vary a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vary a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something changes slightly or has minor differences. Example: "The results of the experiment may vary a bit depending on the conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Other things vary a bit more.

The Economist

(The pieces included in the 75-minute program will vary a bit throughout the run).

The New York Times

The timing will vary a bit depending upon how thick your fillet is.

The New York Times - Food

However, this advantage can vary a bit from election to election.

The New York Times

The proposals vary a bit, but there's an essential unity to the ideas that they promote.

The New York Times

"They might vary a bit so the rule is we go by the first clock to turn off," Mr. Seabury said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The thread counts provided by the manufacturers varied a bit.

The New York Times

Data from Johnson & Associates and the Options Group varied a bit, but reflected the same trends.

The New York Times

The effect of the vice-presidential nominee varies a bit from election to election and from candidate to candidate.

The New York Times

The drive-in season generally runs from April to October, but it varies a bit according to weather conditions, Mr. Cohen said.

The New York Times

"It's true that G.D.P. growth has varied a bit more than usual in recent quarters," they noted in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vary a bit" to indicate minor differences or fluctuations where precision isn't critical. This phrase is appropriate for general explanations and descriptions where slight variations are expected.

Common error

While "vary a bit" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language like "differ slightly" or "exhibit minor variations" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary a bit" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate a slight degree of change or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in English. Examples show its application in diverse contexts to soften claims about consistency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vary a bit" is a common and correct phrase used to express slight variations or differences. Ludwig confirms its validity and the examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and wikis. When writing, consider the level of formality required; while acceptable in many situations, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives such as "differ slightly" or "exhibit minor variations".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ slightly

Focuses on the difference rather than the amount of variation.

change a little

Emphasizes the aspect of change over the range of variation.

fluctuate slightly

Highlights irregular shifts or movements.

deviate marginally

Suggests a departure from a norm or standard, but only by a small amount.

shift subtly

Highlights that a change is not obvious.

alter minutely

Emphasizes that a change is small and precise.

modify insignificantly

Indicates that the change is of little importance.

transform gradually

Focuses on progressive alteration.

evolve incrementally

Suggests a slow development over time with small steps.

adjust marginally

Highlights that an action is making small changes.

FAQs

What does "vary a bit" mean?

"Vary a bit" means to change slightly or to have small differences. It indicates that there is some variation, but it is not significant.

How can I use "vary a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "vary a bit" to describe situations where there are minor differences. For example: "The timing will "vary a bit" depending on how thick your fillet is."

Which is more formal, "differ slightly" or "vary a bit"?

"Differ slightly" generally sounds more formal than "vary a bit". Use "differ slightly" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "vary a bit"?

You can use alternatives like "change a little", "fluctuate slightly", or "differ slightly" depending on the context.