vary in diameter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vary in diameter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing objects or phenomena that have different sizes or widths, particularly in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The pipes in the plumbing system vary in diameter to accommodate different flow rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Nanotubes vary in diameter and in how they are rolled up.

The New York Times - Science

Round-knife machines vary in diameter and rotary speed of the blade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Usually constructed of quarter-inch steel plate, buoys vary in diameter from three to six feet and can weigh as much as eight tons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lathe carries a point or small disk of soft iron, which can vary in diameter from that of a pinhead to a quarter of an inch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They also have muscles that move the eyes and pupils that can vary in diameter, from 0.4 2.8 mm (0.02 0.11 inch), with light intensity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most viruses vary in diameter from 20 nanometres (nm; 0.0000008 inch) to 250 400 nm; the largest, however, measure about 500 nm in diameter and are about 700 1,000 nm in length.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Due to the fact that finger veins vary in diameters naturally, an effective curve length field (CLF) estimation method is proposed to make weighted SCFs adaptive to vein-width variations.

Pattern Recognition

From the histograms, it can be seen that the cavities vary in diameters while their circularities range mainly from 0.15 to 0.2 and most of them have intermediate thickness.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The artery varies in diameter, so surgeons can stretch different sections depending on the diameter they are looking for.

The Economist

The valve cusps are thickened, and the size of the orifice varies in diameter from 1 mm to about two-thirds of the circumference of the pulmonary artery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still played in modern France and Belgium by huntsmen, brass bands, and horn-playing clubs, it varies in diameter and number of coils but is often about 15 inches (38 centimetres) across, coiled three times, with 15 feet (4 1/2 metres) of tubing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add specificity to descriptions, follow "vary in diameter" with a measurable range or a specific comparison of sizes.

Common error

Avoid using "vary in diameter" without providing a clear reference point or range. Without context, the phrase is vague and lacks informative detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary in diameter" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to specify that the width or diameter of a set of objects or structures is not uniform. It indicates a range or diversity in size. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vary in diameter" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, predominantly found in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes the non-uniformity of width or diameter among a group of objects or structures. Its purpose is primarily descriptive, providing specific information about size diversity. While generally formal, its clarity and precision make it suitable for various applications where accurate size specification is essential. When using this phrase, providing a range or specific context enhances its informative value. The most frequent usage appears in science and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Differ in diameter

Replaces "vary" with "differ", emphasizing the difference in diameter.

Range in diameter

Focuses on the range or spectrum of diameters present.

Show diameter variations

Highlights the existence of variations in diameter.

Exhibit diameter differences

Uses "exhibit" to showcase differences in diameter.

Display a range of diameters

More descriptive, indicating a variety of diameters are on display.

Have differing diameters

Simple substitution using "have differing" instead of "vary in".

Possess variable diameters

Formal alternative using "possess variable" to denote differences.

Demonstrate variations in diameter

Similar to exhibiting, but emphasizes the demonstration of variation.

Are not uniform in diameter

Highlights the lack of uniformity in diameter.

Change in diameter

Focuses on the action of diameter alteration

FAQs

How do I use "vary in diameter" in a sentence?

Use "vary in diameter" to describe objects or structures that have different widths. For instance, "The pipes in the plumbing system "vary in diameter" to accommodate different flow rates".

What can I say instead of "vary in diameter"?

You can use alternatives like "differ in diameter", "range in diameter", or "exhibit diameter differences" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "diameters vary"?

Yes, "diameters vary" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""vary in diameter"". The choice depends on the desired emphasis and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "vary in diameter" and "vary in size"?

"Vary in diameter" specifically refers to differences in width or diameter, while "vary in size" is a broader term that encompasses differences in overall dimensions, including length, width, and height.