vary according to

USAGE SUMMARY

"vary according to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean that something changes, depending on the circumstances. For example: "The prices of the products vary according to their size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Types of birds vary according to habitat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Natural vegetation zones vary according to altitude.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prices vary according to the itinerary.

The New York Times

Prices vary according to tour.

The New York Times - Arts

Prices vary according to accommodation.

The Guardian - Travel

These vary according to your chosen event.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Part-time fees vary according to course.

The Guardian

Prices vary according to type of accommodation.

The Guardian

Prices vary according to the work required.

The New York Times

Dates for Ramadan vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

The New York Times - Travel

The stops will vary according to the season and weather.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vary according to" to clearly indicate that a characteristic or value is not fixed but changes depending on specific factors or conditions. This enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid substituting "to" with other prepositions like "with" or "by". The phrase is "vary according to", and using a different preposition will alter the meaning or create a grammatically incorrect sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary according to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a relationship of dependence or conditional change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies that something changes based on specific circumstances. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, such as prices varying according to demand or dates varying according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vary according to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something changes based on specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. With a very common frequency across various domains, including news, science, and academia, this phrase helps to precisely convey conditional relationships. When using this phrase, ensure you maintain grammatical accuracy by using the correct preposition "to". Remember that related phrases like "depend on" and "differ depending on" can serve as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ depending on

Similar in meaning but uses "differ" instead of "vary", focusing on the differences that arise.

change based on

Directly states the alteration based on a condition, offering a clear and simple alternative.

depend on

Replaces "vary" with a direct expression of dependence, simplifying the structure.

is contingent on

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the variation, suggesting a more formal tone.

fluctuate with

Highlights the dynamic aspect of the variation, implying movement or change.

shift in accordance with

Emphasizes a gradual or adaptive change, suggesting a harmonious adjustment to different conditions.

are subject to

Implies that something is influenced or determined by something else.

relate to

Indicates a connection or association, suggesting a less direct form of dependence.

correspond to

Suggests a parallel or matching relationship, implying a consistent pattern of variation.

are a function of

Expresses a mathematical or formal relationship, implying a precise and predictable variation.

FAQs

How can I use "vary according to" in a sentence?

Use "vary according to" to show that something changes based on specific conditions. For example, "Prices "vary according to" demand".

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

You can use alternatives such as "depend on", "differ depending on", or "change based on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "vary depending on" instead of "vary according to"?

While "vary depending on" is also grammatically correct and commonly used, ""vary according to"" often implies a more structured or predictable relationship between the variables.

What's the difference between "vary according to" and "fluctuate with"?

"Vary according to" suggests a broader range of influences, while "fluctuate with" implies a more dynamic and oscillating change in relation to something else.