various + plural noun
General use
Various normally comes directly before a plural noun.
various solutions
various countries
How to use “various” with prepositions
Various is usually used directly before a noun, as in various ideas. Some prepositions can follow in specific meanings, but various of is generally nonstandard.
Quick answer
Various + preposition
Various is most often used without a following preposition. Various from, various in, and various with appear in specific contexts. Various of is usually incorrect in standard English.
various types of equipment
The opinions varied from person to person.
The region is various in climate and landscape.
The samples were various with bright colours.
The opinions varied from person to person.
The region is various in climate and landscape.
The samples were various with bright colours.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
various in + feature
Showing differences within something
In can describe the aspect in which things differ.
The islands are various in size.
The proposals were various in style and tone.
various from + source
Showing difference between sources
From can appear in formal descriptions of variation between people or places.
Customs are various from region to region.
Results were various from one test to another.
various with + feature
Describing accompanying qualities
With sometimes introduces features accompanying variety, though this pattern is less common.
The fabrics were various with traditional patterns.
The landscape is various with lakes and forests.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
various of
Various of the reports were missing.
generally nonstandard; use various reports or various kinds of reports
various in
The buildings are various in height.
different in a particular feature
various from
Traditions are various from country to country.
differing between places or groups
various on
The committee had various opinions on the issue.
on belongs with opinions, not directly with various
various with
The coastline is various with small bays.
describes accompanying features
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using various of before a noun
Standard English normally uses various directly before the noun.
✕ Various of ideas were discussed. ✓ Various ideas were discussed.Confusing various with varied
Varied is often more natural after a linking verb.
✕ The menu is various. ✓ The menu is varied.Using on as a fixed partner
On usually belongs to another noun such as opinion or article.
✓ People had various opinions on the plan.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. We tested ___ methods.
2. The villages are various ___ size.
3. Traditions are various ___ region to region.
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Frequently asked questions
Is various of ever correct?
It is generally avoided in standard modern English.
What is the difference between various and varied?
Various usually comes before a noun, while varied often follows a linking verb.
Can I use various with abstract nouns?
Yes. You can say various ideas, various reasons, or various approaches.
Related preposition guides
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