Segun Quien en Ingles: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding "According to"

When it comes to expressing opinions or attributing information to a specific source in English, the phrase "según quien" is often translated as "according to" in English. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and confidently in English. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which "según quien" can be used in English and provide examples to help you grasp its usage.

1. Expressing Opinions

One of the common ways to use "según quien" in English is to express opinions or beliefs. When stating an opinion that is not universally agreed upon, it is important to attribute it to a specific source. For instance, if you want to say "Según quien lo mires, el arte abstracto puede ser fascinante o confuso" (According to who you ask, abstract art can be fascinating or confusing), you can use the phrase "according to" to convey this idea in English.

Here are a few more examples:

• "Según quien lo pregunte, el amor a primera vista puede ser real o simplemente una ilusión" (According to who you ask, love at first sight can be real or just an illusion).
• "Según quien lo interprete, el final de la película tiene un significado oculto o no" (According to who you interpret it, the ending of the movie has a hidden meaning or not).

2. Citing Sources

In academic writing or when sharing facts and information, it is crucial to cite your sources. Translating "según quien" as "according to" allows you to attribute the information to a specific reference or person. This helps you maintain accuracy and credibility in your writing or conversation.

Consider the following examples:

• "Según quien preguntó al experto, el cambio climático es causado por la actividad humana" (According to the person who asked the expert, climate change is caused by human activity).
• "Según el informe publicado por la OMS, la obesidad es un problema de salud global" (According to the report published by the WHO, obesity is a global health issue).

3. Introducing Different Viewpoints

"Según quien" can also be used to bring up contrasting or diverse opinions on a particular matter. When introducing different viewpoints, using "according to" helps to clearly convey the varying perspectives being discussed.

Take a look at these examples:

• "Según quien lo vea, el nuevo sistema de transporte público es una mejora o un desperdicio de recursos" (According to who you ask, the new public transportation system is an improvement or a waste of resources).
• "Según los partidarios, la legalización de la marihuana beneficiaría a la economía, pero según los opositores, podría tener consecuencias negativas" (According to the supporters, the legalization of marijuana would benefit the economy, but according to the opponents, it could have negative consequences).

4. Reporting Quotes or Sayings

When reporting quotes or sayings in English, "según quien" can be effectively translated as "according to." This attribution adds credibility to the quote and acknowledges the person who said it.

Consider these examples:

• "Según quien lo dijo, 'la vida es corta, escribe tu propia historia'" (According to who said it, 'life is short, write your own story').
• "Según el refrán popular, 'el que mucho abarca, poco aprieta'" (According to the popular saying, 'he who takes on too much, achieves too little').

5. Expressing General Consensus or Agreement

While "según quien" is often used to convey differing opinions, it can also be used to express a sense of agreement or a general consensus on a certain topic. In such cases, "according to" helps to present a collective viewpoint rather than an individual one.

Consider these examples:

• "Según quienes asistieron a la conferencia, el discurso del orador principal fue inspirador" (According to those who attended the conference, the keynote speaker's speech was inspiring).
• "Según muchos estudios, la actividad física regular es fundamental para mantener una buena salud" (According to many studies, regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health).

Conclusion

In English, the phrase "según quien" is commonly translated as "according to," and it plays a vital role in various contexts. Whether you are expressing opinions, citing sources, introducing different viewpoints, reporting quotes, or expressing general consensus, knowing how to use this phrase correctly will enhance your communication skills. By understanding the different ways "según quien" can be applied in English, you will be able to express yourself effectively and confidently in various situations.