varies from time to time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "varies from time to time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something changes or is not consistent over different periods. Example: "The availability of the product varies from time to time, so it's best to check regularly for updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"The reason that different flights are either grounded or there is increased security varies from time to time," he said.

The New York Times

It varies from time to time in a person's life, and from person to person as well".

The New York Times - Magazine

The crime rate measures the amount of crime people are suffering from, he said, while the prison count is a measure of how severely society chooses to deal with crime, which varies from time to time.

The New York Times

One reason is that the amount of pollution-generated aerosols in the atmosphere varies from time to time and place to place; since they fall out of the atmosphere in days or weeks at most, their effect is regional, spotty and short-lived.

The New York Times - Science

What varies from time to time is which of those individuals are concrete.

SEP

Our command over them is limited and varies from time to time.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The festival's many traditional contests were also varied from time to time by cultural events.

The New Yorker

Like any price, it should vary from time to time, and maybe it should vary in predictable ways.

The New Yorker

Vouchers can only be used for Masterclasses courses and seminars which may vary from time to time.

The Guardian

The purpose and/or motive varied from time to time but the effect of the false submissions was to render the rates unreliable, if not meaningless, and to undermine the integrity of Libor as a benchmark".

Independent

Theories of wage determination and speculations on what share the labour force contributes to the gross domestic product have varied from time to time, changing as the economic environment itself has changed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "varies from time to time", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors cause the variation and why this variation is significant. For example: 'The project requirements vary from time to time depending on client feedback.'

Common error

Avoid using "varies from time to time" as a filler phrase without providing specific information about the nature and reasons for the variation. Always aim to provide contextual details that clarify the scope and impact of these changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varies from time to time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action or state changes or fluctuates over a period. It adds a temporal dimension to the verb's meaning, specifying that it is not constant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "varies from time to time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something changes or is inconsistent over different periods. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, and while generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to different formality levels depending on the overall tone. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the nature and reasons for the variation. Alternatives like "changes periodically" or "fluctuates intermittently" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changes periodically

This alternative implies a regular pattern of change, whereas the original phrase is more general.

fluctuates intermittently

This suggests irregular and unpredictable changes, differing from the potentially more stable variations implied by the original.

alters occasionally

This implies less frequent changes than the original phrase, which suggests more regular variation.

shifts sporadically

This suggests abrupt and irregular changes, in contrast to the possibly gradual variations implied by the original.

is subject to change

This alternative focuses on the possibility of change rather than the active process of varying.

is not consistent

This emphasizes the lack of uniformity, while the original phrase focuses on the changing nature.

is subject to variation

Similar to 'is subject to change', this highlights the potential for change rather than the ongoing process.

shows temporal variation

This is more formal and scientific, indicating changes related to time.

exhibits periodic changes

This alternative emphasizes the cyclical nature of the changes, unlike the original phrase's general variability.

evolves over time

This suggests a gradual development or change, different from the general variation implied by the original phrase.

FAQs

What does "varies from time to time" mean?

The phrase "varies from time to time" means that something changes or is different at different periods; it's not constant or consistent.

How can I use "varies from time to time" in a sentence?

You can use "varies from time to time" to describe anything that isn't static. For example: "The park's opening hours "varies from time to time" depending on the season."

What can I say instead of "varies from time to time"?

Alternatives to "varies from time to time" include phrases like "changes periodically", "fluctuates intermittently", or "alters occasionally".

Is it better to say "varies from time to time" or "is subject to change"?

"Varies from time to time" implies active, ongoing changes, while "is subject to change" indicates a potential for change. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process of changing or the possibility of it.