согласно vs соответственно
soglasno vs sootvetstvenno — according to vs respectively/accordingly
Register: formal / neutral
What it really means
Согласно introduces a source, rule, or plan and governs the dative: согласно закону, согласно данным. Соответственно means “respectively” when pairing items, or “accordingly” when drawing a consequence; as an introductory adverb it is usually set off by commas. Do not confuse source with matching order.
Examples in natural speech
Согласно договору оплата завтра.
According to the contract, payment is tomorrow.
Согласно данным, спрос вырос.
According to the data, demand rose.
Анна и Борис заняли первое и второе места соответственно.
Anna and Boris took first and second place, respectively.
Срок истёк; соответственно, доступ закрыли.
The term expired; accordingly, access was closed.
Действуйте согласно инструкции.
Act according to the instructions.
Common mistakes
Use the dative after согласно, not the genitive: согласно плану. Use соответственно for correspondence or consequence, not to cite a regulation.
Memory tip
Согласно points to a rule; соответственно lines things up or follows its consequence.
Frequently asked questions
Why is согласно плану dative?
Modern standard Russian governs the dative after согласно, even though older usage may explain occasional genitive examples.
Does соответственно always mean respectively?
No: after a clause it often means “accordingly”; paired nouns make the “respectively” reading clear.
Should соответственно have commas?
As an introductory meaning “accordingly,” it is usually separated; as an ordinary adverb in a predicate, punctuation may differ.
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