are of variable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are of variable" is not correct and sounds incomplete in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that has variability or is subject to change, but it requires additional context to be clear. Example: "The results of the experiment are of variable quality, depending on the conditions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Villages are of variable size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sketch shows, by their nature, are of variable standard, and this is only amplified if the lineup changes every week.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They are of variable hairiness and generally feature compound leaves and spikes of pealike flowers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even here they are of variable importance, with some groups rejecting all formal creeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Iraqi army has some 50,000 men in five divisions and these are of variable quality.

Independent

But both the Patriot and the S-300 are of variable accuracy, and integrating the S-300 into a missile shield would do little to quiet critics who say the technology for a guaranteed shield is far away.

The New York Times

No. Leader is a Lacanian analyst, which means, among other things, that his sessions are of variable length and frequency, and that it is up to the patient who sits (or lies) where.

The Guardian

Depression is a common condition, with the vast majority of cases managed in primary care, but services for people with depression are of variable quality, and services are sometimes difficult to access.

The Guardian

Even the main school-leaving exams are of variable quality.Politicians and campaigners relish using international data in support of arguments for particular reforms.

The Economist

The audio guides are of variable quality, without the spur of any media review of them although a substantial proportion of those attending use them.

Independent

Provincial education departments are of variable quality: the provincial education minister in KwaZulu-Natal refused to show up for work for several weeks last year because, she said, her office was bewitched.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor the concise and grammatically correct phrase "are variable" instead of "are of variable" for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily inserting "of" into phrases describing attributes. For example, instead of "the colors are of variable intensity", write "the colors are variable in intensity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are of variable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, attempting to modify a noun by indicating that it possesses qualities that change or differ. Ludwig's analysis suggests that this phrase is not entirely grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "are of variable" appears frequently across diverse contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically questionable. The core intention is to express that certain qualities are not fixed but subject to change. Simpler alternatives like "are variable" or "are subject to variation" are generally recommended for improved clarity and correctness. While understandable, using "are of variable" may undermine the grammatical rigor of your writing, making more direct options preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are variable

Omits the "of", resulting in a more concise and grammatically sound expression.

are subject to variation

Clearly indicates that something is prone to change or differs under different conditions.

exhibit variability

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal and precise term for describing the presence of variation.

demonstrate variance

Emphasizes statistical or observable differences.

display diversity

Highlights a range of different forms or qualities within a group.

differ

A simple verb conveying that items or measurements are not the same.

fluctuate

Suggests a continuous change or oscillation within a set range.

show discrepancies

Emphasizes inconsistencies or differences between related pieces of information.

range in

Indicates a spectrum or extent between specified limits.

are inconsistent

Indicates a lack of uniformity or predictability.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "are of variable"?

While commonly used, especially in certain contexts, Ludwig AI suggests that "are of variable" is not entirely correct. The simpler form, "are variable", is generally preferred.

What's a better way to express the idea of something being "are of variable"?

Consider using phrases like "are variable", "are subject to variation", or "exhibit variability" for greater clarity and grammatical accuracy.

How can I use "are variable" in a sentence?

You can say, "The test results "are variable", depending on the conditions", or "The sizes "are variable" among different species".

Which is a better choice, "are of variable quality" or "are of variable sizes"?

Neither option is ideal. "The quality is variable" or "The sizes are variable" "are variable" are more direct and grammatically sound.