are at variance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are at variance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more things are in disagreement or conflict with each other. Example: "The findings of the two studies are at variance, leading to confusion in the scientific community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laws that are at variance with the country's international agreements cannot be enforced by the courts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The platform conforms with the positions Mr. Kerry has taken in this campaign, including some that are at variance with the views of many members of his party.

The New York Times

Parts of the liturgical text (introit Christus surrexit, et al). are at variance with the Roman missal.

Princeton University

However, recent data from our laboratory on hSMUG1 as compared with hUNG2 are at variance with these results (Kavli et al., 2002).

Nature

It's a messy war whose aims have yet to be persuasively articulated and whose means are at variance with law and principle.

The New York Times

When the subject's perceptions of the experimental situation are at variance with those of the experimenter, the experiment loses ecological validity.

University of California, Berkeley

For example, here are four details of the episode that are at variance with how most people seem to remember it: 1. Carter himself never mentioned the word "malaise".

The New Yorker

My favorite is "Pink-and-Green Bedroom/Slumber Party," in which a group of women lounge around a teen-style bedroom whose pretentious appointments are at variance with the women's different stages of undress.

The New York Times - Arts

Both sets of comments are at variance with Modi's earlier views on climate change, set out in an e-book, published in 2011 when he was chief minister of Gujarat.

The Guardian

They may hold positions which are at variance with Just's stand on certain issues". He added that Corbyn headed Just's "British Chapter" in the 90s, "which was rather inactive".

The Guardian

Sinn Fein are at variance with the rest of what unionists call "the pan-nationalist front" on half of these issues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are at variance", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which theories or results are at odds.

Common error

Avoid using "are at variance" when you simply mean "different". The phrase implies a stronger sense of conflict or incompatibility, not just a simple distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are at variance" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of two or more entities being in disagreement or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its application in contrasting data, opinions, and results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are at variance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate disagreement or conflict between two or more things. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is suitable for different types of documents. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it serves to highlight discrepancies and incompatibilities. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subjects being compared and recognize that it signifies a stronger conflict than simply being "different". Alternatives such as "are in conflict" or "are inconsistent" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in conflict

Uses "conflict" to highlight a state of opposition rather than discrepancy.

are inconsistent

Emphasizes a lack of uniformity or logical coherence between items.

are in disagreement

Focuses on differing opinions or positions regarding a subject.

are contradictory

Stresses that two or more things cannot both be true or valid.

do not align

Suggests a lack of correspondence or agreement, often in a less direct manner.

are divergent

Highlights that things are moving in different directions or developing differently.

are incompatible

Indicates an inability to coexist or function harmoniously.

are at odds

Implies a state of tension or opposition, often between people or groups.

stand in contrast

Focuses on differences that are noticeable or striking.

do not correspond

Indicates a lack of similarity or equivalence between items being compared.

FAQs

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

Use "are at variance" to indicate that two or more things disagree or conflict. For example: "The two accounts of the event "are at variance" with each other."

What's the difference between "are at variance" and "are different"?

"Are at variance" implies a conflict or inconsistency, while "are different" simply means not the same. Using "are at variance" suggests a significant divergence or disagreement, not just a minor distinction.

What can I say instead of "are at variance"?

You can use alternatives like "are in conflict", "are inconsistent", or "are in disagreement" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "are at variance" in formal or informal writing?

"Are at variance" is suitable for both formal and neutral writing, especially when discussing discrepancies in academic, scientific, or news contexts. It may sound slightly elevated for very informal settings.