subject to variation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to variation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that can or may be changed or depends on other factors. For example: “The prices listed in the catalog are subject to variation.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he also rightly points out that the figures will, again, be averages, subject to variation around the norm.

The Guardian - Opinion

The general type of crossword has also been subject to variation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the avoidance of doubt, the content, layout and format of any Website or Newspaper will be subject to variation at GNM's sole discretion.

The Guardian

The film opens with a teasing suggestion that what we are about to see is provisional, subject to variation.

The New York Times

The pinxto kit from San Sebastián Food is $97 (subject to variation based on the exchange rate with the euro), plus $29.99 shipping: sansebastianfood.com.

The New York Times - Food

The statement claims: "Psychiatric diagnosis is often presented as an objective statement of fact, but is, in essence, a clinical judgment based on observation and interpretation of behaviour and self-report, and thus subject to variation and bias".

The Guardian

His big movie-star vehicles of the mid-1990s, in particular "Billy Madison" (1995) and "Happy Gilmore" (1996), established a template, a basic persona that has been subject to variation and refinement ever since.

The New York Times

The harmonic movement to the cadence, a prime means of establishing points of articulation, became by the mid-18th century a more or less standard progression of harmonies subject to variation according to the composer's own powers of imagination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human existence and character are fragile and subject to variation.

SEP

The value of the investment could be subject to variation in the event of certain strategies.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In leaves, the fatty acids most subject to variation were stearic (C18 0) acids (Table 2).

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the cause of variation, follow "subject to variation" with "due to", "depending on", or "based on".

Common error

Avoid using "subject to vary". The correct phrasing is "subject to variation", where "variation" is a noun indicating the state or process of changing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to variation" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular aspect or attribute is not fixed and can change based on other factors. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subject to variation" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is not constant and can change based on different conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in science and news media, this phrase serves to introduce an element of uncertainty or conditionality, preparing the reader for potential changes. To avoid common errors, remember that "variation" is the correct noun form, not "vary". When clarity is needed, specify what the subject is "dependent on context" for more precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variable depending on

Explicitly states that variability is determined by whatever follows 'depending on'.

liable to change

Focuses on the possibility of change, whereas the original phrase is more general about potential differences.

prone to fluctuation

Suggests instability and regular changes, implying a more active changing process.

responsive to change

Implies that the subject actively reacts to modifications.

dependent on context

Highlights the contextual influence on the subject, specifying that changes are due to context.

susceptible to alteration

Highlights the vulnerability of something to being changed.

open to modification

Emphasizes the possibility of being altered or amended, specifically implying human intervention.

contingent upon circumstances

More formal, indicating reliance on specific conditions being met for a particular outcome.

subject to amendment

Implies a formal or official process of alteration.

conditional on factors

Stresses the dependence on certain elements or aspects influencing the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "subject to variation" in a sentence?

You can use "subject to variation" to indicate that something is not fixed and can change. For example, "The price is "liable to change" depending on the season".

What's a simple way to explain what "subject to variation" means?

It means something is "variable depending on" different conditions. The opposite would be something constant or fixed.

Which is correct: "subject to variation" or "subject to variances"?

"Subject to variation" is the standard and more common phrase. "Subject to variances" is grammatically correct but less frequently used, referring to specific statistical measures of dispersion.

What are some alternatives to "subject to variation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "liable to change", "prone to fluctuation", or "dependent on context".