could vary from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could vary from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can change or differ within a range of possibilities. Example: "The temperatures in this region could vary from mild to extremely hot during the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Premiums and benefits could vary from one plan to another.

The New York Times

Discus diameters could vary from 5.5in to 13.5in.

The Guardian - Sport

However, the final circumstances could vary from the foregoing".

The New York Times

What were the parameters that could vary from universe to universe?

The New York Times - Science

Coverage could vary from excluding certain contraceptives to all of them, depending on the company.

The Guardian - Money

Those amounts could vary from one plan to another, he said.

The New York Times

House Republicans said the details of drug coverage could vary from one insurance plan to another.

The New York Times

Parry said it could vary from 20 to 100 mosquitoes per person on the island.

The Guardian

They could vary from place to place on a mega-cosmic scale.

The New York Times

The higher fees could either remain uniform or could vary from university to university.

The Economist

Premiums and drug benefits could vary from plan to plan, state to state and year to year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity and avoid redundancy, particularly in technical writing, consider concise synonyms like "may differ" or "can diverge" if the context allows.

Common error

Avoid using "could vary from" without specifying the possible range or limits of variation. For example, instead of saying 'The results could vary from the norm', specify 'The results could vary from 10% below to 20% above the norm' to provide a clear understanding of the expected range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could vary from" functions as a qualifier indicating a potential range or degree of difference. It expresses that a certain aspect is subject to change within defined or undefined boundaries. Ludwig provides numerous examples that validate its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could vary from" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote potential differences or a range of possibilities. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its widespread use across various registers, particularly in science and news media. While the phrase is generally neutral, ensuring clarity by specifying the range of variation enhances its effectiveness. Alternatives like "might differ from" or "may diverge from" can be considered for stylistic variation. Overall, "could vary from" is a versatile and reliable phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can differ from

A more direct synonym, replacing "vary" with "differ" to indicate a potential difference.

might differ from

Suggests a possibility of difference, similar to "could vary from", but uses "differ" instead of "vary".

might be different than

Rephrases the concept using "different than" instead of "vary from", focusing on the state of being different.

may diverge from

Emphasizes a potential deviation or separation from a standard or expectation.

can deviate from

Similar to "may diverge from", indicating a departure from a set path or norm.

can range between

Focuses on the possible extent or limits within which something can change, rather than a general variation.

might extend from

Emphasizes the possible scope or reach of something, suggesting a range or continuum.

can fluctuate between

Implies a back-and-forth movement within certain limits, suitable when the variation is cyclical.

may span from

Highlights the breadth or scope of something, indicating the distance between two points or limits.

might fluctuate from

A less common but grammatically correct alternative that maintains a similar semantic meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "could vary from" to indicate a range of possible values or differences. For example, "The price "could vary from" $10 to $20 depending on the options selected."

What are some alternatives to "could vary from"?

Alternatives include "might differ from", "may diverge from", or "can differ from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "could vary from" or "might differ from"?

"Might differ from" is slightly more formal than "could vary from", but both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "could vary from" and "could range from"?

"Could vary from" indicates a general difference or alteration, while "could range from" specifically implies a numerical or measurable spectrum. For example, "The opinions "could vary from" positive to negative," versus "The temperature "could range from" 20 to 30 degrees Celsius."