ages vary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ages vary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a range of different ages present in a particular context, such as a group of people or participants in a study. Example: "In our community center, the ages vary from toddlers to seniors, making it a diverse environment for activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Ages vary, as do the workers' education levels.

The New York Times

All obtained ages vary as a function of grain size.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

We are about equally divided by gender, and our ages vary from twenty to eighty.

The New Yorker

The group squeezed into the 10-seater minibus includes a retired banker, a TV executive and a supply teacher, and our ages vary by more than 40 years.

The Guardian - Travel

It's partly in the casting: the participants' ages vary widely, from clubbers in their early 20s to those more likely to patronise the golf club.

The Guardian

Computed mean ages vary substantially (often by 3 7 yr) between sampling events for most springs, including those with ages of 20 50 yr.

Journal of Hydrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The crowd was predominantly male, but their ages varied widely.

The New Yorker

The climate and edaphic conditions, stand structures and ages varied greatly between sites.

Forest Ecology and Management

Their ages varied from 18 to 61 years old.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Ages varied from 16 to 71 years, with mean age of 42.5.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Animal's ages varied from P14 to P45.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing groups, use "ages vary" to indicate a range of different ages within the group, adding detail such as "ages vary widely from 20 to 80" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ages vary" when you intend to describe the average age. Use it only to indicate a range or diversity in ages, not as a substitute for an average or median age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ages vary" functions as a statement indicating diversity or range in ages within a given group or sample. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from news and scientific articles illustrate this function in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

45%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ages vary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a range of different ages within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and general descriptions. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, its use is straightforward: highlighting the heterogeneity of ages within a sample or population. To ensure clarity, specify the range when using this phrase, and avoid substituting it for measures of central tendency like "average age".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ages differ

A more concise way of stating that ages are not the same.

there are varying ages

Highlights the existence of different ages within a group.

there is a range of ages

Focuses on the existence of a spectrum of ages, rather than the act of varying.

age range differs

Emphasizes the difference in the span of ages.

ages are diverse

Indicates variety in ages present.

there is age diversity

Emphasizes the diversity aspect of ages within the specified group.

age distribution varies

Focuses on the different distributions of ages within a sample or population.

ages span a wide range

Highlights the extensive scope of the ages involved.

ages are not uniform

A more formal way of expressing that ages are different and not the same.

ages fluctuate

Suggests that ages are changing or inconsistent over time or between instances.

FAQs

How can I use "ages vary" in a sentence?

Use "ages vary" to indicate that the ages within a group or sample are not the same and cover a range. For example, "In the study group, "ages vary" from 18 to 65."

What does "ages vary" mean?

The phrase "ages vary" means there is a range or diversity of ages present within a group, sample, or population, indicating that not all individuals are the same age.

What are some alternatives to "ages vary"?

Alternatives include "ages differ", "age range differs", or "there is a range of ages", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "age varies" instead of "ages vary"?

The correctness depends on the context. "Age varies" is correct when referring to the age of a single entity across different instances. "Ages vary" is correct when referring to multiple individuals or entities within a group.