varies substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "varies substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something changes significantly or differs greatly in various contexts or conditions. Example: "The results of the experiment vary substantially depending on the temperature at which it is conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The life span of a tube varies substantially.

The New York Times - Tech

The performance of PDR varies substantially.

Construction and Building Materials

Consumer response varies substantially for different types of cigarettes.

Harvard University

The results demonstrate that the LAQ varies substantially across Germany.

Ecosystem Services

The legibility of the aging, handwritten documents "varies substantially," the library notes.

The New York Times - Tech

However, the effectiveness of annealing treatments varies substantially for different materials.

Nature

Interestingly, even among noasaurids the morphology of the skull varies substantially.

Nature

First, the intergenerational persistence of disparities varies substantially across racial groups.

Harvard University

Teacher effectiveness varies substantially, yet principals' evaluations of teachers often fail to differentiate performance among teachers.

Stanford University

Territory size varies substantially depending on habitat structure and quality and nest-cavity availability.

Cornell University

But he has observed that the basic makeup of inner life varies substantially from person to person.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "varies substantially" to highlight significant differences or changes, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is varying and across what parameters.

Common error

Avoid using "varies substantially" without providing specific examples or data to illustrate the degree of variation. Provide context to clarify the magnitude of the differences you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varies substantially" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a significant degree of difference or change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It is used to describe the extent to which something changes or differs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

19%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "varies substantially" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant differences or changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various domains, including science, news media, and academia, emphasizing noteworthy variations. While alternatives like "differs significantly" and "changes considerably" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. A key writing practice is to provide specific examples or data to support the claim of substantial variation, ensuring clarity and impact. The phrase's widespread use and contextual adaptability make it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differs significantly

Emphasizes the difference in a more direct and simpler way.

changes considerably

Highlights the aspect of change to a noticeable degree.

fluctuates widely

Suggests irregular variations within a certain range.

diverges markedly

Implies a strong deviation from a common point or standard.

departs significantly

Focuses on the act of moving away from something expected.

shows considerable variation

Highlights the existence of variability rather than the act of varying.

exhibits substantial differences

Uses a more formal tone to point out notable differences.

is subject to considerable change

Implies that something is prone to changing a lot.

undergoes significant alteration

Emphasizes that the change is a transformation.

contrasts sharply

Highlights the contrast in a more dramatic manner.

FAQs

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

Use "varies substantially" to indicate a significant degree of difference or change. For example, "The cost of living "varies substantially" between urban and rural areas".

What are some alternatives to "varies substantially"?

You can use alternatives like "differs significantly", "changes considerably", or "fluctuates widely" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "varies substantially" or "varies significantly"?

"Varies substantially" and "varies significantly" are often interchangeable. "Substantially" implies a larger degree of difference than "significantly", but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "varies substantially"?

It means that there are considerable differences or changes in that thing, implying that these differences are noteworthy and potentially important.