according

according
according
1. according as.
This is now well established as a subordinating conjunction meaning ‘depending on whether, to the extent to which’, despite Fowler's long warning (1926) against its use: e.g.

• Llanaba Castle presents two quite different aspects, according as you approach it from the Bangor or the coast road —Evelyn Waugh, 1928

• Glass plates of equal thickness behave quite differently, according as they contain lead or not —Laura Otis, 2002.

2. according to.
This is used as a complex preposition, and means (a) in a manner that is consistent with (something), e.g. His schemes are not going according to plan, (b) as stated by (a person or authority), e.g. According to our records, the account is in credit

• I have acted according to my conscience —Anthony Blunt, 1979

• (with an element of uncertainty or disbelief) According to them, we're supposed to stay at home, (c) in a manner or degree that is in proportion to (something), e.g. Arrange the blocks according to size and colour

• My price varied from twenty to fifty pounds according to the neighbourhood and the customer —Graham Greene, 1966.


Modern English usage. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • According — Ac*cord ing, p. a. Agreeing; in agreement or harmony; harmonious. This according voice of national wisdom. Burke. Mind and soul according well. Tennyson. [1913 Webster] According to him, every person was to be bought. Macaulay. [1913 Webster] Our …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • According as — According Ac*cord ing, p. a. Agreeing; in agreement or harmony; harmonious. This according voice of national wisdom. Burke. Mind and soul according well. Tennyson. [1913 Webster] According to him, every person was to be bought. Macaulay. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • According — Ac*cord ing, adv. Accordingly; correspondingly. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • according to — {prep.} 1. So as to match or agree with; so as to be alike in. * /Many words are pronounced according to the spelling but some are not./ * /The boys were placed in three groups according to height./ 2. On the word or authority of. * /According to …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • according to — {prep.} 1. So as to match or agree with; so as to be alike in. * /Many words are pronounced according to the spelling but some are not./ * /The boys were placed in three groups according to height./ 2. On the word or authority of. * /According to …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • according as — {conj.} 1. Depending on which; whichever. * /You may take an oral or written exam according as you prefer./ 1. Depending on whether; if. * /We will play golf or stay home according as the weather is good or bad./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • according as — {conj.} 1. Depending on which; whichever. * /You may take an oral or written exam according as you prefer./ 1. Depending on whether; if. * /We will play golf or stay home according as the weather is good or bad./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • According — Accord Ac*cord , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Accorded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {According}.] [OE. acorden, accorden, OF. acorder, F. accorder, fr. LL. accordare; L. ad + cor, cordis, heart. Cf. {Concord}, {Discord}, and see {Heart}.] 1. To make to agree or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • According to Spike Milligan — is a series of literary pastiche novels written by Spike Milligan from 1993 to 2000. Each part of the series was a rewriting of an original novel, with surreal comic elements added that fit into certain points of the originals whilst at the same… …   Wikipedia

  • according to one's own lights — {adv. phr.} In accordance with one s conscience or inclinations. * /Citizens should vote according to their own lights./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • according to one's own lights — {adv. phr.} In accordance with one s conscience or inclinations. * /Citizens should vote according to their own lights./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”