What is an "according to" statement typically used for in a text?

An "according to" statement is used to present someone else's ideas or words, which serves to provide support or evidence for the claims being made in the text. This type of statement is often a way to attribute information to a specific source, such as an author or research study, thereby adding credibility to the argument or point being discussed. By using this phrase, the writer acknowledges the original source of the information, allowing readers to understand where the ideas come from and offering a basis for the claims that follow. This becomes especially important in persuasive or analytical writing, where backing up statements with authoritative mentions strengthens the overall argument.

In contrast, expressing a personal opinion would not require such attribution, and summarizing or concluding a discussion would not typically involve the integration of external views in the same way.