it varies by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it varies by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something changes or differs depending on a specific factor or criteria. Example: "The cost of the service varies by location, so be sure to check the prices in your area."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Academic

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the water density is not kept constant, it varies by around 15%% over the simulation time with varying temperature.

Geothermal Energy

Its ticking rate is so stable that it varies by only 0.000000000000000032% over the course of a single day.

Los Angeles Times

It varies by day.

The New York Times

It varies by homeowner.

The Washington Post

Holm: It varies by industry.

Stanford University

Sometimes it varies by academic department.

The New York Times

I think it varies by people.

The New York Times

How they would restrict it varies by partisan identity.

The Washington Post

It varies by place, by culture, and by time.

Stanford University

Local campaigns typically start and end in the fall, although it varies by chapter.

The New York Times

But memory loss is not guaranteed and it varies by patient depending on the dosages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it varies by", ensure the 'by' is followed by a clearly defined factor or category. This makes the statement more precise and understandable. For example, "The price varies by size and material."

Common error

Avoid using "it varies by" without specifying what 'it' refers to. Make sure the subject is clear to prevent confusion. For example, instead of "It varies by location", specify "The delivery time varies by location."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it varies by" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular attribute or characteristic is not constant but is instead subject to change depending on the factor specified after "by". It introduces the idea of dependence or contingency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it varies by" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, indicating that something is subject to change based on a specific factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for a wide range of contexts, spanning from news reporting and academic writing to general discussions. To use it effectively, ensure that the subject and the influencing factor are clearly defined. Common alternatives include "it depends on" and "it differs based on", each offering a slightly different nuance. Be aware of potential vagueness and specify the 'it' to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on

This alternative is a more general way of indicating that something is contingent on something else.

it differs depending on

This alternative highlights the diversity or distinction that arises from a specific factor.

it is determined by

This alternative emphasizes that a particular factor dictates or decides the outcome.

it is conditional on

This alternative indicates that something will only happen if a particular condition is met.

it is contingent upon

This alternative provides a more formal and emphatic way of saying that something relies on a particular factor.

it is subject to

This alternative conveys that something is likely to be affected or changed by a particular factor.

it fluctuates according to

This alternative is useful when emphasizing the changing or wavering nature of something based on a particular factor.

the range is from

This alternative indicates the presence of different values based on an external factor.

it is a function of

This alternative emphasizes the mathematical or logical relationship between a thing and a factor that determine the outcome.

it is relative to

This alternative shows the similarity between two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "it varies by" in a sentence?

Use "it varies by" to show that something changes or differs depending on a specific factor. For example, "The cost of living "it varies by" region, so research your options carefully."

What are some alternatives to "it varies by"?

You can use alternatives such as "it depends on", "it differs based on", or "it changes according to" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it varies by"?

Yes, "it varies by" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something changes based on a certain factor or condition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What factors typically follow "it varies by"?

Common factors that follow "it varies by" include location, time, individual preference, industry, and demographic, illustrating how these factors influence the subject in question.