a variance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a variance" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when something or someone deviates from what is expected or normal. For example, "We noticed a variance in the data from the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's quite a variance of opinion.

The Guardian

We don't want to see a variance".

The New York Times

"I have no authority to obtain a variance.

The New York Times

At Morton Square, the Carlisle Development Corporation was granted a variance after a 14-month process.

The New York Times

"People automatically assume I have a variance, that he's been bused in from Brooklyn," she said.

The New York Times

"If the B.Z.A. grants them a variance, that's fine with me.

The New York Times

It was zoned for commercial use, though she later received a variance to permit residential use.

The New York Times

The town heard his concerns before voting on a variance the restaurant needed to proceed.

The New York Times

A variance allowing the repair shop to use the entire site lapsed several years ago.

The New York Times

But the company is still seeking a variance to build a tower in a residential zone.

The New York Times

The city must approve zoning changes for the height and grant a variance for the setback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or regulatory contexts, ensure you understand the specific conditions under which "a variance" can be granted.

Common error

Avoid using "a variance" loosely to mean any kind of difference. In statistics, variance has a precise mathematical definition related to the spread of data around its mean. Using it incorrectly can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a variance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a deviation, difference, or exception. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a variance" is a versatile noun phrase used across various domains to denote a deviation, difference, or exception. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to be mindful of the specific context to convey the intended meaning accurately. Be wary of overusing it in general terms when statistical precision is required. With its widespread use across different types of sources, understanding "a variance" enables more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a variation

Indicates a slight difference or change in something, focusing on the alteration aspect.

a discrepancy

Highlights a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

a deviation

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or norm, often implying a negative connotation.

an inconsistency

Stresses a lack of logical or factual coherence.

a disparity

Focuses on a noticeable and often unfair difference.

a divergence

Highlights the act of moving in different directions from a common point.

an exception

Refers to something that does not conform to the general rule or pattern.

a modification

Indicates an alteration or adjustment made to something.

a permit

Focuses on the official authorization to do something that would otherwise be impermissible.

an allowance

Highlights the act of permitting something, often with a specific condition.

FAQs

How can I use "a variance" in a sentence?

You can use "a variance" to describe a difference or deviation from a norm or expected value. For example, "There was a significant variance in the test scores" or "The company sought a variance from the zoning regulations".

What does "a variance" mean in legal terms?

In a legal or regulatory context, "a variance" often refers to an exception or waiver granted from specific rules or regulations. It allows someone to deviate from the standard requirements under certain conditions.

What are some alternatives to "a variance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a variation", "a discrepancy", or "an exception". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a variance" or should it be "the variance"?

Both can be correct depending on the context. "A variance" refers to a single instance of deviation or difference. "The variance" typically refers to a specific, previously mentioned, or statistically calculated variance.