this can differ

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can differ" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are indicating that a certain factor could be different from one situation to another. For example, you could say, "The cost of the product can differ depending on the marketplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is clear that NGAL can potentially promote tumorigenesis via several different mechanisms and this can differ in different tissue types (reviewed in Bolignano et al, 2010 and Chakraborty et al, 2012).

British Journal of Cancer

This can differ between spy groups so that signals can be unique or different.

WikiHow

But how those sites respond when asked about this can differ markedly.

The New York Times

This can differ from user to user; for example, some users may base ratings mostly on location, while others may base them more on price.

University of California, Berkeley

Although this can differ person to person, it's unlikely to find any remnants of 'shrooms in a person's system after 24 hours.

Columbia University

Of course in practice this can differ – the League of European Research Universities (LERU) provides academic career maps for other EU countries – but the point is that the traditional academic career path is linear and mandates to some degree that those wishing to pursue this path spend the majority of their time employed by an academic institution.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Different studies have shown that this index can differ significantly among cancers according to site [ 18, 20] and age [ 18].

BMC Health Services Research

This scenario can differ in other countries with higher renewable and sustainable energy generated electric powers.

Journal of Cleaner Production

However, the numerical results obtained using this equation can differ substantially from the experimental results.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

Defining the Wealthy Financial benchmarks in this area can differ radically from those in places where more people are struggling to put food on the table.

The New York Times

Also, the evidence suggests that the definition of formal systems in this context can differ from the traditional one, with wide repercussions on the MCS analysis frameworks.

Revista de Contabilidad

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this can differ" to clearly indicate a potential variation between situations or instances. Ensure the context provides sufficient information on what factors influence the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "this can differ" without specifying the aspects that might change. For example, saying "results can differ" is vague. Instead, specify what factors cause the difference, such as "results can differ depending on the methodology used."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can differ" serves as a modal expression indicating a potential for variation or divergence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to introduce the idea that a particular aspect might not be uniform across all cases. Many of the Ludwig examples highlights how factors can differ depending on several circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0.025%

Formal & Business

0.025%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this can differ" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of variation. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for many situations. As demonstrated by the provided examples, it's commonly found in scientific, wiki, and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify what aspects can differ and the influencing factors to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "this may vary" or "this could be different" can be employed to fine-tune the intended meaning. Keep in mind the need for clarity and context when incorporating "this can differ" into your writing to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this may diverge

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than ability.

this might vary

Substitutes "can differ" with "might vary", implying a slight uncertainty.

this could diverge

Uses "could" instead of "can", presenting a hypothetical divergence.

this may be different

Rephrases to "may be different", focusing on the state of being.

this could be distinct

Employs "could be distinct", highlighting separateness.

this might not be the same

Expresses difference more explicitly.

this is subject to change

Focuses on the potential for future alteration.

this is not always consistent

Indicates a lack of uniformity.

this depends on circumstances

Highlights conditional variability.

this is variable

Simplifies to a single adjective indicating changeability.

FAQs

How to use "this can differ" in a sentence?

Use "this can differ" to indicate a potential variation or divergence. For example, "The duration of the treatment /s/can+vary depending on the severity of the condition."

What can I say instead of "this can differ"?

You can use alternatives like "this can vary", "this may diverge", or "this could be different" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "this can differ" or "this may differ"?

Both "this can differ" and "this may differ" are grammatically correct. "This can differ" suggests a capability to differ, while "this may differ" suggests a possibility of differing.

What's the difference between "this can differ" and "this is different"?

"This can differ" indicates a potential for variation, whereas "this is different" states a current difference. The first implies a possibility, the second an actuality.