they vary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they vary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that there are differences or variations among a group of items, people, or concepts. Example: "The results of the experiment were not consistent; they vary significantly from one trial to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They vary in quality.

The New Yorker

They vary enormously.

The Economist

But they vary regionally.

The Guardian

They vary greatly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well, they vary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They vary for different records.

The New York Times

And they vary in size.

The New York Times

"But they vary on execution.

The New York Times - Sports

They vary widely in age.

The New York Times

How do they vary in tone?

The Guardian

But beyond that, they vary widely.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "they vary", enhance clarity by specifying the parameters in which variations occur, such as "they vary in size", "they vary in price", or "they vary in complexity".

Common error

Avoid using "they vary" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the subject is explicitly stated in the preceding sentence or context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they vary" functions as a statement indicating that multiple items or entities possess different characteristics or qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they vary" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate diversity or differences among multiple items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science domains, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, always specify what "they" refers to and the parameters in which the variation occurs. Consider alternatives like ""they differ"" or "they fluctuate" to further refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they differ

This alternative emphasizes the distinction between items.

they diverge

This alternative suggests a branching out or moving in different directions.

they fluctuate

This alternative highlights irregular variations or changes.

they range

This alternative indicates a span or scope between limits.

they deviate

This alternative implies a departure from a standard or norm.

they transform

This alternative suggests a change in form or appearance.

they shift

This alternative points to a slight change in position, direction, or tendency.

they modify

This alternative implies making partial or minor changes.

they reform

This alternative focuses on improving or amending what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory.

they alternate

This alternative emphasizes a regular change between one thing and another.

FAQs

How can I use "they vary" in a sentence?

Use "they vary" to indicate that multiple items or entities within a group are not all the same. For example, "The symptoms of the illness are diverse; "they vary" from mild discomfort to severe pain".

What's the difference between "they vary" and "they differ"?

"They vary" implies a range of differences along a spectrum or set of characteristics. "They differ" is a more general statement indicating that the items are not the same. In most contexts, "they differ" is a suitable alternative.

What can I say instead of "they vary"?

You can use alternatives like ""they differ"", "they fluctuate", or "they range" depending on the specific context and the nature of the variation you're describing.

Is it correct to say "it varies" instead of "they vary"?

Yes, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "it varies" when referring to a singular subject and "they vary" when referring to a plural subject. For example, "The price varies depending on the location" (singular) versus "The prices vary depending on the location" (plural).