish prefers de acuerdo con when referencing sources in a formal manner, though según is also acceptable.
Example: De acuerdo con la investigación de García, los resultados demuestran que… (In accordance with García’s research, the results demonstrate that…)
Example: Según García, los resultados demuestran que… (According to García, the results demonstrate that…)
Both are acceptable in academic contexts, but your choice may depend on your institution’s style guide.
Regional Variations
Spain vs. Latin America
In Spain, de acuerdo con is strongly preferred in formal contexts, and de acuerdo a is rarely used. In many Latin American countries, de acuerdo a is more commonly used than de acuerdo con, though the latter is still considered more correct.
Según is universally used and understood across all Spanish-speaking regions without any significant variations.
Practical Implications for Learners
If you are learning Spanish for use in Spain, prioritize de acuerdo con. If you are learning for Latin American Spanish, both de acuerdo con and de acuerdo a are acceptable, though de acuerdo con remains more formal.
Tips for Mastering These Phrases
Memory Technique 1: Think of Pronouns
Remember that según loves pronouns. If you are about to use a pronoun after the phrase, choose según. This simple rule will eliminate many mistakes.
Memory Technique 2: Think of Formality
If the context is formal, legal, or official, lean toward de acuerdo con. This is not an absolute rule, but it is a helpful guide.
Memory Technique 3: Practice with Real Materials
Read Spanish news articles, business documents, and social media to see how native speakers use these phrases in context. This exposure will help your brain internalize the correct usage patterns.
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between según and de acuerdo con significantly improves your Spanish fluency and helps you sound more natural and educated. Remember that según is your go-to choice for citing people, pronouns, and sources in casual and formal contexts alike. De acuerdo con is better suited for formal situations, legal documents, and when emphasizing compliance with rules or agreements. By understanding these nuances and practicing with real Spanish materials, you will confidently use both phrases correctly and avoid the common mistakes that trip up many language learners. Keep these guidelines in mind during your Spanish studies, and you will soon find that choosing between these two phrases becomes second nature.
