various proportions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "various proportions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing different amounts or ratios of components in a mixture or comparison. Example: "The recipe calls for various proportions of flour, sugar, and butter to achieve the desired texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For all of us in various proportions, fear and intrigue are great stimulants and aphrodisiacs to the work".

The New York Times

But states should not be seen as essentially red or blue: they are mixtures in various proportions.

The Guardian

The chosen procedure depends on the various proportions of the platinum metals in the sample.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alloys of nickel and iron in various proportions are given the general name Permalloy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were ground from metal disks of copper, tin, and antimony in various proportions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The aszu grapes are picked separately and made into a paste, which is added to the base wine in various proportions.

The New York Times

They draw from thrash, punk, grunge, goth and hip-hop in various proportions, but power chords are the common currency and cathartic impact the goal.

The New York Times

Following the lead of bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach's music mixes rapping and hard rock in various proportions, switching between declamation and melody.

The New York Times - Arts

Everyone is emotional, avoidant, talented, insecure, and cocky in various proportions; they're a bunch of "unknown nobodies and one-hit has-beens, midlist somebodies and legitimate stars".

The New Yorker

Hippias of Elis (fl. 5th century bc) imagined a mechanical device to divide arbitrary angles into various proportions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cement was analyzed for various proportions as per IS 4031-1988.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "various proportions", ensure the context clearly indicates what elements are being proportioned and why their different ratios are significant.

Common error

Avoid using "various proportions" without specifying what components are being mixed or compared. For instance, instead of saying "the mixture contained various proportions", specify "the mixture contained "various proportions of" sand, cement, and water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various proportions" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a preposition (e.g., 'in various proportions'). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable and grammatically sound. Examples on Ludwig illustrate how it quantifies differing amounts of constituents within a whole.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "various proportions" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where components are present in differing amounts. According to Ludwig AI, its frequent use across scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts confirms its broad applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always specify what is being proportioned. Alternatives such as "different ratios" or "varying amounts" can offer nuanced shades of meaning depending on the desired emphasis. Overall, "various proportions" remains a valuable term for precise communication in diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different ratios

Focuses specifically on the relationship between two or more quantities.

varying amounts

Emphasizes the difference in quantity, without necessarily implying a specific relationship.

diverse quantities

Highlights the range and variety of the amounts involved.

unequal measures

Implies that the amounts being compared are not the same.

relative quantities

Suggests a comparison between the amounts, focusing on their relationship to each other.

differential quantities

Highlights the numerical difference between the quantities involved.

mixed quantities

Indicates that several amounts have been combined.

assorted measures

Emphasizes the diversity and range of measures being considered.

variable quantities

Focuses on the changeable nature of the amounts.

proportional variations

Highlights the changes in amounts relative to each other.

FAQs

How can I use "various proportions" in a sentence?

You can use "various proportions" to describe mixtures or compositions where the elements are present in different ratios. For example, "The experiment tested "various proportions of" nitrogen and hydrogen to optimize ammonia production".

What are some alternatives to "various proportions"?

Alternatives include "different ratios", "varying amounts", or "unequal measures", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "various proportion" instead of "various proportions"?

No, it is not. "Proportions" is plural because "various" implies multiple ratios or amounts. The correct phrase is "various proportions".

In what contexts is the phrase "various proportions" commonly used?

The phrase "various proportions" is frequently used in scientific research, cooking recipes, and financial analysis to describe mixtures, blends, or distributions where the components are present in differing amounts or ratios.