vary over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vary over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to mention that something changes differently in different places or contexts. For example, you could say, "The availability of resources can vary over different regions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is also the possibility that alpha might vary over much shorter time scales.

MIT Technology Review

Witness accounts vary over who was the initial aggressor, but the confrontation soon came to blows.

Los Angeles Times

Opinions vary over why.

The New York Times

It can vary over time.

Cornell University

But the gap does vary over time.

The Economist

Error detection rates vary over time.

Columbia University

Yes, rates of growth are going to vary over time.

The New York Times

Our investment in relationships can vary over time, too.

The New Yorker

Synapse numbers in the brain vary over time.

Stanford University

The results show that degraded areas vary over the years.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A-B-C

Other leading Kurds vary over tactics and timing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vary over", ensure the context clearly defines the range or scope across which the variation occurs. For instance, specify whether the variation is over time, geographical locations, or different experimental conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "vary over" when the variation is not clearly defined or understood. Ensure the range or scope across which the variation occurs is specified. If not, consider using a simpler phrase like "vary" or "differ".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary over" functions as a verb phrase indicating how something changes or differs across a defined range or period. Ludwig AI shows examples where it signifies alterations in intensity, opinions, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vary over" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express how something changes or differs across a specific range, such as time, space, or varying conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is common across diverse contexts, especially in scientific, news, and academic writing. To ensure accuracy, it's essential to clearly define the scope across which the variation occurs, such as specifying if it is "over time" or "over regions". Some alternatives to consider, depending on the context, are "fluctuate across", "differ among", or "change through". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "vary over" to convey dynamic relationships and alterations in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuate across

This alternative emphasizes irregular shifts or oscillations over a range.

change through

This emphasizes the transformation or modification happening as time passes or across different instances.

differ among

Highlights the distinctions or dissimilarities between multiple entities or points.

evolve throughout

Focuses on gradual development and transformation over a period.

shift across

This suggests a movement or alteration from one state or condition to another over a range.

range within

Indicates that values or characteristics fall within a specific scope or boundary.

oscillate between

Highlights the regular back-and-forth movement between two points or states.

alternate between

This suggests a consistent pattern of switching back and forth between two or more things over time.

diverge across

Emphasizes the act of splitting and moving in different directions over a particular space.

transform during

This indicates a fundamental change in form or appearance during a certain period.

FAQs

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

You can use "vary over" to indicate how something changes across a particular range or duration. For example, "The intensity of sunlight can "vary over the course" of the day".

What are some alternatives to "vary over"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fluctuate across", "differ among", or "change through" to express similar ideas.

Which is correct, "vary over time" or "vary in time"?

"Vary over time" is generally preferred when describing how something changes throughout a period. "Vary in time" is less common and may not always be grammatically correct depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "vary over" and "vary across"?

"Vary over" often implies a change happening during or throughout something, like a time period or an area. "Vary across" is used when describing change from one entity to another such as locations, individuals, or categories.