this fluctuates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this fluctuates" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something that varies or changes over time. Example: "The temperature in the region fluctuates throughout the year." Alternative expressions include "this varies" and "this changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We know that this fluctuates much more than GDP over the business cycle, because purchases of manufactured goods slump much more in recessions than purchases of services.

The New York Times

This fluctuates from day to day with the weather and is listed along with the temperature and the wind chill on television monitors throughout the station.

The Economist

Whereas testosterone tends to decline as men get older, in women, it is balanced by oestrogen, and this fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, after pregnancy, if you take the pill, and during the menopause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Emae has a population of roughly 900 people although this fluctuates with intrastate and interstate migration and returns.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

"We discovered the pattern formation in the color of each stones evolves throughout the day; this fluctuates over areas of the brain in use," explains Lauren Bowker, founder and principal designer at THE UNSEEN.

Vice

In addition, the binding of transcription factors to their target sites along the genome depends on the concentration in the immediate neighborhood of these sites, and this fluctuates as molecules diffuse into and out of the neighborhood.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And this fluctuating uncertainty was precisely tracked by a fancy mathematical equation.

The Guardian - Opinion

All the energy and anxiety engendered by this fluctuating environment were on display last week in a shrill televised debate ineffectually moderated by Larry King.

The New York Times

He's the reason the Jaguars ranked third in rushing last season and the reason there's hope for this fluctuating offense.

The New York Times

This has been a compelling Premiership season with all sorts of spectacular twists but no game has been won by a better individual try than the one which settled this fluctuating encounter in Coventry.

The Guardian - Sport

If there is confusion, for many it lies in uncertainty over whether the reforms are about saving money or about improving support for the vulnerable, and the tone of the government's statements on this fluctuate, depending on the audience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure the pronoun "this" has a clear antecedent so the reader knows exactly what is varying.

Common error

Avoid using "this fluctuates" if the subject is only moving in one direction. Fluctuation implies an irregular rising and falling rather than a steady increase or decrease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this fluctuates" consists of a demonstrative pronoun acting as the subject and an intransitive verb in the third-person singular. According to Ludwig, it serves to attribute a quality of instability or periodic change to a previously mentioned concept. It is a complete predicate that concisely summarizes complex data behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "this fluctuates" is a highly efficient linguistic tool for describing non-linear change. Based on data from Ludwig AI, the phrase is most at home in scientific and journalistic contexts where documenting the rise and fall of variables—such as temperature, prices, or hormones—is essential. While it is a simple subject-verb construction, its precision makes it superior to broader terms like "changes" when the specific intent is to highlight a lack of constancy. Writers should ensure the subject "this" is clearly defined to maintain clarity in technical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this varies

More general and does not necessarily imply a repeated rising and falling motion

this rises and falls

Specifies the direction of the fluctuation more explicitly

this ebbs and flows

Adds a more metaphorical or rhythmic quality to the description of change

this changes

A simpler and broader term that lacks the nuance of repeated variation

this undergoes variation

A more formal and passive way to describe the process

this shifts

Suggests a change in position or state rather than a continuous variation

this oscillates

Implies a more regular or technical back-and-forth movement around a center point

this swings

Suggests more extreme or sudden variations

this wavers

Often used to imply instability or a lack of steadiness

this alternates

Indicates switching between two specific states or values

FAQs

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

You can use it to describe data or conditions that change repeatedly, such as: "The market price is never stable; "this fluctuates" based on daily demand."

What is a more formal way to say "this fluctuates"?

In academic writing, you might prefer "this exhibits variability" or "this is subject to fluctuation".

Is it correct to say "this fluctuates" or "this is fluctuating"?

Both are correct. Use "this fluctuates" for a general characteristic or habit and "this is fluctuating" to describe a specific event happening right now.

What can I say instead of "this fluctuates" when talking about emotions?

When describing feelings, you might use "this wavers" or "this vacillates" to indicate indecision or emotional shifts.