variable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "variable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word "variable" when something is liable to change, or when something has more than one possible value or result. For example, "The weather is a variable that can be difficult to predict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

π/6 is 30 degrees since p=180 degrees so 7/6 π = 210 degrees, and 210 is the overall variable number being decremented by 360 degrees versus a cosine and sine function.

WikiHow

The company said the cut in its standard variable gas price will take effect on 11 February, and that its average gas customer will save just £9 a year.

The Guardian - Money

Judging by its output so far, Drass's program is of variable quality.

The Guardian

The only important variable is when that moment comes; I'm betting that Rand hopes it lasts until sometime in the fall of 2015.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, this figure originally derives from World Health Organisation and Unicef estimates, some dating back to the 1990s, from "sources of variable quality", about the prevalence of the practice in various African countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Above all, that giving the arts a chance to be excellent – and we are talking of chance, of risk, of the variable, the impulsive, the uncertain, the irrational, the uncalculated, the shocking – depends on allowing the arts to talk of what they do, argue for what they do, justify what they do and explain what they do in their own terms.

The Guardian

Adrian Anderson of mortgage broker Anderson Harris says: "The initial pay rate is 5.04%, and as it is discounted from the standard variable rate, it will go up when interest rates rise.

The Guardian - Money

The fear is that players of his generation can become infantilised, as mechanically dependant as infuriatingly over-dressed modern cars, with their electronically variable valve-timing, their six months in the workshop to recalibrate the flux capacitor that powers the wing mirror hinge.

The Guardian - Sport

So how did it begin, this variable shape?

The Guardian - Music

But the stalemate in peace talks – neither Netanyahu, Abbas nor Hamas appear ready to concede any point – means American action or inaction is a variable for the first time in decades.

The Guardian

Please leave GMLL in CAPS, else it may not be recognized as the correct variable name.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "variable" in scientific or mathematical contexts, clearly define its scope and units of measurement to avoid ambiguity. This ensures that your audience understands precisely what the variable represents and how it influences the system or model being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "variable" and "variant" interchangeably. While both terms relate to change, "variable" denotes something that can take on different values or characteristics, whereas "variant" refers to a specific form or version of something. Mistaking these terms can lead to misunderstanding, especially in technical writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "variable" primarily functions as a noun referring to a quantity or factor that can change or vary. It can also act as an adjective describing something that is prone to change, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "variable" is a versatile term with primary functions as a noun and an adjective, indicating the potential for change or fluctuation. According to Ludwig, it follows standard grammar rules and is very commonly used across diverse contexts like "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Formal & Business". Understanding its synonyms, such as "changeable factor" or "fluctuating element", helps refine expression. A key practice is defining its scope in technical contexts, and it is vital to avoid confusing "variable" with "variant". Therefore, "variable" is an essential word in many contexts that writers should be aware of.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changeable factor

Replaces "variable" with more descriptive terms emphasizing the capacity to change and its role as a factor.

fluctuating element

Highlights the fluctuating nature of the variable, emphasizing its instability.

modifiable aspect

Focuses on the ability to modify or alter the aspect being discussed.

unstable component

Implies a lack of stability within the system or situation.

shifting influence

Emphasizes the influence of something that is subject to change or movement.

alterable quantity

Highlights the alterable nature of a particular quantity.

dynamic parameter

Uses a more technical term, parameter, to describe something that is dynamic or changing.

evolving factor

Suggests the variable is continuously developing or changing over time.

inconstant quantity

Emphasizes the lack of consistency in the quantity.

varying characteristic

Highlights the varying nature of a particular characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "variable" in a sentence?

You can use "variable" to describe something that is subject to change or has multiple possible values. For example, "The weather is a "variable" that affects our plans" or "In this equation, 'x' is the "variable" we need to solve for."

What are some synonyms for "variable"?

Synonyms for "variable" include "changeable factor", "fluctuating element", and "modifiable aspect". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the quality is variable"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "the quality is "variable"" means that the quality is not consistent and can change or differ. This usage is grammatically sound and commonly understood.

What's the difference between "variable" and "parameter"?

"Variable" is a general term for something that can change or take on different values. "Parameter" is a more specific term, often used in mathematics, science, and engineering, to refer to a "parameter" that defines the characteristics or behavior of a system or model. All parameters can also be considered variables, but not all variables are parameters.