may vary depending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'may vary depending' is an appropriate and correctly written form of English which is often used in formal writing.
You can use this phrase in order to explain or discuss a situation that may vary based on certain conditions. Example: The cost of the item may vary depending on the seller.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Prices may vary, depending on the event).

The New York Times

This process may vary depending on your software.

The New York Times

(Closing time may vary depending on the crowd).

The New York Times

Your co-pay may vary depending on the surgical method.

The New York Times

(Prices may vary depending on where the purchase is made).

The New York Times - Arts

The figures may vary depending on the type of discounts that are available.

The New York Times

The size of the pit may vary depending on the amount of food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(These steps may vary depending on the version of Windows you are using).

The New York Times - Tech

But those dynamics may vary depending on keywords and how carefully advertisers aim their pitches.

The New York Times - Tech

Sessions and workshops may vary depending on the centre you attend'".

The Guardian

The results may vary depending on which modem and modem driver are installed on your computer.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may vary depending", ensure that the factors causing the variation are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Prices may vary depending on the season" is clearer than "Prices may vary".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "Results may vary" without specifying what the results depend on. Always clarify the influencing factors to provide meaningful information. Instead of saying "The effects may vary", provide the reader with more context, such as "The effects may vary depending on the dosage and individual physiology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may vary depending" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular characteristic or outcome is not constant and is subject to change based on specific conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used correctly across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may vary depending" is a versatile qualifier that indicates variability based on specific conditions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various sources. It's crucial to clearly state the influencing factors to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "can differ based on" or "is contingent upon" can be used to express similar ideas. Remember to specify conditions for changes for clarity and accuracy. Ludwig's examples show this is a very common pattern, particularly in News & Media, Scientific and Wiki contexts. By following this guidance, you can effectively communicate the possibility of change in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can differ based on

Emphasizes the possibility of differences contingent upon a particular factor.

is dependent on

Highlights a relationship where one thing relies on another.

might fluctuate according to

Suggests an irregular rising and falling in number or amount, dependent on something.

could be subject to change depending on

Highlights the susceptibility of something to alteration based on circumstances.

can be influenced by

Emphasizes the potential for something to be affected by another factor.

is contingent upon

Indicates that something is conditional on another event or state.

is conditional based on

Highlights that something is conditional based on another event or state.

is subject to modification depending on

Stresses that something can be altered or adjusted in response to specific conditions.

is determined by

Signifies that something is definitively decided or established by another factor.

is governed by

Suggests that something is controlled or regulated by a particular factor.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may vary depending" is used to indicate that something is subject to change or alteration based on specific conditions. For example, "The cost of shipping "may vary depending" on the destination".

What are some alternatives to "may vary depending"?

You can use alternatives like "can differ based on", "is contingent upon", or "can be influenced by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "may vary depending on"?

Yes, "may vary depending on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It indicates that the outcome or result is not fixed and is subject to change based on specific factors.

What's the difference between "may vary depending on" and "is determined by"?

"May vary depending on" suggests a range of possible outcomes based on certain conditions, while "is determined by" implies that the outcome is directly and definitively decided by the specified factor. The former implies variability; the latter, direct causation.