Literary notes about According (AI summary)
In literature, the phrase “according to” is commonly used as a means of attributing authority, clarifying perspective, or delineating standards. Authors employ it to reference established opinions or sources—as seen when an action is justified or explained by external factors. For instance, in historical and religious texts, “according to” introduces accounts or interpretations by respected authorities, such as in [1] where behavior “according to the spirit” conveys a moral standard, or in [2] where a military report is presented “according to General Otis’s report.” Its function extends beyond mere citation; it helps structure arguments by linking statements to external evidence or rules, as noted in [3] where poetry is said to “contract or dilate itself according to the Mould in which it was cast.” By using this construction, writers can subtly convey that their assertions are not solely personal opinions but are grounded in broader, often culturally or historically validated, frameworks. This versatile phrase thereby enhances both the credibility and contextual clarity of the narrative.