price fluctuates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "price fluctuates" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing changes in the cost of goods or services over time. For example, "The price fluctuates based on market demand." Alternative expressions include "price varies" and "price changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

As a rule of thumb, Brazilian consumers are frequently advised by the media to use more alcohol than gasoline in their mix only when ethanol prices are 30% lower or more than gasoline, as ethanol price fluctuates heavily depending on the harvest yields and seasonal fluctuation of sugarcane harvest.

Wikipedia

Their price fluctuates dramatically.

Independent

The price fluctuates from about $2 to $3.50 apiece.

The New York Times - Science

Its price fluctuates less with the price of oil than with fashion.

The New York Times

For stock prices this is called volatility, and it measures how erratically the price fluctuates.

The Guardian

The price fluctuates depending on how many people are using the computers, but it usually hovers around $1.50 for an hour of surfing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

On the other hand, letting price fluctuate in the allowable price band allows for a firmer emissions cap.

The New York Times

Teixeira had recently tried to calculate the value of attention, and found that, like the dollar, its price fluctuated.

The New Yorker

Its price fluctuated wildly, allowing for crazy speculation.

TechCrunch

For example, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold saw its price fluctuate between $31 and $65 over the past year.

Forbes

Instead they agree to let the price fluctuate, for example by tracking an index of wholesale transactions.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "price fluctuates" when referring to a single specific commodity or the concept of price in the abstract. If you are discussing multiple products or general market indices, consider using the plural "prices fluctuate" to reflect a broader scope.

Common error

Avoid using the plural verb 'fluctuate' with the singular subject 'price'. Writers often lose track of the subject's number when descriptive phrases intervene, such as 'the price of these various luxury items fluctuates' (correct) versus 'the price of these various luxury items fluctuate' (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "price fluctuates" functions as a complete predicate describing the behavior of a noun. In many Ludwig examples, it appears as the core of a subordinate clause (e.g., "as the "price fluctuates"") or a main statement. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard, correct construction in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "price fluctuates" is a robust and grammatically correct way to describe the inherent variability of costs in various sectors. Data from Ludwig AI shows that it is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science, where it describes everything from Bitcoin exchange rates to the cost of acupuncture or fuel. While it is perfectly interchangeable with ""prices fluctuate"" in general contexts, maintaining singular subject-verb agreement is crucial for precision. Whether writing about economics, technology or daily shopping, this phrase remains a foundational element of financial and descriptive English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prices fluctuate

Changes the subject to plural, which is often more common when discussing general market trends.

price varies

Uses a more general verb that indicates difference without necessarily implying the back-and-forth motion of fluctuation.

cost fluctuates

Swaps the focus from the market price to the expense or cost incurred.

pricing fluctuates

Uses the gerund 'pricing' to refer to the strategy or system of setting prices.

price changes

A simpler, more direct way to describe any alteration in value.

market price fluctuates

Adds specificity by identifying the price as a market-driven value.

price oscillates

A more technical term suggesting a regular movement between two points.

price shifts

Often implies a more permanent or significant movement in price level.

rate fluctuates

Used specifically when referring to interest rates, exchange rates or fees.

price remains volatile

Describes the state of the price rather than the action itself.

FAQs

How do I use "price fluctuates" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an unstable cost, such as "the "price fluctuates" based on daily market demand" or "because the "price fluctuates" so wildly, investors are cautious".

What is the difference between "price fluctuates" and "prices fluctuate"?

The difference is purely grammatical number. Use "price fluctuates" for a singular subject and ""prices fluctuate"" when referring to multiple items or a general trend across a market.

Can I use "price fluctuates" in formal business reports?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for professional contexts. In more technical settings, you might also use "price volatility" to describe the phenomenon.

What can I say instead of "price fluctuates"?

Depending on your focus, you can use "price varies", "price changes" or "price swings".