vary over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vary over time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe how something changes or fluctuates over a period of time. For example: The temperatures in the desert can vary over time from very hot during the day to very cold at night.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the gap does vary over time.

The Economist

It can vary over time.

Cornell University

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

Nonstationary probability distribution models involve parameters that vary over time.

Journal of Hydrology

In normal conditions, circulation patterns vary over time and bring with them different kinds of weather.

The Guardian

Even within a single country, definitions of urban can vary over time.

Nature

Does it anticipate and respond to needs that may vary over time?

MIT Technology Review

The number of peaks are seen to vary over time along with their interspacing.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or patterns, use "vary over time" to indicate changes or fluctuations observed across a specific duration, ensuring that the context clearly specifies the time frame being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "vary over time" without specifying the relevant timeframe or factors influencing the variation. Clearly define the period under consideration and the elements causing the change to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary over time" functions as a predicate in sentences, describing how a subject changes or fluctuates across a period. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, which confirms its grammatical correctness. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, all demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

25%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vary over time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe how something changes or fluctuates across a duration. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds common application in scientific, academic, and news contexts, signifying the dynamic nature of subjects ranging from air pollution levels to disease prevalence. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity in specifying the timeframe and influencing factors is critical to prevent ambiguity. Its high occurrence across authoritative sources reinforces its validity and utility in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change with time

This alternative emphasizes the transformation or modification that occurs as time progresses.

fluctuate across time

This suggests irregular variations or oscillations over a given period.

evolve with the passage of time

Evolve implies a gradual development or change, highlighting the temporal aspect.

shift through the years

This phrase emphasizes a change in position or direction over a longer duration.

transform gradually

Focuses on the progressive alteration in form or appearance, aligning with a temporal dimension.

be subject to temporal variation

Highlights the influence of time on the observed changes.

go through modifications over time

Modification implies alteration, adjustment, or amendment to the system.

display temporal dynamics

This highlights the dynamic nature of changes occurring over a period.

exhibit temporal shifts

This emphasizes changes in position or arrangement over a defined period.

demonstrate variations with time

Variations indicate differences or deviations, with time specifying the temporal element.

FAQs

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

You can use "vary over time" to describe how something changes or fluctuates across a specific period. For example, "The intensity of the colors in the painting "vary over time", depending on the amount of light hitting the surface."

What are some alternatives to "vary over time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "change with time", "fluctuate across time", or "evolve with the passage of time", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "vary through time" instead of "vary over time"?

While "vary through time" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""vary over time"" is the more commonly used and idiomatic expression to describe changes or fluctuations across a period.

In what contexts is "vary over time" most appropriate?

"Vary over time" is suitable in contexts where you want to highlight the dynamic nature of a subject and its alterations across a specific duration, often in scientific, academic, or economic discussions.