according to
Function:
prepositionMeaning:
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.
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.