differ based on

USAGE SUMMARY

"differ based on" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to express the idea that something (e.g. a decision, opinion, process, etc.) may vary depending on certain factors or circumstances. For example, "The amount of money a person needs to live comfortably may differ based on their location and lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conclusions of the aforementioned study can differ based on different filtering criteria (Jue et al. 2013).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Resource allocation mechanisms differ based on the different flows of resources.

BMC Health Services Research

Recommendations also can differ based on age or other risk factors.

The New York Times

Does your reaction to the information provided in the film differ based on the format?

The New York Times

How might the attitudes of Germans toward Europe differ based on their generation and the events they witnessed?

The New York Times

Such schemes differ based on their complexity.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The amounts will differ based on region and bill total.

TechCrunch

Obviously, this is going to differ based on use.

TechCrunch

These points differ based on a few factors.

TechCrunch

Finally, results differ based on study design.

Health & Place

Suggestions also differ based on the particular person you are speaking to, and the language you use with them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ based on", ensure the factors influencing the difference are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "results differ based on several factors", specify the factors: "results differ based on age, gender, and education level".

Common error

Avoid using "differ based on" without specifying what the differences depend on. A vague statement like "outcomes differ based on something" leaves the reader wondering what the influential factors are, reducing clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ based on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a relationship of dependence or variation. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used to show that differences are contingent on specific factors. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate this across a variety of subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differ based on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express dependence or variation, primarily in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. To ensure clarity, always specify the factors causing the difference. While alternatives like "depend on" and "vary according to" exist, the choice often boils down to stylistic preference. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement (differ vs. differs) based on whether the subject is singular or plural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

This alternative focuses on the reliance of something on a particular factor.

vary according to

This alternative emphasizes that something changes in relation to another factor.

is contingent on

This alternative stresses that something is conditional and relies on certain conditions.

is determined by

This alternative highlights that something is decided or influenced by another factor.

is subject to

This alternative suggests that something is influenced or affected by certain conditions.

hinge on

This alternative indicates that something relies heavily on a particular factor.

are conditional upon

This alternative explicitly states that something is subject to certain conditions being met.

is a function of

This alternative suggests a mathematical or direct relationship between two factors.

fluctuate with

This alternative emphasizes the dynamic change or variation of something alongside another factor.

are shaped by

This alternative focuses on the formative influence of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "differ based on" to show that something varies depending on certain factors. For example, "The amount of rainfall can "differ based on" the region and time of year".

What phrases are similar to "differ based on"?

Alternatives to "differ based on" include phrases like "depend on", "vary according to", or "is contingent on", which all convey the idea of something being affected by other factors.

Is it correct to say "differs based on" instead of "differ based on"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "differs based on" for singular subjects (e.g., "the result differs based on the method") and "differ based on" for plural subjects (e.g., "the results differ based on the methods").

What's the difference between "differ based on" and "vary based on"?

"Differ based on" and "vary based on" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that something changes depending on certain conditions or factors. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.