It varies according to
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to provide a nuanced, professional answer when there isn't one single correct response.
15초 만에
- Used to explain that results change based on different factors.
- A sophisticated way to say 'it depends' in professional settings.
- Helps you avoid making incorrect, overly broad generalizations.
뜻
This phrase is a polite way to say that the answer to a question isn't simple. It means the result changes depending on specific factors or situations.
주요 예문
3 / 6Discussing a commute
The travel time varies according to the time of day you leave.
The travel time changes depending on when you leave.
A waiter explaining a menu
The price of the seafood varies according to the market rate.
The fish price changes based on what it costs today.
In a business meeting
Our strategy varies according to the client's specific goals.
We change our plan based on what the client wants.
문화적 배경
This expression stems from a Western cultural preference for precision and 'hedging'—the practice of avoiding over-committing to a statement. It became a staple of professional English to protect speakers from being held accountable for generalizations that might not apply in every case.
The 'Smart' Factor
Use this phrase in job interviews. It makes you sound like a critical thinker who considers all variables.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this for every question, you might seem like you are hiding something or don't know your facts.
15초 만에
- Used to explain that results change based on different factors.
- A sophisticated way to say 'it depends' in professional settings.
- Helps you avoid making incorrect, overly broad generalizations.
What It Means
Think of this as your ultimate 'it depends' upgrade. It tells people that there is no single rule. The outcome changes based on the circumstances. It is like a sliding scale. If one thing changes, the result changes too. It is a very smart way to avoid being wrong.
How To Use It
You usually start with a general statement. Then you add it varies according to followed by the factor. You can use it for prices, schedules, or even moods. It sounds much more professional than just saying 'maybe.' It shows you understand the complexity of a situation.
When To Use It
Use this when someone asks for a specific number or date. For example, if a friend asks how long a commute takes. You say it varies according to the traffic. Use it in business meetings to sound precise. It works perfectly when discussing budgets or project timelines. It is great for avoiding promises you cannot keep.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple facts. If someone asks your name, do not say it varies according to the day. That is just confusing. Avoid it in high-energy, casual settings like a loud party. It might sound a bit too 'academic' there. Using it for every single question makes you sound indecisive.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' This means we hate being 100% certain if there is a 1% chance we are wrong. It is a cultural safety net. It shows you are being thoughtful and nuanced. It is very common in academic and professional 'polite' society.
Common Variations
You might hear it depends on for casual chats. It is subject to is used for legal or very formal rules. It fluctuates based on is great for numbers or prices. If you want to sound even fancier, try it is contingent upon. But it varies according to is the perfect middle ground.
사용 참고사항
This phrase sits at a C1 level because it requires understanding of nuance. It is most effective in professional, academic, or 'polite' social contexts where directness might be seen as too simple or aggressive.
The 'Smart' Factor
Use this phrase in job interviews. It makes you sound like a critical thinker who considers all variables.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this for every question, you might seem like you are hiding something or don't know your facts.
The British 'Maybe'
In the UK, this is often used to politely say 'no' or 'it's complicated' without being blunt.
예시
6The travel time varies according to the time of day you leave.
The travel time changes depending on when you leave.
Explaining that traffic affects the duration.
The price of the seafood varies according to the market rate.
The fish price changes based on what it costs today.
Common in restaurants for 'Market Price' items.
Our strategy varies according to the client's specific goals.
We change our plan based on what the client wants.
Shows flexibility and attention to detail.
My arrival time varies according to how fast I can finish work!
I'll get there whenever I finish my work.
Using a formal phrase in a text for a slightly ironic, smart tone.
My cat's affection varies according to how empty his bowl is.
My cat only likes me when he is hungry.
Using formal language for a funny, relatable observation.
The healing process varies according to the individual's experience.
Everyone heals differently based on their own life.
Used to show empathy and lack of judgment.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the professional sentence.
The project budget ___ according to the scope of work requested.
The phrase 'varies according to' indicates that the budget is not fixed and depends on the scope.
Complete the phrase correctly.
Success often varies according ___ the effort you put in.
The standard preposition used with 'varies' in this specific hedging expression is 'according to'.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'It Depends' Expressions
Used with friends
It depends.
Standard daily use
It changes based on...
Professional/Academic
It varies according to...
Legal/Scientific
It is contingent upon...
When to use 'Varies According To'
Pricing
Cost varies according to size.
Weather
Temperature varies according to altitude.
Work
Salary varies according to experience.
Cooking
Baking time varies according to the oven.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, they mean the same thing, but varies according to is more formal and precise. You would use depends on with your family and varies according to in a report.
Yes, that is a very common variation. Both varies according to and varies depending on are grammatically correct and used frequently.
Usually, yes. However, you can use it jokingly to sound 'extra' or very serious about a trivial topic, like my coffee order varies according to my mood.
You should use a noun or a noun phrase. For example, it varies according to the weather or it varies according to personal preference.
Yes, you can say opinions vary according to the person you ask. It is a polite way to acknowledge different viewpoints.
It depends on the subject! Use it varies (singular) or prices vary (plural). Always match your verb to what is actually changing.
Not if used correctly. In a professional setting, it sounds polished. In a casual setting, it might sound a bit stiff unless you are being funny.
Avoid saying varies according to me. That sounds strange. Instead, say in my opinion or it depends on my schedule.
Absolutely. It is a perfect phrase for essays to show that you have researched different factors and outcomes.
Not really, but it varies is a complete sentence you can use if the context is already clear.
관련 표현
Subject to change
Likely to be different in the future based on new conditions.
Case-by-case basis
Deciding each situation individually rather than following one rule.
Fluctuates based on
Goes up and down depending on specific factors (often used for prices).
Contingent upon
Only happening if something else happens first (very formal).
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