variations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "variations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to different types of something. For example: "The museum had several variations of antique furniture on display."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pollsters at Opinium said it appears that the two main parties are statistically tied, with variations in recent weeks being within the bounds of statistical error.

The Guardian

The troubled broadcaster, which suffered the dreaded zero audience rating for some of its shows after its launch on 31 March this year, was told by on Ofcom on Tuesday that the proposals were "significant variations" which would "substantially alter" its output.

The Guardian

It is impossible to count how many variations of the "new year drop" there are around the world, but none are quite as fabulous as Key West's Red Shoe Drop, during which a drag queen named Sushi is lowered to the ground from inside a gigantic high-heeled strutter.

The Guardian - Travel

The calculations by Reuters show large variations in pay among the 13 banks included in its survey of 2,600 employees.

The Guardian - Business

We are now researching how we can mimic the natural temperature variations these animals would experience in the wild without causing them distress.

The Guardian

Our system of regulation is failing to deliver consistently good quality care across the country or pick up on unacceptable variations and intervene".

The Guardian

There are far fewer of the "natural breaks" between variations, or even within phrases, which normally allow the dancers to take breath.

The Guardian

The rest of the bill saw the Academy play on its own, opening with Benjamin Britten's ten-part tribute to his tutor Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, the piece which brought the composer worldwide acclaim.

The Guardian

But Stott argued that the term slowdown remained valid because the past 15 years might have been still hotter were it not for natural variations.

The Guardian

We'll look at some of the options of how to structure a story, how to build in narrative drive and tension, how to work with the mechanics and variations of plot.

The Guardian

Only the safest seats are now safe and regional variations are growing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing statistical data, specify what kind of "variations" you are referring to (e.g., standard deviation, interquartile range) for clarity.

Common error

Be specific; instead of simply stating there are "variations", clarify what is varying (e.g., "variations in temperature", "variations in test scores").

Linguistic Context

The word "variations" primarily functions as a plural noun. It denotes multiple instances of difference, change, or modification. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "variations" is used to describe differences across a range of subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "variations" functions as a plural noun signifying differences or changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and versatile across varied contexts, predominantly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using "variations", ensure you specify the nature of these differences for clarity and impact. Alternatives like "differences" or "deviations" may offer nuanced expression depending on the specific context. Remember to specify the type of "variations" you are describing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differences

Focuses on the state of being unalike or distinct in character or quality.

deviations

Emphasizes a departure from what is standard, expected, or normal.

fluctuations

Highlights irregular or unpredictable changes in quantity or value.

alterations

Implies a change or modification, often suggesting a deliberate adjustment.

modifications

Similar to alterations, but can also refer to changing the code of a program.

versions

Refers to different forms or editions of something.

adaptations

Highlights the process of adjusting to new conditions.

permutations

Emphasizes the act of changing the arrangement of elements.

disparities

Refers to noticeable differences, often implying inequality.

contrasts

Highlights noticeable differences between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "variations" in a sentence?

Use "variations" to refer to different forms or types of something. For instance, "The artist explored several "variations" on the same theme."

What are some alternatives to using "variations"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "differences", "deviations", or "modifications".

Is it correct to say "variation" instead of "variations"?

Yes, "variation" is the singular form of "variations". Use "variation" when referring to a single instance of change or difference.

How does "variations" differ from "variance"?

"Variations" refers to the existence of different forms, while "variance" is a statistical measure of the spread of data around its mean. Thus, "variance" is a specific type of variation.