by varying

USAGE SUMMARY

"by varying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that changes or has a range of different values. For example, "The temperature can be controlled by varying the settings on the thermostat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This implies that average velocity can be varied by varying movement amplitude and/or by varying movement duration.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

In turn, by varying we vary the transmission quality.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The others had Clinton ahead by varying spreads.

The New York Times

These oversight officials are supported by varying budgets and staffing.

The New York Times

It is usually inflamed by varying stages of summer.

The New York Times

Complicating the issue, often some assessments go up by varying amounts, some go down by varying amounts and others stay the same.

The New York Times

The Australians further reduce their RAB charge by varying fees according to subject.

The Guardian

Incoming air flow is regulated solely by varying the opening of the intake valves.

The New York Times

And unlike charcoal, chalk or pencil, the artist cannot create darker marks by varying the pressure.

The Guardian - Arts

The RAV4 was everyone's choice for second place, by varying margins.

The New York Times

This easy treat can be endlessly enhanced by varying the ingredients you use.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by varying", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being varied and what the expected outcome or effect is. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "by varying" without specifying the parameter that is being changed. For instance, instead of saying "Results improved by varying", specify "Results improved by varying the temperature".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by varying" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, often indicating the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in many contexts. The phrase serves to explain how a certain effect or result is brought about.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by varying" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe how changes in specific parameters or conditions lead to different outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various formal and scientific contexts. It’s crucial to specify what exactly is being varied to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "through variation of" or "by adjusting" can be used depending on the intended nuance. The phrase is very common in both scientific and news media contexts, making it a valuable tool for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through variation of

Emphasizes the process of achieving a result through the act of varying something.

by adjusting

Focuses on the act of making small changes to something in order to improve it or make it more suitable.

through modification of

Highlights the process of altering something to achieve a different outcome.

by modulating

Implies a more controlled and systematic alteration of something.

by altering

Suggests a direct change or modification to something.

by manipulating

Implies skillful handling or control of something to achieve a desired effect.

by changing

A simple and direct way to express the act of making something different.

through the adjustment of

Highlights the act of fine-tuning something to achieve a particular result.

by diversification of

Focuses on increasing variety or range to achieve a broader effect.

by shifting

Implies a movement or change in position or emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "by varying" in a sentence?

You can use "by varying" to indicate that a change or adjustment in one factor leads to a different outcome. For example, "The intensity of the light can be adjusted "by varying" the voltage".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by varying"?

Alternatives to "by varying" include phrases like "through variation of", "by adjusting", "by modulating", or "by altering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'varying by' instead of "by varying"?

While "varying by" can be grammatically correct in some contexts (e.g. 'The results are varying by small amounts'), it doesn't have the same meaning as "by varying". The phrase "by varying" indicates that you are actively making changes to something. It's better to rephrase and choose an alternative like "through variation of" instead.

What's the difference between "by varying" and "depending on"?

The phrase "by varying" implies a deliberate act of changing something to observe the effect, while "depending on" suggests that something is contingent on another factor without necessarily involving active manipulation. For example, the outcome is variable "depending on the conditions" vs. the outcome is achieved "by varying the conditions".