vary among

USAGE SUMMARY

"vary among" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something differs according to different elements or conditions. For example, "The temperature can vary among different regions of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Policies vary among news organizations.

The New York Times

Prices vary among the services.

The New York Times - Tech

Definitions of capacity vary among the states.

The New York Times - Health

Cholesterol measurements can vary among laboratories.

The New York Times

Accommodations vary among the 400 rooms.

The New York Times - Travel

Attitudes vary among social classes as well.

The Washington Post

These can vary among different varieties.

Cornell University

Major requirements vary among major departments.

University of California, Berkeley

Images vary among close-ups, flashbacks, long shots and montage.

The New York Times - Arts

Chilling requirements vary among species and among their cultivated varieties.

The Washington Post

The operations are complex, and methods vary among manufacturers.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vary among", clearly define the groups or items being compared and the specific characteristics that differ.

Common error

Avoid using "vary among" without specifying what characteristic is varying. For example, instead of saying "Results vary among participants", specify "Results vary among participants in terms of reaction time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary among" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate that there are differences or variations within a group of items, individuals, or categories. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vary among" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate differences across a group of items or individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in diverse contexts, from scientific research and news reporting to academic discussions. While alternatives like "differ between" or "range from" exist, "vary among" is particularly effective when comparing multiple items and emphasizing their distinct characteristics. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the attribute that is varying. Common usage involves science, news and media and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ across

Indicates differences spanning multiple entities or a range, closely mirroring the meaning of "vary among".

differ between

Focuses on the difference between two specific items or groups, whereas "vary among" implies multiple items or groups.

exhibit variations

Similar to showing differences but slightly more formal, indicating noticeable deviations or changes that the "vary among" phrase indicates.

diverge among

Emphasizes a branching out or separation in characteristics, which can be a more pronounced difference than simply "vary among".

display diversity

Focuses on the variety present, rather than a direct comparison of differences among the subjects like "vary among".

range from

Implies a span or spectrum of values or characteristics, where "vary among" suggests distinct differences.

show differences

A general way to say that there are variations, lacking the specificity of "vary among".

are not uniform

Emphasizes the lack of consistency rather than specifically pointing out differences among items, which is the point of "vary among".

fluctuate between

Suggests an oscillation or change between different states or values, implying a less stable difference than "vary among".

oscillate between

Highlights a rhythmic movement back and forth between different states, differing from the more static sense of "vary among".

FAQs

How can I use "vary among" in a sentence?

Use "vary among" to indicate that a particular characteristic or attribute differs across a group of items or individuals. For example, "The requirements "vary among" different departments".

What are some alternatives to "vary among"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "differ between", "differ across", or "range from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'vary between' instead of "vary among"?

While "vary between" is acceptable, it usually implies a comparison of only two items or groups. "Vary among" is more appropriate when comparing three or more items or groups.

What's the difference between "vary among" and "are diverse among"?

"Vary among" emphasizes specific differences or fluctuations in particular attributes, while "are diverse among" highlights the overall variety within a group. Diversity is a broader concept.