according to
according to
prep
1 : as stated, reported, or recorded by (someone or something)
According to a recent survey, most Americans drive to work. [=a recent survey says that most Americans drive to work]
According to rumors I've heard, he was fired for stealing from the company.
2 : as directed or required by (rules, directions, etc.)
She always did everything according to the rules.
I cooked the rice according to the directions on the box.
Everything went according to plan. [=everything went as it had been planned]
3 : in a way that is based on (something)
He arranged the books on the shelf according to [=by] their size.
He was paid according to how quickly he worked.
