this number varies

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "this number varies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a number that changes over time or in various situations. For example, "The number of people who attend the event each year varies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

This number varies based on available funding and on the applicant pool.

Stanford University

But this number varies widely around the world," Mr Wilmoth said.

Independent

This number varies significantly from year to year, depending on how many loopholes a company qualifies for.

The New York Times

If human exposure to flood is generally assessed through the number of inhabitants per buildings located in flood prone zone, it is clear that this number varies dramatically throughout the day as people move from place to place to follow their daily program of activities.

Journal of Hydrology

However, this number varies among institutions, so the range of accepted GPAs is quite broad.

Science Magazine

A team comprises a manager, at least 15 APMs, and approximately 20 support staff, although this number varies from programme to programme.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In the established cell lines and tumours used in the present study, this number varied between 25 and 50 DMs.

Plosone

However, this number varied considerably from 1 16.5% and moreover, we do not know how much HPV DNA is needed to give a positive signal in our fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis.

Plosone

Nevertheless, in the present analysis the use of maxima would cause a bias only if the reported shell lengths do depend strongly on number of measured individuals, and if this number varied with body size in a different way at different depths, i.e., if bigger, but not smaller taxa were under-sampled in deep waters.

Plosone

This number varied between 14 and 430.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

This number varied from zero to six deleted trunk segments.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this number varies", ensure that the context clearly indicates what factors cause the variation. Be specific about potential influencing elements for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "this number varies" without providing any context or reason for the variation. Always explain why the number varies to provide meaningful information to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this number varies" serves as a statement indicating that a particular numerical value is not fixed and is subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions to introduce the concept of variability in a specific quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this number varies" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a particular numerical value is not fixed and is subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the concept of variability. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general writing, with a neutral tone. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context on why the number varies to ensure clarity and meaningful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this quantity fluctuates

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and "varies" with "fluctuates", focusing on the changing nature of the amount.

this figure differs

Substitutes "number" with "figure" and "varies" with "differs", highlighting the aspect of dissimilarity.

this value changes

Replaces "number" with "value" and "varies" with "changes", emphasizing the alteration in the numerical representation.

the amount is not constant

Expresses the idea in a negative way, focusing on the lack of consistency.

it is not a fixed number

Similar to the previous phrase, but stresses that the number is not predetermined or unchangeable.

the statistic is variable

Highlights the statistical nature of the number, indicating that it can take on different values.

the count is not uniform

Emphasizes the lack of evenness or regularity in the number.

this metric is dynamic

Replaces "number" with "metric" and "varies" with "dynamic", focusing on the changing nature of the measurement.

the total is subject to change

Expresses the idea that the total sum is liable to vary.

the index is inconsistent

Replaces "number" with "index" and "varies" with "inconsistent", highlighting the lack of uniformity.

FAQs

How can I use "this number varies" in a sentence?

Use "this number varies" to indicate that a particular numerical value is not constant and is subject to change depending on certain conditions or factors. For instance, "The required dosage of medication varies from patient to patient."

What are some alternative ways to express that a number is not constant?

You can use alternatives like "this quantity fluctuates", "this figure differs", or "this value changes" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this number vary" instead of "this number varies"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Number" is a singular noun, so it requires the singular verb form "varies". The correct phrasing is "this number varies".

How does "this number varies" differ from "this number is constant"?

"This number varies" indicates that a value is subject to change, while "this number is constant" means the value remains the same and does not change under any circumstances. They are antonyms.