varies by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'varies by' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to show differences between two or more things. For example, the length of sentences in academic writing varies by discipline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It varies by day.

The New York Times

SCHOOLS -- Varies by district.

The New York Times

The mixture varies by company.

The New York Times

The amount varies by country.

The New York Times

SCHOOLS -- Varies by school district.

The New York Times

Diversity often varies by industry.

The New York Times

The answer varies by region.

The New York Times

Cemetery law varies by state.

The New York Times

The detail in them varies by state.

The New York Times

Compensation also varies by type of nonprofit.

The New York Times

The style of FINALE varies by designer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "varies by" to clearly indicate how a particular characteristic or aspect differs across different categories or conditions. For example, "The cost of living varies by city."

Common error

Avoid using "varies by" without specifying the factor causing the variation. Saying "The quality varies" is vague; instead, specify "The quality varies by brand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varies by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that a characteristic or attribute changes depending on a specific factor. This phrase is used to introduce the variable that causes the differences, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "varies by" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate that a characteristic or attribute changes depending on a specific factor. It's neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts, from academic writing to news reports. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "varies by", ensure that you clearly specify the factor causing the variation to avoid ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "depends on" or "differs according to" can provide nuanced expressions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on

This alternative focuses on the conditional aspect, where something is contingent upon another factor.

differs according to

Emphasizes that the differences are structured and aligned with different categories of the factor.

is contingent on

This suggests a stronger dependency, where the outcome is directly determined by the specified factor.

is determined by

Highlights that the factor in question is the deciding element.

is dependent upon

Similar to "depends on", but sounds more formal. It stresses reliance or necessity.

is subject to

Implies that something is influenced or affected by the given condition.

changes with

Expresses a direct correlation between a change in one factor and a change in the outcome.

is a function of

This alternative suggests a mathematical or direct relationship between two things.

is relative to

Indicates that the subject is being compared or measured in relation to something else.

fluctuates based on

Highlights the changing nature of the outcome depending on the influencing factor.

FAQs

How can I use "varies by" in a sentence?

Use "varies by" to indicate that something differs depending on a specific factor. For example, "The intensity of the storm "depends on" location" or "The price of goods "differs according to" demand".

What are some alternatives to "varies by"?

Alternatives to "varies by" include "depends on", "is contingent on", "differs according to", "changes with", or "is determined by". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "varies with" or "varies by"?

Both "varies with" and "varies by" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Varies with" implies a direct correlation or relationship, while "varies by" indicates differences across distinct categories or conditions. For example, "The temperature varies with the season" versus "The price varies by store".

Can I use "varies by" to compare two items only?

Yes, "varies by" can be used to compare just two items, indicating a difference between them. For example, "The taste of the coffee "is different between" the two brands."