vary by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'vary by' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has different amounts or characteristics depending on a particular factor. For example, "The prices of these items vary by region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Results vary by industry.

The Economist

Guidelines vary by state.

The New York Times

Hours vary by season.

The New York Times - Travel

Rules vary by company.

The New York Times

Dates vary by location.

The New York Times - Travel

CONTRIBUTIONS vary by company.

The New York Times

The criteria vary by insurer.

The New York Times

Ticket prices vary by show.

The New York Times

Eligibility rules vary by state.

The New York Times - Health

Prices may vary by store.

The New York Times

The prices vary by size.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vary by", ensure that the factor causing the variation is clearly stated. For example, instead of saying "Prices vary", specify "Prices vary by location".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "Results vary" without specifying what the results vary by. Be specific to provide clarity. For instance, say "Results vary by age group" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that a particular attribute or characteristic changes in relation to a specific factor. Ludwig showcases numerous examples where this phrase connects a subject with the cause of its variation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vary by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something changes or differs based on a specific factor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using "vary by", it's crucial to clearly specify the factor causing the variation to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "differ depending on" or "depend on" can be used to express similar meanings, as also validated by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ depending on

Emphasizes the conditional aspect of the difference, highlighting that the variation is contingent on something.

depend on

Highlights the relationship of being determined or influenced by something else.

are contingent on

Focuses on the dependence of the outcome on specific conditions.

are subject to

Highlights the influence of something else on the outcome, implying a degree of control or influence.

fluctuate with

Suggests a more dynamic relationship, where the variation involves constant change or movement.

change according to

Similar to 'differ depending on' but provides a clearer sense of accordance.

are determined by

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship, where something is directly influenced by another factor.

are influenced by

Highlights the fact that something is affected by other factors.

differ in relation to

Focuses on the comparative aspect of the difference, indicating how things change relative to something else.

are a function of

Implies a mathematical or systematic relationship, where something is directly proportional to another factor.

FAQs

How to use "vary by" in a sentence?

Use "vary by" to indicate that something differs based on a specific factor. For example, "Shipping costs "vary by destination"".

What can I say instead of "vary by"?

You can use alternatives like "differ depending on", "depend on", or "change according to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "vary by" or "vary depending on"?

"Vary by" and "vary depending on" are both correct, but "vary by" is more concise. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis on the conditional aspect.

What's the difference between "vary by" and "differ by"?

"Vary by" is a more general term indicating a difference based on a factor, while "differ by" often implies a quantifiable difference. For example, "Salaries vary by experience level", versus "The temperatures differ by 10 degrees".