may range from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may range from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a variety of possibilities or options within a certain context. Example: "The temperatures in this region may range from mild to extremely hot during the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their phenotype may range from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Plate numbers may range from 100 to 106.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Possible choices may range from Britney Spears to Oprah Winfrey to Colin Powell).

The New York Times

Depending on the company and the services used, prices may range from $39 to $2,000.

The New York Times

This may range from top-up transfusions to large bleeds and intensive care.

The Guardian

Experts now say the illegal population may range from 7.1 to 9 million people.

The New York Times

(Examples may range from cosmetics and home heating to modes of public transportation).

The New York Times

Indoor classical concerts, by contrast, may range from a moderate 70 decibels to loud passages of around 90 decibels.

The Guardian - Music

Support may range from low-key, practical assistance, such as help with shopping and paying bills, to crisis support.

The Guardian

Most Virtuoso members also impose fees, including trip-planning charges that may range from $250 to $1,000 a trip.

The New York Times

These may range from aquatic elements to ruderal and woodland communities.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may range from", ensure that you specify both the lower and upper limits of the range to provide clear and concise information. For example, "The cost may range from $10 to $100."

Common error

Avoid stating only one end of the range when using "may range from". For instance, instead of saying "The ages may range from 20", specify the upper limit as well: "The ages may range from 20 to 30".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may range from" primarily functions as a quantifying expression, indicating the possible extent or scope of a particular variable. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used to define the boundaries within which something can fluctuate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may range from" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a spectrum of possibilities or values. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. When employing "may range from", ensure clarity by specifying both the lower and upper bounds of the range. Alternatives such as "can vary between" offer similar meanings, but "may range from" specifically emphasizes the limits of variation. Its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for various writing contexts, effectively communicating potential variations in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can span from

Substitutes 'range' with 'span', indicating the full extent or scope covered.

can vary between

Changes the auxiliary verb and preposition to indicate variation within specific limits.

is able to vary between

Emphasizes the capacity or ability to vary, adding a sense of inherent capability.

can extend between

Replaces 'range' with 'extend' suggesting physical or abstract boundaries.

can stretch from

Suggests the limits are somewhat elastic or adaptable depending on circumstances.

could fluctuate from

Emphasizes irregular variation, implying less stability in the range.

potentially differ from

Indicates the possibility of variation, shifting focus from specific limits to potential differences.

might oscillate between

Highlights movement back and forth within limits, suggesting rhythm or pattern.

might diverge between

Implies possible separation into varied options, less certain than 'can vary'.

may diverge between

Implies movement away from a common point into varied directions within limits.

FAQs

How can I use "may range from" in a sentence?

The phrase "may range from" is used to indicate the possible extent of something. For example, "The temperature "may range from" 20 to 30 degrees Celsius".

What are some alternatives to "may range from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can vary between", "can extend between", or "might oscillate between" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "may range from" or "can range from"?

Both "may range from" and "can range from" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "May" suggests possibility, while "can" indicates ability or capacity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"May range from" emphasizes the scope or extent of something, while "can vary from" highlights the differences or changes that can occur. The best choice depends on whether you want to focus on the limits or the variations.