can vary from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can vary from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something has a range of values or possibilities. For example, "The temperature in the desert can vary from -17°C to 38°C."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That can vary from scene to scene.

The New York Times - Tech

It can vary from place to place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reactions can vary from person to person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This can vary from HR to payroll to CSR.

The Guardian

The savings can vary from book to book.

The New York Times

This can vary from a month to two years.

The Guardian - Money

Writing styles can vary from the plodding to the racy.

The Guardian - Books

I think it can vary from individual to individual.

The New York Times

Roads, in particular, can vary from decent to impassible.

The New York Times - Travel

The questions can vary from: "Where is she going next?

The New York Times

The effects of altitude can vary from individual to individual.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can vary from", ensure you specify the range or possibilities clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "prices can vary from location to location", be more specific: "Prices can vary from $50 in rural areas to $150 in urban centers."

Common error

Avoid using "can vary from" without providing context or examples of how it varies. Saying "results can vary from" without specifying what those variations might be leaves the reader uninformed. Be sure to provide specific examples to clarify the range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can vary from" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is subject to change or exists within a range of possibilities. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in describing fluctuating conditions or differing characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can vary from" is a versatile phrase used to express variability or a range of possibilities, suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. To maximize clarity, always specify the range or the conditions causing the variation. Ludwig's analysis showed that the phrase is frequently found in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can deviate from

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or expected path, implying a slight difference in meaning compared to a simple variation.

can range from

Highlights the existence of a spectrum or scale between two defined endpoints.

can differ from

Focuses on the aspect of dissimilarity or unlikeness between two or more entities.

can fluctuate from

Suggests an irregular rising and falling in number or amount over time.

can be different from

Highlights the distinction or lack of identity between two or more items.

can change from

Indicates a transformation or alteration from one state or condition to another.

can extend from

Suggests something that reaches or stretches out in a particular direction or over a specific distance.

can evolve from

Implies a gradual development or progression from a previous state, over time.

can stem from

Highlights the origin or cause of something, often indicating a consequence or result.

can result from

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of a particular action, process or cause.

FAQs

How do I use "can vary from" in a sentence?

Use "can vary from" to indicate a range of possibilities or differences. For example, "The cost of living "can vary from" city to city." Always include specific details to illustrate the range.

What are some alternatives to "can vary from"?

Alternatives include "can range from", "can differ from", or "can change from". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can vary from" or "varies between"?

"Can vary from" suggests a broader, potentially undefined range, while "varies between" implies a more specific set of options. For instance, "opinions "can vary from" positive to negative" is less precise than "opinions varies between approval and disapproval."

What's the difference between "can vary from" and "depends on"?

"Can vary from" indicates a range of possibilities, while "depends on" implies a conditional relationship. For example, "The outcome "can vary from" success to failure" expresses a range, whereas "the outcome "depends on" the effort invested" shows a condition.