may vary from

USAGE SUMMARY

"may vary from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that can be expressed in a range of values. For example, "The temperature outside may vary from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Content may vary from year to year.

Princeton University

Topics may vary from term to term.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Subjects may vary from year to year.

Princeton University

How you define "available" may vary from employee to employee.

Harvard Business Review

The course content may vary from semester to semester.

University of California, Berkeley

Themes and emphases may vary from section to section.

Cornell University

Your individual expenses may vary from these figures.

Harvard University

Some topics and applications may vary from year to year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It may vary from six months to six years.

Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering

All these factors may vary from species to species.

Environmental and Experimental Botany

The incidence may vary from centre to centre.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the register and audience when using this phrase. Although versatile, it's more appropriate in formal and academic writing than in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "may vary from" without indicating the scope or influencing factors. Simply stating something may vary lacks informative value. Instead, quantify the variation or explain what causes it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may vary from" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the possibility of difference or fluctuation. It's used to indicate that a particular attribute, characteristic, or value is not fixed and can change depending on circumstances. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and the diverse examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may vary from" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of difference or fluctuation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, including academia, news media, and science. While "may vary from" is appropriate for formal writing, ensure clarity by specifying what factors influence the variation. Remember, providing context improves readability and prevents misinterpretation. Consider using alternatives like "may differ from" or "may range from" to convey specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may differ from

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of distinct characteristics or qualities.

may diverge from

Suggests a deviation or branching off from a common point or standard.

may deviate from

Focuses on departing from an established course or norm.

may fluctuate from

Implies an irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

may range from

Highlights the possible scope or extent of something, from one extreme to another.

may shift from

Implies a change in position or direction.

may alter from

A general term indicating a change or modification.

may transform from

Indicates a change in form, appearance, or character.

may evolve from

Suggests gradual development or change over time.

may depend from

Expresses how something is contingent upon something else, with no independent existence.

FAQs

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

Use "may vary from" to indicate that something is subject to change or differs depending on specific circumstances. For instance, "The cost of living "may vary from" city to city." Or, "Student performance "may vary from" one semester to the next".

What phrases are similar to "may vary from"?

Similar phrases include "may differ from", "may fluctuate from", or "may range from". The best alternative depends on the nuance you wish to convey. "May differ from" suggests distinct characteristics, while "may range from" implies a spectrum of possibilities.

Is it correct to say "may vary from"?

Yes, it is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, the construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It indicates that something is subject to variation or change.

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

While both phrases indicate differences, "may vary from" suggests a continuous range of possibilities, whereas "may differ from" implies more discrete or distinct differences. For example, "The temperature "may vary from" 20 to 30 degrees," versus "Opinions "may differ from" person to person."