chance variations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chance variations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing randomness or variability in data, outcomes, or phenomena. Example: "The experiment showed that the results were influenced by chance variations, leading to different outcomes each time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Put this repertoire into a programme, introduce chance variations, and you could make a Mondrian of your own.

Independent

The measurement uncertainty was reduced by ensuring operation near full scale of the load sensor employed, and by averaging a large number of samples to reduce chance variations due to turbulent fluctuations in the system.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

In addition, his views of chance variations that arose during embryonic development, which produced what he called "hopeful monsters," suggested that new evolutionary genetic combinations could arise prior to their actual utility in a given environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the first instance it is tempting to try to mimic the elaboration given in the Darwinian story, and appeal to chance variations and survival of the fittest.

SEP

Given the complexity and multifactorial nature of maternal-infant HIV-1 transmission, we considered it more important to identify potential factors that may play a role in this route of infection rather than simply dismissing these leads as due to chance variations brought about by multiple comparisons.

Plosone

Stochastic methodologies are much more appropriate, as these allow the effect of chance variations to be readily evaluated.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But these differences were small and likely due to chance variation.

The Washington Post

The first dataset is from Chandra and suggests that the spectral model provides some protection against chance variation in PSF or back- ground.

Harvard University

It is reasonable to rule out confounding by chance variation, long-term trends, changes in traffic volume and regression-to-the-mean.

Safety Science

The interpretation of results from models that rely solely on chance variation in peer groups is therefore complicated by bias from weak instruments.

Labour Economics

The study found the highest rates of MG in young women (between 16 and 19 years old), and slightly older men (aged between 25 and 34), although this could have been chance variation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing experimental results, explicitly acknowledge the role of "chance variations" to maintain transparency and avoid overstating the significance of findings. This demonstrates a balanced and critical approach to data interpretation.

Common error

Avoid attributing specific causes to "chance variations" without sufficient evidence. It's a fallacy to attempt explaining randomness, as it defeats the purpose of acknowledging the random nature of the variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chance variations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies random or accidental differences that can occur in a variety of contexts. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chance variations" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term, as confirmed by Ludwig, referring to random or accidental differences. It is most frequently encountered in scientific contexts, where it serves to acknowledge the role of randomness in data and observations. While alternatives like "random fluctuations" or "statistical noise" exist, "chance variations" remains a versatile option. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid attributing causality without proper evidence and to maintain transparency in data interpretation. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its validity and widespread acceptance in academic and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random fluctuations

Emphasizes the unpredictable and irregular nature of the variations.

accidental differences

Highlights the unintentional and unplanned aspect of the variations.

statistical noise

Focuses on the variations as unwanted or irrelevant data in statistical analysis.

stochastic fluctuations

Uses a more technical term to describe random variations, common in scientific contexts.

random variability

Highlights the extent to which data points in a statistical distribution or data set diverge from the average value, as well as the extent to which these data points differ from each other.

unpredictable variations

Emphasizes the inability to foresee or anticipate the variations.

fortuitous variations

Highlights the accidental, and sometimes lucky, nature of the variations.

incidental variations

Stresses that the variations are minor and not essential.

adventitious variations

Uses a more formal term to describe variations that occur by chance or unexpectedly.

chance occurrences

Focuses on the variations as events that happen randomly.

FAQs

How can I use "chance variations" in a scientific paper?

In scientific writing, use "chance variations" to acknowledge that some observed differences may be due to random factors rather than systematic effects. For example, "The observed differences in reaction times could be attributed to "chance variations" among participants".

What are some alternatives to "chance variations" in statistical contexts?

In statistical contexts, you can use alternatives like "random fluctuations", "statistical noise", or "random variability" to describe the same concept.

How do "chance variations" differ from systematic errors?

"Chance variations" refer to random, unpredictable differences, while systematic errors are consistent, repeatable errors that skew results in a particular direction. Recognizing the distinction helps in designing experiments and interpreting data accurately.

When should I consider "chance variations" in data analysis?

Consider "chance variations" when analyzing data sets, especially when dealing with small sample sizes or complex systems where many variables are at play. Statistical tests can help determine whether observed effects are likely due to "chance variations" or a genuine phenomenon.