fluctuate considerably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fluctuate considerably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something varies greatly or changes significantly over time or in response to different conditions. Example: "The stock prices tend to fluctuate considerably during times of economic uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Salmon populations fluctuate considerably from year to year, so we model the fluctuations in the population size as taking place on a fast time scale compared to coalescence, which takes place on the time scale of <img src="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/asset?id=info?doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0013019.e034.PNG" class= inline-graphic"/> generations.

Plosone

A bulimic's weight may fluctuate considerably.

Independent

Others compared single years of income, which fluctuate considerably.

The New York Times

Other lakes are rather small, and their surface areas fluctuate considerably.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The annual rise is much less when two elements that fluctuate considerably -- food and energy -- are excluded.

The New York Times

The level of glycogen, like other chemical constituents, can fluctuate considerably, depending on the diet or feeding habits of the host.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Occupy Wall Street's spending has fluctuated considerably.

The New York Times

It can be seen that total private investment fluctuates considerably over booms and busts.

The New York Times

Rainfall averages only 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150 mm) annually, though it fluctuates considerably from year to year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rivers provide limited inland transport routes because their flow fluctuates considerably, and they are subject to seasonal flooding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In another change, the board -- whose number has fluctuated considerably over the years -- added two new members who are Broadway producers, Leonard Soloway and Steven Levy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fluctuate considerably", ensure the context clearly indicates what is fluctuating and the factors that might influence these fluctuations.

Common error

Avoid using "fluctuate considerably" without providing specific details about what is fluctuating. Be specific about the subject and contributing factors to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fluctuate considerably" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "fluctuate" is the verb and "considerably" is an adverb modifying the verb. It indicates the degree or extent to which something varies. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fluctuate considerably" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict significant variations or changes. Ludwig AI confirms it as such. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, its neutral register allows for versatile use. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specifying what is fluctuating and the factors driving these fluctuations enhances the comprehensibility. Alternatives like "vary significantly" or "change substantially" can be used to add nuance. By considering context and providing specific details, one can effectively utilize "fluctuate considerably" to convey meaningful information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary significantly

This alternative emphasizes the degree of change or difference, highlighting substantial variation.

change substantially

This suggests a notable alteration or modification, focusing on the magnitude of the change.

shift markedly

This implies a clear and noticeable change or movement, indicating a distinct shift.

differ greatly

This emphasizes the extent of dissimilarity or variance, highlighting significant differences.

oscillate widely

This conveys a sense of regular back-and-forth movement or variation, emphasizing the breadth of oscillation.

swing dramatically

This suggests a sudden and pronounced change or shift, highlighting the dramatic nature of the swing.

rise and fall sharply

This describes rapid increases and decreases, focusing on the abruptness of the fluctuations.

go up and down erratically

This emphasizes the irregular and unpredictable nature of the fluctuations, highlighting the erratic pattern.

experience significant variation

This points out the presence of notable differences or changes, focusing on the experience of variation.

show considerable volatility

This highlights the degree of instability and rapid change, emphasizing the volatility.

FAQs

How can I use "fluctuate considerably" in a sentence?

You can use "fluctuate considerably" to describe something that changes a lot or varies significantly. For example, "The company's profits "fluctuate considerably" depending on the season."

What are some alternatives to "fluctuate considerably"?

Some alternatives include "vary significantly", "change substantially", or "shift markedly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fluctuate significantly" or "fluctuate considerably"?

"Fluctuate significantly" and "fluctuate considerably" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context. Both indicate a notable degree of change.

Can "fluctuate considerably" be used to describe emotions or only measurable quantities?

While often used with measurable quantities like prices or temperatures, "fluctuate considerably" can also describe less tangible things like emotions or opinions, provided the context makes the variation clear. For example, "Public opinion on the matter can "fluctuate considerably" depending on recent events."