variation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "variation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a change or difference in condition, amount, or level, typically in a specific context such as statistics, biology, or art. Example: "The variation in temperature over the week was significant, affecting the overall climate patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Resentment is often sparked by the variation in the policing of the rules rather than the law per se – with many complaining that the rich are unaffected by fines that can cripple poorer households.

The Guardian

"I'm struggling to find a decent stats site, any variation of googling throws up gambling sites, which I need to steer clear of... ...... Eberhard Spohd has the following for what happens if every match finishes 0-0.

The Guardian - Sport

For the past three years or so, at least one stranger has sought me out pretty much every day to call me a fat bitch (or some pithy variation thereof).

The Guardian

The fearful prospect of a British government being bent to the will of the Scottish National party may well have been the biggest single cause of Labour's rout at the polls, but this week I heard an interesting variation on the theme.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Twin studies have been conducted for more than 50 years but there is still some debate in terms of how much the variation is due to genetic or environmental factors," Benyamin said.

The Guardian

He notes: "There's a lot more variation in the emails than when people are writing with a standard template provided by [campaigning website] 38 Degrees, for example.

The Guardian

The variation involved means that accurately predicting which voices will be best for a particular job, independent of age, gender and ethnicity, means pinpointing the right combinations of vocal features.

The Guardian

In the winter months the mulligatawny soup – a spicy variation on lentil soup cooked in south Indian style – is a perfect compliment to onion bhaji or gobi pakora (cauliflower fried in chick-pea flour).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Underneath the superficial variation, horror shows a remarkably stable structure over time," he said.

The Guardian - Film

If it was normal variation you'd expect more of a bell-shaped curve".

The Guardian

The trip certainly made me appreciate the huge variation of routes at my disposal back home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes to a base form, clarify the aspect in which the "variation" occurs. For example, specify "variation" in color, size, or method.

Common error

Avoid using "variation" when referring to completely unrelated items; "variation" implies a connection or a base form from which changes occur. For instance, don't use "variation" to describe the difference between a cat and a car.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "variation" is as a noun, referring to a change, difference, or modification in something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this noun is widely used and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "variation" functions primarily as a noun denoting change or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use in English. It is prevalent across various contexts, including news, science, and business, suggesting a broad applicability. When using "variation", it's crucial to specify the aspect in which the change occurs to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "difference", "modification", and "deviation" can be used depending on the nuanced meaning you aim to convey. Overall, "variation" is a versatile and common term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difference

This is the most general term for a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.

modification

This refers to a change that is made, implying alteration.

alteration

This suggests a change in character or composition, often minor.

deviation

This term implies a departure from a standard or norm.

discrepancy

This refers to a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

divergence

This indicates a separation or difference in opinion, path, or direction.

fluctuation

This implies an irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

range

This refers to the extent to which or the limits between which something can vary.

shift

This indicates a change in position, direction, or tendency.

contrast

This highlights the state of being strikingly different from something else.

FAQs

How to use "variation" in a sentence?

You can use "variation" to describe a difference or change in something. For example, "There is a significant "variation" in temperature between day and night".

What can I say instead of "variation"?

You can use alternatives like "difference", "modification", or "deviation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "variation" or "variance"?

"Variation" generally refers to a change or difference, while "variance" is often used in statistics to describe the spread of data points.

What's the difference between "variation" and "diversity"?

"Variation" typically refers to changes within a specific range or set of characteristics, while "diversity" implies a wide range of different things or qualities.