従って、従う：in accordance with, according to

Both "in accordance with" and "according to" are adverbial phrases, aren't they?

ChatGPT:

Exactly 👍 — both “according to” and “in accordance with” function as prepositional/adverbial phrases in these contexts.

They attach to the verb and modify it adverbially, telling us “in what manner” or “under what rule/standard” something is done.

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Examples

• according to

The control unit determines the priority according to the priority order among MAC CEs.
→ according to modifies determines → adverbial role.

• in accordance with

The control unit determines the priority in accordance with the priority order among MAC CEs.
→ in accordance with also modifies determines → adverbial role.

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Subtle difference

• according to = “based on,” “as specified by” → everyday and technical.

• in accordance with = “in compliance with,” “conforming to” → more formal, legalistic.

So yes, structurally they’re both adverbial, but the register and nuance differ.

あなた：

They can both attach to a noun to indicate the source of information or conformity to a rule, can it not?

ChatGPT:

Yes, exactly — both can modify a noun phrase as well, not just a verb, though their nuances differ a bit.

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1. according to (source of information / attribution)

• Most natural when the sense is “as stated by / as reported by / based on.”

• Attaches to a noun referring to a source of authority or information.

Examples

• According to the report, the failure was due to overheating.

• According to 3GPP Release 17, the UE shall support…
  → Here it’s not modifying the verb but anchoring the statement to a source.

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2. in accordance with (conformity / compliance)

• Almost always used to show compliance with rules, standards, procedures.

• Attaches to a noun phrase that denotes a rule, law, specification, or order.

Examples

• The device operates in accordance with ISO 26262.

• In accordance with the company’s safety policy, protective gear must be worn.

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Comparison

• according to = attribution / “based on what X says.”

• in accordance with = conformity / “in compliance with X.”

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So yes — both can attach to a noun, but the type of noun differs:

• according to → “person, document, authority, statement.”

• in accordance with → “rule, regulation, law, standard, requirement.”