a variable rate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a variable rate of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that changes or fluctuates over time, such as interest rates, prices, or speeds. Example: "The loan offers a variable rate of interest, which can change based on market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Otherwise, the account pays a variable rate of 3% on deposits of £1 or more.

The Guardian - Money

Strengthening affordable housing by creating a variable rate of the definition of "affordable" linked to average earnings in each London borough.

The Guardian

Tesla expects that many sales will come from commercial customers who pay a variable rate of electricity over the course of a day based on demand.

MIT Technology Review

Well, the problem is that the placebo effect is only short-lived, while depression tends to be a chronic illness with a variable rate of recurrence.

The New York Times - Health

The Halifax Junior Cash Isa, available only through branches, pays a variable rate of 3% on deposits of £1 or more, but this will be boosted to 6% if the person with parental responsibility has a Halifax Isa too.

The Guardian - Money

These products could be hybrids, allowing a local government to issue what seemed like a fixed-rate bond that could in turn be bought by an investor who received a variable rate of interest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Intravenous crystalline insulin (Humulin; Lilly Indianapolis, IN) was infused at a constant rate of 80 mU/m per min, and plasma glucose was clamped at 5.6 mmol/l with a variable rate infusion of 20% dextrose as before (11).

Diabetes Care

Glucose levels were maintained at 103 ± 6 mg/dl for 60 min by a variable rate infusion of 20% dextrose.

Diabetes Care

Plasma glucose was clamped at 5.5 mmol/l with a variable rate infusion of 20% dextrose, enriched with [6, 6-H2]glucose (6).

Diabetes Care

Regular human insulin (1 mU/kg/min) was infused for 2 h and a variable rate infusion of 20% glucose was administered to maintain euglycemia.

Diabetes Care

Savills says the low level of the cap means someone with a £100,000 mortgage currently on a standard variable rate of 7.74percentnt could save almost £250 a month.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial products like mortgages or savings accounts, use "a variable rate of" to clearly indicate that the interest rate can change over time. This helps manage expectations for borrowers and investors.

Common error

Avoid using "a variable rate of" when you mean something is entirely random or chaotic. A variable rate, while changing, often follows certain market trends or predetermined conditions, unlike something that's truly unpredictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a variable rate of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that changes or fluctuates in value or quantity. As per Ludwig, it's correct to use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a variable rate of" is a common and correct phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to describe something that changes or fluctuates. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, writers should ensure that its use aligns with the intended meaning, particularly distinguishing it from complete unpredictability. When writing, using alternatives like "a fluctuating rate of" or "an adjustable rate of" can offer nuanced precision. Overall, understanding and using "a variable rate of" effectively requires context-aware application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fluctuating rate of

Emphasizes the irregular rise and fall of the rate.

a changing rate of

Highlights the alteration of the rate over time.

an adjustable rate of

Suggests the rate can be modified or set to different levels.

a varying degree of

Focuses on the extent or amount to which something changes.

a dynamic rate of

Implies the rate is characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.

a fluctuating level of

Highlights the irregular rise and fall of a level or amount.

an inconsistent rate of

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in the rate.

a modified rate of

Suggests the rate has been changed or altered.

a differential rate of

Emphasizes a rate that varies across different groups or conditions.

a shifting rate of

Indicates that the rate undergoes frequent changes or movements.

FAQs

How do I use "a variable rate of" in a sentence?

Use "a variable rate of" to describe something that changes or fluctuates over time. For example, "The mortgage has "a variable rate of" interest, which means your monthly payments could change."

What's the difference between "a variable rate of" and "a fixed rate of"?

"A variable rate of" changes over time, often based on market conditions, while "a fixed rate of" remains constant for a specified period. Choosing between them depends on risk tolerance and expectations about future market trends.

Are there synonyms for "a variable rate of"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a fluctuating rate of", "a changing rate of", or "an adjustable rate of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "a variable rate of" commonly used?

"A variable rate of" is often used in financial contexts, such as describing interest rates on loans or returns on investments. It is also used in science to describe changes like ""a variable rate of" soil surface elevation change".