によると

The pattern によると is a core JLPT N3 grammar point and the standard way to cite a source in Japanese. It is derived from the verb よる（依る - to rely on/depend on, or 拠る - to be based on/grounded in） and the conditional particle と. Note that in modern Japanese, this grammar pattern is almost exclusively written in hiragana, so you should avoid using the kanji.

Key Usage Rules:

• Objective Sources: The source is typically an external entity (news, weather report, rumor, or another person). While you cannot use によると for your own subjective opinions or direct feelings, you can use it for your own objective records or findings (e.g., 私の経験によると - According to my experience, 私の記憶によると - According to my memory, or 'According to my research').
• Source Nouns: It attaches directly to nouns representing the source, such as 天気予報（てんきよほう - weather forecast）, ニュース (news), or 噂（うわさ - rumor）. When citing a specific person, you can attach it directly to their name (e.g., 田中さんによると) or use the variation [Person] + の話によると（のはなしによると）. Both are perfectly natural and correct.
• Sentence Endings: In everyday conversation and on tests like the JLPT, によると is generally paired with a hearsay ending. Standard pairings include 〜そうだ, 〜らしい, 〜とのことだ, or the formal 〜ということだ. However, in formal and academic writing, hearsay endings are typically replaced with reporting verbs such as 〜と述べている（〜とのべている）, 〜と指摘している（〜としてきしている）, or 〜としている. Crucially, when the source is your own experience or research (e.g., 私の経験によると), you cannot use a hearsay ending. Instead, you should use a declarative ending or an expression of conjecture, expectation, or opinion (such as 〜はずだ, 〜だろう, or 〜と思う).
• Formal Variant (によれば): A common synonym is 〜によれば. It functions identically but carries a slightly more formal or written tone. In news broadcasts, you may also hear the polite によりますと. Another common, more conversational alternative when referring to information mediums or stories is 〜では (e.g., ニュースでは).
• Verb Usage: To cite information based on an action (e.g., 'According to what I hear'), use the structure [Verb-Dictionary Form/た Form/ている Form] + ところ + によると. Note that this structure is almost exclusively restricted to verbs related to perception, communication, or acquiring information, such as 聞く（きく - to hear）, 見る（みる - to see）, or 言う（いう - to say）. Examples include 聞くところによると（きくところによると） or 私が聞いているところによると（わたしがきいているところによると - According to what I am hearing）.
• Caution: Do not confuse によると (according to) with 〜によって / 〜による (depending on / by / due to), even though they share the same root verb. Additionally, watch out for the set phrases ことによると (possibly / perhaps) and 場合によると (depending on the situation/case). While ことによると looks similar, it is an adverbial expression frequently paired with 〜かもしれない and often appears as a trick question on the JLPT. Finally, remember that によると attaches directly to nouns. Never insert the particle の before it (e.g., ニュースのによると is incorrect).