differing in size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differing in size" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe objects, entities, or concepts that vary in their dimensions or magnitude. Example: "The boxes were differing in size, making it difficult to stack them efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This work considers the flow of a fluid containing one disperse substance consisting of small particles that belong to different species differing in size and density.

Journal of Computational Physics

Third, thrips larvae are preyed upon by many different predators, differing in size, attack rate, and attack success.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

To understand how this works, we mutated the residue to different amino acids differing in size and in hydrophobicity (G, A, V, L, I, W).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

There are at least 100-120 different groups, with various aims, and differing in size from thousands to just 100-200 members.

The Guardian

What he didn't emphasise is that these fighters are split into at least 100 to 120 different groups, with various aims, and differing in size from thousands to just 100 to 200 members.

The Guardian

In order to distinguish between the aggregates formed in cell culture, mAb aggregates differing in size and morphology were induced using different stress methods.

BMC Biotechnology

This was made possible by designing the PCR products to be of different lengths and no interference was observed between products differing in size by only six nucleotides.

Analytical Biochemistry

In all, we assessed eight different pulsatile regurgitant volumes through each of four rigid orifices differing in size and shape: 0.15 circlercle, 0.4 circlercle, 0.35 cm2 slot and 0.4 cm2 arc.

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

In doing so, we compared estimates for outbreak periods before and during the systematic vaccination campaigns, for different phases within each of the outbreak waves, and for flocks differing in size and species composition.

BMC Veterinary Research

Two subspecies are distinguished, differing in size and the pattern of barring.

Cornell University

The terminal complement components (C6 C9) are structurally related proteins, differing in size and complexity.

Molecular Immunology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection of items, use "differing in size" to clearly indicate that the items have variations in their dimensions. This phrase is especially effective in scientific or technical contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "Sizes were differed in" which is grammatically awkward. Instead, actively state the subject and use "differing in size" to modify it directly. For instance, prefer "The boxes, differing in size, were difficult to stack" over passive constructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differing in size" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing nouns by specifying that they exhibit variations in size. Ludwig's examples confirm this use across various contexts, indicating its role in providing descriptive detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differing in size" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjectival modifier that effectively describes variations in dimension. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in scientific contexts, with notable usage in news and academic writing. Alternatives include "varying in size" and "different sizes". The phrase is best used actively and is suitable for formal to neutral registers. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, highlighting its utility in clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varying in size

Emphasizes the range or extent of size variation.

different sizes

A more direct and concise way to state the existence of size variations.

of different sizes

Adds a prepositional phrase for slightly more emphasis on the variety.

in varying sizes

Focuses on the availability or existence in multiple sizes.

diverse sizes

Highlights the diversity of sizes.

various sizes

Similar to "different sizes" but with a slightly more formal tone.

size variations

Noun phrase indicating the presence of differences in size.

size differences

Another noun phrase emphasizing the disparity in size.

unequal in size

Directly states that the sizes are not equal.

not uniform in size

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity in size.

FAQs

How can I use "differing in size" in a sentence?

You can use "differing in size" to describe objects or entities that vary in their dimensions. For example: "The particles, "differing in size", were separated using a centrifuge."

What are some alternatives to "differing in size"?

Some alternatives include "varying in size", "different sizes", or "size variations", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "different in size" or "differing in size"?

"Differing in size" is a more formal and grammatically correct way to express the idea that objects vary in their dimensions. "Different in size" is also acceptable, but less common in formal writing. Use "differing in size" if you're after conciseness and fluidity.

What's the difference between "differing in size" and "ranging in size"?

"Differing in size" implies that there are variations in size among a group of items. "Ranging in size" indicates that the sizes fall within a specific spectrum or range. For example, "The objects, "differing in size", were scattered randomly," versus "The objects were "ranging in size" from 1 cm to 10 cm."