accord / accordance
The noun accord and the phrase in accordance with.
Accord is chiefly a noun meaning agreement, harmony, or a formal settlement. As a verb it means to grant (accord them a hearing) or, used intransitively, to be consistent (the testimony accords with the records). Use in accordance with to mean “in conformity with” a rule or request. Use according to when crediting a source or reporting a claim. Do not use in accord to or in accordance to.
Examples
Use After months of talks, the union and the hospital signed an accord on staffing levels.
Use Her ashes were scattered at sea in accordance with her wishes.
Use According to the report, sales rose.
Avoid Her ashes were scattered at sea in accord with her wishes. (Use in accordance with.)
In accord with means “in agreement with,” not “in conformity with”: the panel’s conclusions are in accord with earlier studies. As per is business jargon; in its place, use according to or in accordance with.