be highly variable in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be highly variable in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that shows a significant range of variation in a particular context or aspect. Example: "The results of the experiment can be highly variable in different environmental conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The relative contributions of climate variability and pumping to USB depletion are shown to be highly variable in time and space.

Journal of Hydrology

However, these studies do not reflect the reality that exposure to ENPs may be highly variable in both space and time, due to for example spatial variability in population density and temporal variability in river water discharge.

Environmental Pollution

It can be relatively consistent in speed and direction, or it can be highly variable in either or both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another team of French and American researchers suggests that forests, oceans and other sinks might be highly variable in their effects from year to year perhaps because of the effect of the El Niño weather pattern.

The Economist

Surface heat flow has been observed to be highly variable in the Nankai subduction margin.

Earth, Planets and Space

Investment Returns Another important factor to keep in mind is that investment returns can be highly variable in the short term, while mortgages tend to be fixed in nature.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

That being said, concentrations within accession groups and commercial varieties were highly variable in our study.

Food Chemistry

The plants are highly variable in growth habit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Leaf blades of sedges are highly variable in form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But companies in Africa and Asia are "highly variable" in their recycling capabilities, dependability and safety records, said Mr. Fischer, the consultant to the environment agency.

The New York Times - Science

Commercial garlic supplements are highly variable in the amount of the valuable compounds they contain, like allicin, so label information should be carefully compared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be highly variable in", ensure that the context clearly specifies the parameters or aspects within which the variability occurs. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be highly variable in" without specifying what aspects are variable. For example, instead of saying "The data can be highly variable in", specify "The data can be highly variable in terms of temperature and pressure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be highly variable in" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's tendency to exhibit significant differences or fluctuations within a specific context. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correctly used in English to describe something with a significant range of variation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

Encyclopedias

13%

News & Media

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be highly variable in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant fluctuations or differences within a defined context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing entities whose characteristics change considerably. Predominantly found in scientific and formal writing, it effectively highlights the dynamic or unpredictable nature of a subject. To ensure clarity, always specify the parameters within which the variability occurs. Common alternatives include phrases like "exhibit substantial variation in" or "display significant fluctuation in". When writing, avoid broad statements and specify the variable aspects to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibit substantial variation in

Replaces "be highly variable" with "exhibit substantial variation", using more formal vocabulary.

display significant fluctuation in

Substitutes "be highly variable" with "display significant fluctuation", emphasizing the dynamic nature of the variation.

show considerable diversity in

Replaces "be highly variable" with "show considerable diversity", focusing on the wide range of differences.

demonstrate marked differences in

Substitutes "be highly variable" with "demonstrate marked differences", highlighting the distinct variations.

vary significantly with respect to

Uses a more formal structure, replacing "be highly variable in" with "vary significantly with respect to".

have a wide range of

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of variability.

be subject to considerable change in

Emphasizes the susceptibility to change, altering the focus slightly.

present a spectrum of

Implies a continuous range of variation, rather than discrete differences.

differ markedly in

Focuses on the extent of the difference, rather than the variability itself.

fluctuate greatly in

Highlights the irregular and unsteady nature of the variation.

FAQs

How can I use "be highly variable in" in a sentence?

You can use "be highly variable in" to describe something that changes or differs significantly depending on the circumstances. For instance, "The stock market can be highly variable in response to economic news".

What are some alternatives to "be highly variable in"?

Alternatives include "exhibit substantial variation in", "display significant fluctuation in", or "show considerable diversity in" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be highly variable in" or "vary greatly in"?

Both "be highly variable in" and "vary greatly in" are grammatically correct, but "be highly variable in" might be preferable in formal or scientific writing. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What does "be highly variable in" mean?

The phrase "be highly variable in" means that something changes or differs significantly, and is not consistent or predictable.