may differ between

USAGE SUMMARY

"may differ between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to differences in two or more similar items, such as "The cost of living may differ between cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Science & Research

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lifestyle behavior may differ between different types of beverage consumers and therefore act as an important confounder.

Nature

As such, decision mechanisms are embedded in, and therefore may differ between, different response modalities.

Cognitive Psychology

Cell size may differ between different types of microvascular EC.

Plosone

Also, the topology-function relationships may differ between different species.

Bioinformatics

These may differ between geographical regions, as different communities have distinct needs.

Emergency Medicine Journal

Areas of influence may differ between species.

Forest Ecology and Management

These same factors may differ between rats and humans.

Nature

Selection patterns may differ between young lineage-specific and evolutionarily conserved proteins.

Nature

Our results also show that the effects of increased fine-scale complexity may differ between habitats and taxa.

Nature

Similarly, other immunological factors such as complement and the interaction with Fc receptors may differ between humans and rodents.

Nature

Furthermore, the OPP may differ between products and over time for a particular manufacturing firm.

International Journal of Production Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may differ between", ensure the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what aspects are likely to vary.

Common error

Avoid using "may differ between" without specifying the context or criteria for the difference. For instance, instead of saying "Results may differ between studies", specify what aspects of the results might vary (e.g., "The reported effect size may differ between studies due to variations in sample size").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may differ between" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating that a distinction or variation is possible across different entities. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase suggests a potential disparity without stating it as a definite fact. It implies the existence of variables that influence the characteristic being compared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may differ between" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express potential variations between entities. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's a versatile phrase found in diverse contexts, particularly within scientific, news, and formal business domains. While synonyms like "can vary among" exist, understanding the subtle nuances is crucial for precise communication. When using "may differ between", clarity and specificity are key to avoiding overgeneralizations and ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can vary among

Focuses on variation rather than difference, implying a spectrum of possibilities.

might diverge across

Emphasizes a deviation or separation over different entities.

could be distinct among

Highlights uniqueness or individuality in contrast to a shared characteristic.

can be differentiated across

Stresses the ability to distinguish based on specific characteristics.

might be inconsistent among

Highlights a lack of uniformity rather than simply a difference.

can fluctuate across

Emphasizes variability and change, not just static differences.

could contrast across

Highlights direct oppositions between two or more options.

might not be the same among

Focuses on the absence of equality rather than emphasizing specific differences.

can be unlike among

Emphasizes the dissimilar nature of the things being compared.

could show disparities across

Highlights significant differences or inequalities.

FAQs

How do I use "may differ between" in a sentence?

Use "may differ between" to indicate that variations or distinctions can exist when comparing two or more entities. For example: "The side effects "may differ between" the two medications."

What is a synonym for "may differ between"?

Alternatives for "may differ between" include phrases like "can vary among", "might diverge across", or "could be distinct among", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "may differs between"?

No, the correct form is "may differ between". "Differ" should be in its base form after the modal verb "may".

What is the difference between "may differ between" and "will differ between"?

"May differ between" indicates a possibility or likelihood of differences, while "will differ between" implies a certainty or expectation of differences. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.