may varies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may vary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something can change depending on a number of different factors. For example, "The cost of the item may vary depending on the size and color."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Within plants, there is more than a 2000-fold varintion in GS [4], which may varies considerably even between very closely related species.

Plosone

The use of local Leptospira isolation may improve the sensitivity and specificity of the test because it may varies from one geographical region to another region.

BMC Infectious Diseases

We conclude that the concept of sentinel species must be carefully validated as the actual nature of exposure may varies between human and wild species as well as the vulnerable time period of exposure and various ecological factors.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Your Manhattan may vary.

The Guardian - Books

Subscription prices may vary.

The Guardian

*Disclaimer: Results may vary.

The New Yorker

Your epistemology may vary.

The New Yorker

Mileage may vary.

The New York Times - Tech

Your mileage may vary.

The New York Times - Food

Your milage may vary.

The Guardian - Tech

Rates may vary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "may vary" instead of "may varies". The verb "vary" should be in its base form after the modal verb "may".

Common error

Avoid using "may varies". The correct form is "may vary". Using the third-person singular form of the verb ("varies") after "may" is a common grammatical error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may varies" functions as a verbal phrase intended to express possibility and variation. However, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the correct form is "may vary".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may varies" is a grammatically incorrect construction. The modal verb "may" should always be followed by the base form of the verb, making "may vary" the correct form. Despite its incorrectness, the phrase appears in various contexts, including science, news media, and academia, albeit infrequently. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage is "may vary", which indicates the possibility of change or variation. It's important to use the correct grammatical form in formal writing to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may differ

This alternative uses a different verb to express variation, focusing on differences rather than a broad range of possibilities.

may be variable

This uses an adjective to describe the characteristic of being subject to change.

may change

This alternative highlights the potential for alteration or modification over time or across situations.

may be different

This phrasing emphasizes the potential for distinct characteristics or qualities.

may fluctuate

This suggests a more dynamic and irregular pattern of change.

may depend

This focuses on the conditional aspect of the variation, indicating that it relies on other factors.

may diverge

This emphasizes the possibility of moving in different directions or deviating from a common point.

may not be consistent

This alternative indicates a lack of uniformity or predictability.

may be subject to variation

A more formal and precise way of expressing the potential for change.

may not always be the same

This is a more explicit way of stating that something is subject to change.

FAQs

What is the correct grammatical form, "may vary" or "may varies"?

The grammatically correct form is "may vary". Modal verbs like "may" are always followed by the base form of the verb.

How can I use "may vary" in a sentence?

You can use "may vary" to indicate that something is subject to change or depends on certain conditions. For example: "Prices may vary by location."

What does "may vary" mean?

"May vary" means that something is not fixed or constant and can change depending on different circumstances or factors.

What are some alternatives to saying "may vary"?

Alternatives include "may differ", "may change", or "may fluctuate", depending on the specific context.