Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
varies based on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "varies based on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that changes depending on specific conditions or circumstances. For example, "The cost of the ticket varies based on the time of year and the day chosen for travel."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Shroom dosage varies based on how one elects to manage their condition.
News & Media
Pricing varies based on size and complexity.
Academia
Price varies based on size and complexity.
Academia
Age: Varies, based on skill level, gender and position.
News & Media
That varies based on the type of project, he said.
News & Media
The cost of Clarion's JoyRide (formerly AutoPC) varies based on the options chosen.
News & Media
Self-relevance varies based on different source credibility perceptions.
Science
Human behavior varies based on the conceptual view and actions.
Science
They are also evaluating whether a policy's impact varies based on race, ethnicity or other factors.
News & Media
The recovery length varies based on how much stress the populations are already under.
This number varies based on available funding and on the applicant pool.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "varies based on", ensure that the factors influencing the variation are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The price varies based on several factors", specify "The price varies based on the size and complexity of the project."
Common error
Avoid using "varies based on" without providing specific details about what influences the variation. Without clear context, the statement becomes vague and unhelpful. Ensure you provide concrete examples or categories to illustrate how something changes.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "varies based on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun by indicating the basis or condition upon which something changes. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Academia
30%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Science
15%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "varies based on" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that something changes depending on specific conditions or factors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the influencing factors to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "depends on" or "is contingent on" can offer concise substitutes, but "varies based on" remains a clear and effective way to express conditional variation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
depends on
Replaces "varies based on" with a more concise and direct expression of dependency.
is dependent on
Directly states that one thing relies on another for its existence or state.
is contingent on
Offers a more formal and emphatic way to express that something is conditional on something else.
is determined by
Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship where something is directly decided by another factor.
is subject to
Suggests that something is influenced or affected by specific conditions or factors.
is influenced by
Highlights the impact of certain factors on a particular outcome or characteristic.
is a function of
Indicates a mathematical or direct relationship where one thing changes in relation to another.
is conditional upon
Similar to "is contingent on" but with a slightly more formal tone.
hinges on
Implies that the outcome or result is heavily reliant on a particular aspect or condition.
is related to
Suggests a connection or association between two or more elements, implying that changes in one may affect the other.
FAQs
How can I use "varies based on" in a sentence?
Use "varies based on" to indicate that something changes depending on specific factors or conditions. For example, "The cost of the product varies based on the quantity ordered".
What are some alternatives to "varies based on"?
You can use alternatives like "depends on", "is contingent on", or "is determined by" depending on the context.
Is it grammatically correct to say "varies based off of" instead of "varies based on"?
While "varies based off of" might be heard in informal speech, "varies based on" is the more grammatically correct and widely accepted form for both formal and informal writing. Sticking to "varies based on" ensures clarity and professionalism.
What does it mean when something "varies based on" a particular factor?
It means that the characteristic, value, or state of something is not fixed but changes in relation to another factor. For instance, "The difficulty of the task varies based on the level of experience of the participant" indicates that more experienced individuals will find the task easier.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested