varies according to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'varies according to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is different depending on a particular factor or situation. For example, "The price of this particular item varies according to its size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its definition varies according to the stakeholder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Annual mean precipitation varies according to region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the figure varies according to nationality.

The Guardian

Pay varies according to region and school.

The Guardian

Its interpretation varies according to culture.

The New York Times - Arts

Closing time varies according to the temperature.

The New York Times

Muscle usage: Varies according to stroke.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mood varies according to the name.

The Guardian - Tech

Vegetation in South Carolina varies according to province.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tax credit varies according to income and family size.

The New York Times

Avian hearing ability varies according to the season.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "varies according to", ensure that the factors causing the variation are clearly and explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "varies according to" without specifying what the variation depends on; this can lead to confusion. Always provide the specific factors influencing the variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varies according to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating how something changes or differs based on specific factors. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a common and acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "varies according to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that something changes or differs based on specific factors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. With high frequency across diverse sources like news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it's suitable for many contexts. When using the expression, ensure clarity by specifying the influencing factors. Alternatives like "depends on" or "is determined by" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on

This alternative is a more concise and direct way of saying something is contingent on a specific factor.

is conditional on

Similar to "is contingent upon" but slightly less formal.

is contingent upon

This is a more formal alternative that emphasizes conditionality.

is determined by

This emphasizes the causal relationship between the factors and the outcome.

is subject to

This suggests that something is susceptible to change or influence by a particular factor.

is influenced by

This highlights the impact that certain factors have on something.

is a function of

This is a more mathematical or technical way of expressing dependence.

is relative to

This suggests that something's value or characteristic is assessed in comparison to something else.

is proportional to

This indicates a direct relationship where one thing increases or decreases in relation to another.

is correlated with

This suggests a statistical relationship or association between variables.

FAQs

How do I use "varies according to" in a sentence?

Use "varies according to" to indicate that something changes or differs depending on specific factors. For example, "The cost "varies according to" the size and material."

What can I say instead of "varies according to"?

You can use alternatives such as "depends on", "is determined by", or "is contingent upon" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "vary according to" instead of "varies according to"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "vary according to" with plural subjects (e.g., "Prices vary according to demand") and "varies according to" with singular subjects (e.g., "Price varies according to demand").

What's the difference between "varies according to" and "depends on"?

"Varies according to" suggests a range of possibilities or changes, while ""depends on"" emphasizes a conditional relationship. They are often interchangeable, but "varies" implies more fluctuation.