Introduction
When learning Spanish, understanding how to express the concept of according to is essential for building more sophisticated and nuanced sentences. Two phrases frequently used in Spanish to convey this meaning are según and de acuerdo con. While both expressions can be translated as according to in English, they have distinct usage patterns, grammatical structures, and contextual applications that can significantly impact how native Spanish speakers perceive your message. This article explores the differences and similarities between these two important expressions, providing you with clear examples and practical guidance to use them correctly in your Spanish conversations and writing.
Understanding the Basics of Both Expressions
What is Según?
Según is a preposition that literally translates to according to in English. It is one of the most commonly used ways to introduce information that comes from a source, opinion, or perspective. Según is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from citing sources to expressing viewpoints. The word itself has an interesting etymology, coming from the Latin segund, which relates to following or continuing a sequence.
When you use según, you are essentially saying that something is based on what someone else has said, written, or believes. For example, según can introduce a direct source like a person, a news article, a study, or even statistics. It is typically followed by a noun phrase or a personal pronoun.
What is De acuerdo con?
De acuerdo con is a prepositional phrase that also means according to. This expression is more formal and is constructed from the words de (of), acuerdo (agreement or accord), and con (with). Literally, it translates to in agreement with or in accordance with. De acuerdo con emphasizes a sense of agreement or alignment with something, whether that is a plan, decision, opinion, or principle.
The phrase de acuerdo con is commonly used in formal writing, official documents, and professional communication. It tends to carry a slightly more authoritative or formal tone compared to según, making it particularly useful in business correspondence, legal documents, and academic writing.
Key Grammatical Differences
Structure and Flexibility
Según functions as a simple preposition and is followed directly by a noun, pronoun, or occasionally a clause. Its structure is straightforward and allows for minimal variation. For instance, you would write según followed by a name, title, or source. This simplicity makes según ideal for quick references and casual speech.
De acuerdo con, on the other hand, is a prepositional phrase that functions as a unit. It must remain intact and is always followed by a noun or noun phrase. While it is slightly more rigid in structure than según, it still maintains flexibility in terms of sentence placement and the types of nouns that can follow it.
Contracted Forms
Según can sometimes be contracted in informal speech or writing, though this is not standard. However, según does not have an official contracted form like some other prepositions do. It remains según regardless of the word that follows it.
De acuerdo con also does not have a contracted form. The phrase must always be written out fully. Occasionally, you might see a shorter version, de acuerdo a, which uses the preposition a instead of con, but de acuerdo con remains the most standard and recommended form in modern Spanish.
Contextual Usage and Applications
Using Según for Citations and Sources
Según is the primary choice when you want to cite a specific source or attribute information to someone. This can include citing a person, an organization, a publication, or any authority. Here are some practical examples of how to use según in this context:
Según María, la reunión comienza a las tres de la tarde. (According to María, the meeting starts at three in the afternoon.)
Según el periódico, habrá cambios importantes en la política económica. (According to the newspaper, there will be important changes in economic policy.)
Según mi experiencia, este método funciona muy bien. (According to my experience, this method works very well.)
In these examples, según introduces the source of the information directly, making it clear who or what is making the claim or providing the information. This is one of the most common uses of según in Spanish conversation and writing.
Using De acuerdo con for Agreement and Alignment
De acuerdo con is preferred when expressing agreement with a plan, decision, opinion, or established principle. It emphasizes that something aligns with or conforms to something else. Consider these examples:
De acuerdo con nuestro plan, debemos finalizar el proyecto en junio. (In accordance with our plan, we should complete the project in June.)
De acuerdo con la ley, los menores de dieciocho años no pueden trabajar más de ocho horas al día. (According to the law, minors under eighteen cannot work more than eight hours a day.)
De acuerdo con tu sugerencia, hemos decidido posponer la decisión. (In accordance with your suggestion, we have decided to postpone the decision.)
In these cases, de acuerdo con indicates that there is a direct connection or agreement between the action and the reference point mentioned. The phrase suggests conformity with established rules, plans, or suggestions.
Nuances and Subtle Differences
Formality Levels
Según is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in casual conversation, formal writing, professional communication, and academic work. Its simplicity and ubiquity make it a safe choice in virtually any context. When you use según, you are not necessarily indicating a formal or informal tone; you are simply introducing a source or perspective.
De acuerdo con carries a more formal tone and is more commonly found in official documents, business letters, academic papers, and legal texts. If you are speaking casually with friends, de acuerdo con might sound overly formal or stiff. However, in professional or academic settings, de acuerdo con demonstrates sophistication and is often the preferred choice.
Emphasis and Implication
When you use según, you are primarily reporting information or attributing a statement to someone or something else. The emphasis is on the source and what that source claims. Según is neutral and does not necessarily imply your agreement or disagreement with the statement.
When you use de acuerdo con, there is a subtle implication of agreement or alignment. The phrase suggests that the following information is not just being attributed to a source but also aligns with established standards, plans, or principles. De acuerdo con often implies a sense of compliance or consistency.
When to Use Each Expression
Choose Según When
Use según when you are citing a specific person, publication, study, or expert. Según is ideal for attributing opinions, statements, or findings to a clear source. Additionally, use según when speaking casually or in informal contexts where you want to introduce what someone has said without adding formality. Finally, choose según when you want to remain neutral about the information you are presenting; según allows you to report information without necessarily endorsing it.
Choose De acuerdo con When
Use de acuerdo con in formal or professional settings, such as business correspondence, legal documents, or academic writing. De acuerdo con is the better choice when expressing alignment with a plan, policy, law, or established principle. Additionally, use de acuerdo con when the context involves compliance with standards or expectations. Finally, choose de acuerdo con when you want to emphasize agreement or conformity with something established or suggested.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Confusing the Two Expressions
A common mistake among learners is using según and de acuerdo con interchangeably without considering context. While both can sometimes be used in similar situations, they carry different implications. To avoid this mistake, remember that según is primarily about attribution to a source, while de acuerdo con is about agreement or conformity with an established standard or plan.
Incorrect Word Order
Another frequent error is placing según or de acuerdo con in the wrong position within a sentence. While these expressions can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence, they must directly precede the noun or noun phrase they are introducing. Avoid awkwardly splitting these expressions or placing other words between the preposition and its object.
Mixing Prepositions
Some learners accidentally mix prepositions, writing incorrect forms like de acuerdo a instead of de acuerdo con. While de acuerdo a does exist and is sometimes used in certain Spanish-speaking regions, de acuerdo con is the standard form recommended by the Real Academia Española, the official Spanish language authority. To be safe and correct, always use de acuerdo con in formal contexts.
Practical Examples in Real Scenarios
In Business Communication
In a professional email, you might write: De acuerdo con nuestro contrato, los pagos deben realizarse dentro de treinta días. (In accordance with our contract, payments must be made within thirty days.)
Or: Según el informe de ventas, hemos alcanzado el setenta y cinco por ciento de nuestro objetivo trimestral. (According to the sales report, we have reached seventy-five percent of our quarterly target.)
In Academic Writing
In a research paper, you might use: Según el estudio realizado por la Universidad de Cambridge, existe una relación directa entre la educación y el bienestar económico. (According to the study conducted by Cambridge University, there is a direct relationship between education and economic well-being.)
Or: De acuerdo con las normas académicas vigentes, todas las citas deben incluir la fecha de acceso. (In accordance with current academic standards, all citations must include the access date.)
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between según and de acuerdo con is an important step in developing advanced Spanish language skills. While both expressions translate to according to in English, their usage patterns, formality levels, and contextual applications differ significantly. Según is ideal for citing sources and attributing information, while de acuerdo con emphasizes agreement and conformity with established standards or plans. By understanding when to use each expression and practicing their application in various contexts, you will enhance your ability to communicate precisely and effectively in Spanish. Remember to consider the formality of your context, the specific meaning you intend to convey, and the overall structure of your sentence when choosing between these two important expressions.
