varies greatly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "varies greatly" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something changes or fluctuates significantly. For example, "The amount of rainfall in different regions of the world varies greatly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pay varies greatly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Temperature varies greatly with elevation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their stature varies greatly, too.

The Economist

But the burden varies greatly.

The Economist

The performance of individual companies varies greatly.

The New York Times

The degree of separation varies greatly.

The New York Times

Body architecture varies greatly in marine waters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The quality of teaching varies greatly.

The Economist

Geographic distribution varies greatly between species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Compensation during these periods varies greatly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The condition of the bikes varies greatly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "varies greatly", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is changing and the scope of that change. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "varies greatly" without providing specific details or examples of the variations. Failing to provide context can make the statement vague and less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varies greatly" functions as a verb phrase modifier, indicating a significant degree of variation or difference. As exemplified by Ludwig, this phrase demonstrates the extent to which something changes or differs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "varies greatly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant differences or fluctuations. As Ludwig highlights, it appears across diverse fields like news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, specify the subject and scope of variation. Numerous examples from Ludwig underscore the importance of providing context to avoid vagueness. For alternative expressions, consider "differs significantly" or "fluctuates substantially". Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread applicability and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varies substantially

Uses a more formal synonym for "greatly" to express a significant degree of variation.

is highly variable

Rephrases the concept using an adjective, highlighting the characteristic of being prone to change.

differs significantly

Emphasizes the difference between items rather than the degree of variation within a single item.

shows considerable variation

Emphasizes the presence of variation rather than the magnitude of the variation itself.

fluctuates substantially

Highlights the aspect of frequent change or instability.

changes considerably

Focuses on the alteration aspect, suggesting a shift from one state to another.

exhibits substantial differences

Stresses the presence of notable disparities.

diverges markedly

Suggests a deviation or departure from a common point or standard.

ranges extensively

Focuses on the breadth of the scope or scale.

alters dramatically

Suggests a sudden and significant change.

FAQs

How can I use "varies greatly" in a sentence?

You can use "varies greatly" to describe a wide range of differences, such as "The quality of teaching "varies greatly" from school to school" or "The price of electricity "varies greatly" by state depending on the energy source".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "varies greatly"?

Alternatives include "differs significantly", "fluctuates substantially", or "changes considerably" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "varies greatly" or "varies significantly"?

Both "varies greatly" and "varies significantly" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "varies significantly" may sound slightly more formal.

In what contexts is the phrase "varies greatly" commonly used?

The phrase "varies greatly" is commonly used in contexts where there is a noticeable range or diversity, such as discussing statistics, geographical features, or the characteristics of different items within a set, as Ludwig's examples show.