variable results

USAGE SUMMARY

"variable results" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that the results are not consistent or predictable, and may vary greatly. You can use this phrase when describing the outcome of an experiment or study, or when discussing the performance of a system or process. For example: - "The experiment showed variable results, with some participants showing significant improvement while others showed no change at all." - "The company's quarterly earnings have been showing variable results, with some months seeing a decrease while others have shown a significant increase." - "The new medication has been producing variable results, with some patients experiencing side effects while others have reported great improvement in their condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brodsky eventually turned his hand to translating his own poems – with variable results.

The Guardian - Books

You can also convert 2D footage to give a sort-of-3D effect, with variable results.

The Guardian - Tech

The three other leagues have salary caps that have produced variable results.

The New Yorker

This means more NHS and social care resources are taken up with supporting people, with variable results.

The Guardian

Toxicological analysis of the nonnutritive sweeteners has produced variable results.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With virtuosic intentions and variable results, Patrice Johnson is double cast as the good person and as her cousin, Taiwo Highwater, a capitalist.

The New York Times

Film-makers have been trying to adapt Philip Roth's novels since 1969's attempt at Goodbye, Columbus (published in 1959), with variable results.

The Guardian - Film

Over the last few years, Valery Gergiev's releases on the London Symphony Orchestra's own label have centred upon his cycle of the Mahler symphonies, with rather variable results.

The Guardian - Music

With variable results.

BBC

The BCG vaccine has variable results.

BBC

Variable results were obtained from the Rhododendron indicator plants.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "variable results", be specific about the factors that might contribute to the variability. This adds clarity and provides context to your findings.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the results were variable" without providing any further explanation or data. Always support your statement with specific examples or a range of outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variable results" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often describes the outcome of a process, experiment, or study.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "variable results" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate inconsistent or differing outcomes. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide applicability across various domains, particularly science and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide specific details regarding the factors contributing to the variability for enhanced clarity. Consider using synonyms like "inconsistent outcomes" or "mixed outcomes" to add nuance to your writing. The key is to avoid overgeneralization and support the assertion with concrete examples to bolster the informative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varying results

A more general term indicating that the results are not the same in all cases.

inconsistent outcomes

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity in the results.

fluctuating results

Highlights the changing nature of the results over time or across different instances.

inconsistent findings

Similar to "inconsistent outcomes", but often used in the context of research or studies.

differing outcomes

Focuses on the differences observed in the results.

unpredictable results

Highlights the inability to foresee the results accurately.

mixed outcomes

Suggests a combination of positive and negative or successful and unsuccessful results.

uneven results

Implies that the results are not uniform or consistent across different areas or instances.

erratic outcomes

Indicates results that are irregular and unpredictable.

divergent results

Emphasizes the separation or deviation of the results from a common point or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "variable results" in a sentence?

You can use "variable results" to describe situations where outcomes are not consistent. For instance, "The experiment yielded "variable results" depending on the temperature."

What is a good alternative to "variable results"?

Alternatives to "variable results" include "inconsistent outcomes", "mixed results", or "differing outcomes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "varying results" or "variable results"?

Both "varying results" and "variable results" are acceptable. "Varying results" emphasizes the act of changing, while "variable results" emphasizes the inherent quality of being able to change. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What causes "variable results" in scientific studies?

"Variable results" in scientific studies can arise due to numerous factors, including sample variability, measurement errors, uncontrolled variables, and limitations in the experimental design.