this can range from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can range from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a variety of possibilities or options within a certain context. Example: "The types of fruits available at the market can range from apples to exotic tropical varieties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can range from creating prototypes to finding paying customers.

The New York Times

This can range from simple signposting and guidance through to financial and legal support services.

The Guardian

This can range from anything from lamping to poisoning and snaring.

The Guardian - Opinion

In my experience, this can range from general comments to close editing of sentence constructions and grammar.

The Guardian

This can range from funding healthcare training to providing support for sophisticated mobile telephone networks that monitor stocks.

The Guardian

This can range from the sensible checking of tire pressures to the more esoteric driving in bare feet.

The New York Times - Magazine

This can range from a room in a house to a spot to pitch your tent in a garden.

The Guardian - Travel

This can range from allowing staff to work different hours from the norm, to supporting them to work from home some or all of the time.

The Guardian

This can range from details on local support groups, which I also facilitate, to information on the best way to get ready for an assessment.

The Guardian

"This can range from anything from putting a chair or stool through the glass of the machine, to kicking it or punching it.

The Guardian - Money

This can range from a harvest being adversely affected by weather conditions to contamination increasing consumer demand for an alternative food.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can range from", ensure the items listed are logically connected and represent a spectrum of possibilities, not just a random assortment.

Common error

Avoid using "this can range from" followed by vague or excessively broad categories. Be specific and provide concrete examples to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can range from" functions as an introductory expression to specify a spectrum of possibilities or examples. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable expression. Examples in Ludwig show it introducing a series of options or variations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

34%

Science

31%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this can range from" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a spectrum of possibilities or variations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used across diverse fields like news, science, and general knowledge. To effectively use this phrase, ensure that the examples provided are specific, logically connected, and represent a range of options rather than random items. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "this can range from" into your writing to convey a sense of scope and breadth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this may extend from

Replaces 'range' with 'extend', implying a linear progression or scope.

this could vary between

Substitutes 'can range' with 'could vary' to suggest more uncertainty and 'from' with 'between' for a clearer boundary.

this might encompass

Uses 'encompass' instead of 'range', indicating a broader inclusion of possibilities.

this includes everything between

More explicitly states inclusion, focusing on the extremes of a spectrum.

this spans from

Employs 'spans' to convey the idea of covering a duration or distance between two points.

this covers areas between

Highlights the breadth of coverage between specified limits.

the possibilities include

Shifts focus to the potential outcomes or options, simplifying the phrase structure.

options vary from

Directly states that options are not fixed, but rather subject to change within boundaries.

the spectrum includes

Highlights the spectrum of possibilities rather than the boundaries.

it has the potential to include

Focuses on the potential to include different variations rather than specifying a set range.

FAQs

How do I use "this can range from" in a sentence?

Use "this can range from" to introduce a variety of possibilities or examples within a specified spectrum. For instance, "The severity of the symptoms "this can range from" mild discomfort to severe pain".

What phrases are similar to "this can range from"?

Alternatives include "this may vary from", "this might include", or "this could encompass", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "this can range between" instead of "this can range from"?

While "this can range from" is more common and grammatically standard, "this can range between" is also acceptable, particularly when specifying two distinct endpoints of a spectrum.

How do I avoid vagueness when using "this can range from"?

Ensure that the items following ""this can range from"" are clearly defined and logically connected. Provide specific examples to illustrate the spectrum of possibilities.