various cities

USAGE SUMMARY

"various cities" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing multiple places or cities, such as when talking about places you have visited or plan to visit. For example, you could say: "I have visited various cities across the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Habits of readers in various cities differ.

The New Yorker

On Thursday night, massive demonstrations took places in various cities.

The Guardian - Opinion

She'd been bouncing around various cities in Europe.

The New Yorker

WorldCom had purchased numerous Clecs, overlapping in various cities.

The New York Times

Protests were held in various cities and towns across Pakistan.

The Guardian

From Pescheria, there are dozens of trains to various cities.

The New York Times - Travel

What sorts of actions were protesters taking in various cities around the country?

The New York Times

Iraqi social organizations helping to organize various cities should be applauded, not condemned, he insisted.

The New York Times

Pride and Prejudice was opening the festival and being screened in various cities.

The Guardian - Books

The utility faces at least 20 class-action suits filed in various cities.

The New York Times

He was also a salesman, guide, stable hand and a bookkeeper in various cities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "various cities", ensure the context provides clarity regarding which cities are being referenced, either directly or indirectly, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "various cities" when you can be more specific. If the exact cities are known, listing them provides more precise and useful information to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various cities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It indicates a plurality of urban locations without specifying them individually. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "various cities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate multiple, unspecified urban locations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally used to discuss events, trends, or characteristics that are shared across different urban areas without needing to specify each one individually. While widely accepted and considered correct, it's beneficial to provide more specific details when available. The phrase is primarily found in news and media, scientific publications, and wikis, maintaining a neutral tone appropriate for general communication. Alternatives like "several cities" or "multiple cities" can be used to provide a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several cities

Replaces "various" with "several", indicating a limited but unspecified number of cities.

multiple cities

Uses "multiple" instead of "various", highlighting the plurality of cities.

different cities

Emphasizes the diversity among the cities being referred to.

numerous cities

Employs "numerous" to suggest a large quantity of cities.

a number of cities

Expresses the idea of more than two cities, using a slightly more formal tone.

a range of cities

Focuses on the variety of cities involved.

a selection of cities

Suggests a curated or specific group of cities.

assorted cities

Implies a mix of different types of cities.

diverse urban centers

Replaces "cities" with "urban centers", adding a touch of formality and emphasizing urban development.

various metropolitan areas

Substitutes "cities" with "metropolitan areas", focusing on the broader urban regions.

FAQs

How can I use "various cities" in a sentence?

You can use "various cities" to indicate that something occurs in or relates to multiple unspecified cities. For example: "The band toured "various cities" across Europe."

What are some alternatives to saying "various cities"?

Alternatives include "several cities", "multiple cities", or "different cities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to list specific cities instead of saying "various cities"?

In many cases, listing specific cities is more informative and precise. Use "various cities" when the exact cities are not important or when the list would be too long.

What's the difference between "various cities" and "other cities"?

"Various cities" implies a selection or assortment of cities, while "other cities" suggests cities in addition to one or more previously mentioned. The choice depends on the specific context and meaning you intend to convey.