may vary

USAGE SUMMARY

"may vary" is a correct phrase in written English and it is most commonly used when describing something that can differ in amount or magnitude.
For example: "The amount of time it takes to complete the task may vary depending on the complexity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

*Disclaimer: Results may vary.

The New Yorker

Your mileage may vary.

The New York Times

THE details may vary.

The Economist

Results apparently may vary.

The New York Times

Rates may vary.

The New York Times

Your epistemology may vary.

The New Yorker

Your Manhattan may vary.

The Guardian - Books

Subscription prices may vary.

The Guardian

Mileage may vary.

The New York Times - Tech

Your milage may vary.

The Guardian - Tech

Actual prices may vary.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may vary", be specific about what factors might cause the variation. This adds clarity and provides context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "may vary" without indicating the potential range or influencing factors. For example, instead of saying "Prices may vary", specify "Prices may vary depending on location and time of year."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may vary" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular value, condition, or result is subject to change or is not consistent. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's broad applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may vary" is a highly common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate potential differences or fluctuations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to function effectively across numerous contexts, including news, academia, and business. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the factors contributing to the variation to enhance understanding. Alternatives like "might differ" or "could fluctuate" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Overall, "may vary" serves as a useful tool for managing expectations and acknowledging variability in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might differ

Replaces "may" with "might", a similar modal verb expressing possibility, and "vary" with "differ", indicating a difference.

could fluctuate

Substitutes "may" with "could", suggesting possibility, and "vary" with "fluctuate", emphasizing irregular changes.

can diverge

Replaces "may" with "can", indicating possibility, and "vary" with "diverge", suggesting a splitting or moving in different directions.

might be different

Replaces "may vary" with a more explicit phrase indicating a potential difference.

can be subject to change

Replaces "may vary" with a longer phrase that highlights the possibility of alteration.

may be dependent on

Highlights the conditional nature of the variation, suggesting it's influenced by something else.

can fluctuate

Focuses on the up-and-down nature of the variation, suggesting instability.

may be inconsistent

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity or predictability.

may deviate

Indicates a departure from a standard or expected value.

can be modified

Highlights the possibility of intentional alteration.

FAQs

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

Use "may vary" to indicate that a value, amount, or characteristic is subject to change or difference. For example: "The delivery time "may vary" depending on your location."

What's a more formal alternative to "may vary"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "might differ", "could fluctuate", or "may be subject to change" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

Is it correct to say "may varies" instead of "may vary"?

No, "may varies" is grammatically incorrect. "May" is a modal verb, and it doesn't change form based on the subject. The correct form is always ""may vary"".

How does "may vary" differ from "will vary"?

"May vary" indicates a possibility of change or difference, while "will vary" implies a certainty of change or difference. "The results "may vary"" suggests the results might be different, whereas "The results "will vary"" states they definitely will be different.