vary considerably

USAGE SUMMARY

'vary considerably' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe how something changes over a wide range. For example, "The weather in my hometown can vary considerably throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their résumés vary considerably.

The New York Times - Arts

Tundra climates vary considerably.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Definitions of disability vary considerably.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Koala densities can vary considerably.

The Guardian - Tech

Soils vary considerably with terrain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Catfishes vary considerably in size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

European think tanks vary considerably.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tesserae vary considerably in size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Feathers vary considerably in structure and function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But those amounts can vary considerably.

The New York Times

Prices do vary considerably by location.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vary considerably", ensure the context clearly defines what is varying and the factors influencing the variation. For instance, specify "prices vary considerably depending on location" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "vary considerably" without providing specific examples or data to support the claim. Saying "results vary considerably" is less effective than stating "results vary considerably, with a range from 10% to 50%".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary considerably" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to emphasize the extent or degree of variation. As Ludwig AI illustrates, the phrase commonly enhances descriptions across diverse contexts, showing that something does not just 'vary', but does so to a significant extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vary considerably" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize substantial differences or changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it is particularly prevalent in factual and descriptive communication. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples or data to support the claim. Alternatives such as "differ significantly" or "vary substantially" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary substantially

Highlights a major difference in amount or degree.

vary greatly

Highlights a major difference in amount or degree.

differ significantly

Emphasizes the degree of difference, suggesting a notable disparity.

fluctuate widely

Highlights the unstable nature of the variation, implying movement between extremes.

show considerable variation

This transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, emphasizing the existence of a significant variance.

range greatly

Focuses on the span or extent of the variation.

are highly variable

This option shifts the structure by employing an adjectival phrase to convey a similar meaning.

diverge substantially

Suggests a deviation from a common point, emphasizing the extent of separation.

differ markedly

Emphasizes that the difference is easily noticeable or distinct.

oscillate significantly

This alternative emphasizes a back-and-forth movement or fluctuation that is notable.

FAQs

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

You can use "vary considerably" to indicate a wide range or degree of difference. For example, "The quality of education can "vary considerably" between schools".

What's a formal alternative to "vary considerably"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "differ significantly" or "diverge substantially", which maintain a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What does "vary considerably" mean?

"Vary considerably" means that something changes to a large extent or differs greatly. It indicates a significant range or degree of difference.

Is it better to say "vary considerably" or "vary significantly"?

Both "vary considerably" and "vary significantly" are correct and usable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Significantly" may emphasize the importance of the variation more strongly.