can vary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can vary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something changes or has different forms. For example, "The number of people in the class can vary from semester to semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This scheme can vary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fifty?" "It can vary".

Independent

Voter moods can vary.

The New York Times

"It can vary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

PRICES can vary greatly.

The New York Times

But it can vary.

The New York Times

Accuracy, however, can vary.

The New York Times - Tech

The reactions can vary.

The New York Times

But smugglers' luck can vary.

The New York Times

And practices can vary widely.

The Economist

But the cost can vary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can vary", specify the factors that influence the variation to provide clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "can vary" without providing any indication of the range or possible causes of the variation. Without context, it can sound vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can vary" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility of change or difference. It suggests that a particular attribute, quantity, or characteristic is not fixed and is subject to fluctuation or alteration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can vary" is a versatile and widely used expression that indicates the possibility of change or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in numerous contexts. Its neutral register and frequent occurrence in diverse sources such as news media, academic texts, and wikis underscore its adaptability. When using "can vary", remember to provide sufficient context to specify the factors influencing the variation. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can effectively convey the dynamic nature of the concepts they describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be different

States a simple difference without specifying the degree.

may differ

Emphasizes the possibility of differences existing.

might fluctuate

Highlights the idea of irregular variation.

could diverge

Suggests a deviation from a common point or standard.

may be inconsistent

Indicates a lack of uniformity or predictability.

might be subject to change

Highlights that the thing is not static and liable to modifications.

can be modified

Underlines the option of making changes.

may transform

States that something changes into something different.

can be altered

Shows how something is susceptible to transformation.

could be adjusted

States the possibility of improvement by slight alteration.

FAQs

How to use "can vary" in a sentence?

Use "can vary" to indicate that something is subject to change or differences depending on the circumstances. For example, "The price of the product can vary depending on the retailer."

What can I say instead of "can vary"?

You can use alternatives like "may differ", "might fluctuate", or "can be different" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can vary" or "can varies"?

"Can vary" is the correct form. "Varies" is a verb form used with singular subjects, while "vary" is the base form used with modal verbs like "can".

What's the difference between "can vary" and "can change"?

While both indicate a possibility of alteration, "can change" suggests a transformation from one state to another, whereas "can vary" implies a range of possibilities within a certain spectrum.