can vary based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can vary based on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something may change or differ depending on certain factors or conditions. Example: "The results of the experiment can vary based on the temperature and humidity levels during the testing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's around the length of one city block, (though it can vary based on the city or country).

Huffington Post

The start mechanism can vary based on make and model, too, but there's almost always one button labeled along the lines of "start" or "send design".

WikiHow

Experts say results can vary based on the seeds chosen for sampling.

The New York Times

On the other hand, load funds impose sales charges on different share classes that can vary, based on the time a fund is held.

The New York Times

A typical pet insurance policy costs $300 a year, but can vary based on the age of the pet, species, level of coverage and other factors.

The New York Times

A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll that found 65 percent opposed Mr. Ryan's plan, suggesting results can vary based on how the question is asked.

The New York Times

Results can vary based on the fact that there are many types of cellphones and many types of batteries with different capacity ratings.

The New York Times

Insurers and health policy experts say young adults could face higher premiums because of a provision that limits how much rates can vary based on a person's age.

The New York Times - Health

However, for health plans sold on the exchanges, premiums can vary, based on a person's age, tobacco use and place of residence.

The New York Times

Perceptions of incivility can vary based on the circumstances.

BBC

These suggestions can vary based on context such as the weather or time of day.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can vary based on", ensure that you clearly specify the factors that cause the variation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can vary based on" without providing specific examples or categories of factors that influence the variation. Without context, the statement becomes too vague to be useful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can vary based on" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating that a particular characteristic or outcome is not fixed but is dependent on certain factors. This is supported by Ludwig's observation that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can vary based on" is a versatile phrase used to express that something changes or differs depending on specific factors. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources indicates its applicability across various contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the influencing factors to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "may depend on" or "is influenced by" offer similar meanings. This phrase is a powerful tool for nuanced communication, ensuring your writing accurately reflects conditional relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may depend on

Replaces "can vary" with "may depend", focusing on the conditional aspect.

can be contingent on

Substitutes "vary" with "be contingent", emphasizing the dependency on specific circumstances.

might be subject to

Indicates that changes are likely due to certain conditions.

is influenced by

Focuses on the impact of different factors on the subject.

is determined by

Highlights that the outcome is definitively shaped by particular conditions.

can be affected by

Indicates that the subject is altered by external factors.

is reliant on

Emphasizes the dependence of something on certain factors.

is a function of

Presents the subject as mathematically or logically linked to certain variables.

changes according to

Directly states that alterations happen in response to specific conditions.

is variable depending on

Combines the concepts of variability and dependence, reinforcing the link between change and conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "can vary based on" in a sentence?

You can use "can vary based on" to indicate that something is subject to change depending on certain conditions. For instance, "The price of the product can vary based on demand".

What are some alternatives to "can vary based on"?

Alternatives include "may depend on", "is influenced by", or "is determined by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can fluctuate based on" instead of "can vary based on"?

Yes, "can fluctuate based on" is a valid alternative that suggests more of an up-and-down movement. Whether it's the best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

What factors typically follow "can vary based on"?

Typically, factors like conditions, circumstances, preferences, or specific characteristics follow "can vary based on". For example, "The outcome can vary based on individual preferences".