the amount varies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the amount varies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a certain amount changes or fluctuates. For example, "The amount of money I earn each month varies depending on my hours worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But the amount varies.

The Economist

The amount varies.

The New Yorker

The amount varies by country.

The New York Times

(The amount varies with the price per ton of emissions).

The New York Times

While the amount varies from borrower to borrower, the FCA puts the average shortfall at just over £71,000.

The Guardian - Money

The amount varies with the project and the location, but it has so far averaged $21,700 per apartment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Depending on the sex of the baby, the amount varied from INR 400 to 800.

BMC Health Services Research

The amount varied amongst villages from IDR 2,000 to 20,000 (USD 0.2-2) per month.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The amount varied from 57.4 (E30-D-1) to 163.8% (kw4) compared with Clark.

BMC Plant Biology

In all countries there was some charge for medication although the amount varied.

BMC Medical Ethics

The amount varied with frequency of use such that the higher the frequency the higher the dose (see table 3).

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the amount varies", specify the factors influencing the variation for clarity. For example, "The amount of rainfall varies depending on the season."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the amount varies" without providing context. Always indicate what factors influence the variation for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the amount varies" functions as a statement indicating that a particular quantity is subject to change or fluctuation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the amount varies" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that a quantity is not constant and changes depending on specific factors. Ludwig AI analysis shows that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While it's a versatile expression, it's crucial to provide context about what influences the variation to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "the quantity differs" or "the volume fluctuates" can offer more specific connotations. While broadly applicable, the phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for wide use, and it is a great way to express differences in amounts without excessive wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the quantity differs

This alternative replaces "amount" with "quantity" and "varies" with "differs", emphasizing that the quantity is not the same in all cases.

the volume fluctuates

This phrase uses "volume" instead of "amount" and "fluctuates" to suggest irregular variation.

the quantity changes

This option replaces "varies" with the simpler "changes", suggesting a less subtle or unpredictable difference.

the extent differs

This phrasing focuses on the range or degree to which something differs, rather than the numerical amount.

the degree fluctuates

This alternative emphasizes variations in degree rather than absolute quantity.

the level differs

This option suggests variations in height or stage rather than a measurable quantity.

there is some variation

This option shifts the sentence structure to a more general statement about the existence of variation.

the figures diverge

This phrase is more suitable when discussing data or statistics and uses "diverge" to indicate that the figures move apart.

the measurement differs

This alternative works best when something is specifically being measured.

the proportion fluctuates

This is suitable when speaking of relative amounts or fractions.

FAQs

How can I use "the amount varies" in a sentence?

Use "the amount varies" to indicate that a quantity or degree is not constant and changes depending on certain factors. For example, "The amount varies based on the user's activity."

What can I say instead of "the amount varies"?

You can use alternatives like "the quantity differs", "the volume fluctuates", or "the quantity changes" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "the amount varies" or "the amounts vary"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "The amount varies" is used when referring to a singular, non-countable entity. "The amounts vary" is used when referring to multiple countable entities.

What's the difference between "the amount varies" and "the amount is different"?

"The amount varies" indicates that the quantity changes over time or across different situations. "The amount is different" simply states that two or more quantities are not the same, without necessarily implying change.