can differ

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can differ" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that two things may not be the same. For example, "The opinion of two people on the same issue can differ."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember that body language can differ for different people.

WikiHow

"Reasonable people can differ.

The New York Times

Reasonable minds can differ.

The New York Times

But reasonable people can differ.

The New York Times

But the allocations can differ".

The New York Times

And even then opinions can differ".

The New York Times

Opera buffs can differ about his work.

The New York Times - Arts

Temperatures can differ widely depending on location.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reasonable minds can differ on this.

The New York Times

"Reasonable people can differ," he said.

The New York Times

"Reasonable people can differ," Mr. Anemone said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can differ" to clearly indicate a potential variation or disagreement between two or more elements. It is particularly useful in academic and professional writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that things "can differ" without specifying what differs and why. Provide the necessary context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can differ" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential variation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that two or more things might not be the same. It's commonly used to acknowledge potential discrepancies or variations across different situations or perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can differ" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the potential for variation or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is particularly common in news, science, and academic writing. When using "can differ", ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify what aspects are subject to variation. Alternatives such as "may vary" or "might diverge" can be used to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "can differ" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may vary

Focuses on the potential for things to be different.

can diverge

Implies a splitting or branching out in different directions.

might diverge

Highlights a deviation or separation in direction or opinion.

could deviate

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or expected path.

may contrast

Focuses on highlighting differences between two or more things.

could be distinct

Underscores the separateness and uniqueness of items.

might be dissimilar

Stresses a lack of resemblance or similarity.

may not align

Indicates a lack of agreement or correspondence.

might conflict

Suggests a direct opposition or clash.

can stand apart

Emphasizes the ability to be separate or independent.

FAQs

How can I use "can differ" in a sentence?

You can use "can differ" to indicate that there is a possibility of variation. For example, "Opinions "can differ" on the best approach".

What can I say instead of "can differ"?

Alternatives to "can differ" include phrases like "may vary", "might diverge", or "could be distinct", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "can differ" or "may differ"?

Both "can differ" and "may differ" are grammatically correct. "Can" indicates a possibility or ability, while "may" suggests a possibility or permission. The choice depends on the intended nuance, but they are often interchangeable.

What's the difference between "can differ" and "are different"?

"Can differ" implies a potential for variation or disagreement, whereas "are different" states an existing difference. For instance, "Approaches "can differ"" suggests that differences are possible, while "Approaches are different" states that differences already exist.