the variations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the variations" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to different versions or forms of something. Example: "The variations in her artwork were evident as she experimented with different techniques and styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What explains the variations?

The New York Times

But the variations are large.

The Economist

But the variations are great.

The Economist

They talk obliquely of the "Variations".

The New Yorker

(The variations number more than 350).

The New York Times

Most of the variations are meaningless.

The New York Times - Health

Not all the variations were beneficial.

The New York Times - Arts

"The possibilities, the variations are limitless".

The New York Times

The variations in individual councils are striking.

The Guardian

All the variations follow this pattern.

The Guardian - Music

From here, the variations on braising multiply.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the variations" to highlight a range of different forms or instances of something, rather than simply indicating general change or difference. For example, "The variations in climate across the region are significant" emphasizes the diversity of climates.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives with "the variations". Phrases like "the different variations" can be repetitive. Instead, focus on the specific types of variations or the context in which they occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the variations" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a range or set of different forms, instances, or versions of something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

18%

Food

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Huffington Post

12%

Los Angeles Times

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the variations" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the range of different forms or instances of something. As shown by Ludwig AI and its many examples, its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While it's important to avoid redundancy, using "the variations" is a valuable way to highlight diversity and differences. Alternatives like "the differences" or "the variants" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the variants

Highlights the existence of distinct forms or versions of something.

the differences

Focuses on the dissimilarities between items rather than the range of forms.

the fluctuations

Highlights the changes over time, particularly in numerical values or quantities.

the modifications

Emphasizes intentional alterations or changes made to something.

the modifications

Highlights alterations made to something, usually with a specific purpose.

the alternatives

Stresses the availability of different choices or options.

the deviations

Implies a departure from a standard or expected norm.

the range

Refers to the scope or extent of differences.

the diversity

Emphasizes the variety and richness of different forms or types.

the spectrum

Suggests a continuous range of possibilities or qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "the variations" in a sentence?

You can use "the variations" to refer to different forms, types or instances of something, as in "The research examines the variations in gene expression" or "The cookbook includes several variations on the classic recipe".

What are some alternatives to "the variations"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the differences", "the fluctuations", or "the variants".

Is it correct to say "the different variations"?

While understandable, "the different variations" can be redundant. It's often more concise and impactful to simply use "the variations" or, if necessary, specify the type of variations being discussed.

What is the difference between "the variations" and "the changes"?

"The variations" implies a range of different forms or instances, while "the changes" refers to alterations over time or shifts in state. For example, "the variations in temperature" suggests a range of temperatures, whereas "the changes in temperature" implies a shift in temperature over time.