variation from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "variation from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a difference or deviation from a standard, norm, or expected value. Example: "The variation from the expected results was significant, prompting further investigation into the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any variation from this pattern causes abnormalities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Variation from ruficauda is clinal.

Cornell University

"There's variation from year to year".

The New York Times

A variation from Italy is called zuppa inglese.

The New York Times - Magazine

A map of human genome variation from population-scale sequencing.

Nature

Any variation from the 2.1 rate compounds over time.

MIT Technology Review

It reflects the common clinical presumption that variation from the norm constitutes pathology.

The Guardian - Books

A heat wave, as he defines it, is a variation from normal.

The New York Times - Health

Our domestic landscape has become increasingly homogeneous, with little variation from place to place.

The New York Times

"We do expect some variation from office to office," Mr. Welch said.

The New York Times

When any variation from a routine occurred, the software could alert a human operator.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental results, clearly state the expected value or norm before explaining the "variation from" it to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "variation from" when you actually mean "variance of". "Variation from" indicates a specific deviation, while "variance of" refers to the statistical measure of dispersion around the mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variation from" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a deviation, difference, or divergence from a specified standard, norm, or expectation. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "variation from" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a deviation or difference from a standard or norm. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "variation from", ensure clarity by specifying the standard or norm being deviated from and avoiding confusion with similar terms like "variance of". Related phrases include "deviation from" and "difference from", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviation from

Focuses on the act of straying or diverging from a set course or standard.

departure from

Emphasizes a move away or divergence from a typical or expected state.

divergence from

Highlights the act of splitting off and moving in a different direction.

difference from

Indicates a state of being dissimilar or distinct from something else.

discrepancy with

Suggests an inconsistency or lack of agreement with a particular standard or expectation.

alteration from

Implies a change or modification that results in a different state than the original.

shift from

Focuses on a movement or change in position or direction.

contrast to

Highlights the differences when comparing two distinct things.

inconsistency with

Indicates a lack of uniformity or agreement with a standard or set of facts.

nonconformity to

Highlights a failure to adhere to established rules, customs, or practices.

FAQs

How to use "variation from" in a sentence?

The phrase "variation from" is used to indicate a deviation or difference from a standard, norm, or expected value. For example, "The "variation from" the norm was significant."

What can I say instead of "variation from"?

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

Which is correct, "variation from" or "variation of"?

"Variation from" indicates a deviation from a standard or norm, while "variation of" refers to the range or extent of differences within a set of data or items. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "variation from" and "discrepancy with"?

"Variation from" generally refers to any difference or deviation, while "discrepancy with" often implies an inconsistency or contradiction. A "discrepancy with" something suggests a problem or error.