can vary substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can vary substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to change significantly or to a large degree. Example: "The results of the experiment can vary substantially depending on the conditions under which it is conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seasonal variations also can vary substantially.

The New York Times

The results can vary substantially depending on the starting point.

The New York Times

The subprime lenders are largely regulated by the states, whose laws can vary substantially.

The New York Times

Coverage in a metropolitan area can vary substantially among carriers, and sometimes a carrier's coverage will extend deep into more rural areas, particularly along highways.

The New York Times - Tech

Some experts also advise against using automatic bill payment, especially for items like electricity and cellphones where use can vary substantially month to month.

The New York Times

Droughts may appear on weather maps as large blotches of red or yellow, depending on their general intensity, but local conditions can vary substantially.

The Guardian

Based on the fund, however, this number can vary substantially.

TechCrunch

Interestingly, recent cross-cultural studies have shown that linguistic categorization of body parts can vary substantially.

SEP

The wages received by Mexican immigrants can vary substantially by skill level.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

The procedures that define the strategy used to generate trading signals can vary substantially.

Financial Innovation

The corresponding plastic strain vector respects the normality rule and can vary substantially with stress state.

Pergamon Materials Series

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can vary substantially", ensure that the context clearly indicates the factors causing the variation, enhancing clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "can vary substantially" without specifying what factors contribute to the variation. Provide context to make the statement more meaningful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can vary substantially" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular attribute or measurement is subject to significant change. It highlights the potential for considerable difference depending on various factors, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can vary substantially" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a significant degree of variability or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about the factors influencing the variation to enhance clarity. Alternatives like ""can differ significantly"" or ""can fluctuate greatly"" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can differ significantly

Emphasizes the difference in a more formal or factual context.

can fluctuate greatly

Highlights the unstable or wavering nature of the variation.

can change considerably

Focuses on the aspect of change, implying a noticeable alteration.

can diverge markedly

Suggests a deviation or separation that is easily noticeable.

can range widely

Indicates a broad scope or spectrum of possible values or outcomes.

can differ widely

Emphasizes the broad spectrum of possible differences that can occur.

can fluctuate significantly

Focuses on irregular changes to highlight unpredictable variations.

can vary greatly

A shorter alternative that shares similar semantic values.

can differ considerably

A longer alternative that shares similar semantic values.

can deviate substantially

A longer alternative that focuses on changes compared to a norm.

FAQs

How can I use "can vary substantially" in a sentence?

Use "can vary substantially" to indicate a significant range or degree of difference. For example, "The cost of living "can vary substantially" depending on the location".

What are some alternatives to "can vary substantially"?

Alternatives include "can differ significantly", "can fluctuate greatly", or "can change considerably". Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance regarding the nature and extent of the variation.

Which is correct: "can vary substantially" or "can vary significantly"?

Both ""can vary substantially"" and "can vary significantly" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "can vary substantially" and "can vary slightly"?

"Can vary substantially" implies a large degree of difference, while "can vary slightly" indicates a small or minor difference. The choice depends on the extent of the variation you want to convey.