significant variation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant variation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable difference or change in data, results, or characteristics in various contexts, such as research, statistics, or analysis. Example: "The study revealed a significant variation in the test scores between the two groups, indicating that the new teaching method was effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adzuna's monthly jobs report showed there continued to be significant variation around the UK in competition for jobs.

The Guardian - Money

The findings from out latest patient survey demonstrates the significant variation between the best and worst performing trusts.

The Guardian

There is significant variation in the quality of commissioning across the country and in the level of spend.

The Guardian

All show significant variation over time.

Annals of Intensive Care

Their elongation shows significant variation across genotypes.

Rice

Significant variation existed in all the characters.

Nigerian Journal of Genetics

They're also subject to significant variation in availability, price and quality.

TechCrunch

There was a significant variation in scores across cities.

Health Economics Review

No significant variation across geographic areas was found.

Health Economics Review

No significant variation between samples or replicates was observed.

Rice

However, a significant variation in the genotypes was observed.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant variation", ensure that you specify the context in which the variation occurs to provide clarity for the reader. For example, "significant variation in temperature".

Common error

Avoid using "significant variation" without providing specific data or evidence to support the claim. Vague statements can weaken your argument. Instead, quantify the variation with statistics or examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant variation" functions as a noun phrase where "significant" modifies "variation". It describes a difference or change that is notable or statistically important. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

21%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant variation" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a noteworthy difference or range of differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and frequent across various fields. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase serves to highlight important distinctions within data sets or observations. When employing "significant variation", it's best practice to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization by supporting claims with specific evidence. Alternatives such as "notable difference" or "substantial change" can be used depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notable difference

Focuses on the aspect of difference rather than the range of change.

substantial difference

Emphasizes the magnitude of the difference.

considerable disparity

Highlights the inequality or difference between things.

marked contrast

Stresses the opposition or dissimilarity between items.

pronounced fluctuation

Implies irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

appreciable change

Highlights that the alteration is large enough to be noticed or considered important.

evident discrepancy

Draws attention to inconsistencies or contradictions that are easily observable.

distinct deviation

Emphasizes the departure from a standard or norm.

noticeable alteration

Focuses on the change being easily observed.

major divergence

Highlights the act of moving in different directions from a common point.

FAQs

How can I use "significant variation" in a sentence?

You can use "significant variation" to describe differences in data, results, or characteristics. For example: "The study revealed a significant variation in test scores."

What are some alternatives to "significant variation"?

You can use alternatives like "notable difference", "substantial change", or "considerable disparity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "significant variation" or "significant difference"?

Both "significant variation" and "significant difference" are correct, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. "Significant variation" implies a range or fluctuation, while "significant difference" implies a distinct dissimilarity between two or more items.

How do I determine if a variation is truly "significant"?

In statistical terms, significance is often determined by statistical tests that yield a p-value below a certain threshold (e.g., 0.05). This indicates that the observed variation is unlikely to be due to chance. Consult statistical resources for detailed guidance.