vary periodically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vary periodically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that changes or fluctuates at regular intervals over time. Example: "The temperature in the region tends to vary periodically throughout the year, leading to distinct seasonal changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The results indicate that length of the stress-transfer zone of, and the transferable load at, the FRP-masonry interface vary periodically in accordance with the periodic pattern of bricks and mortar joints.

Composite Structures

One major advance in sound manipulation provided by VCO's is frequency modulation; if the input is a periodic function, the output frequency will vary periodically to provide tremolos, trills, and warble tones.

Britannica

By locally controlling the orientation and period of the subwavelength grooves, birefringent elements for which the optical axes vary periodically, are realized.

Optics Communications

The longitudinal forces are considered to vary periodically in time.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The present work reveals that the unbalanced force can also make the bearing stiffness vary periodically.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Often, however, the structural properties of the sliding system vary periodically with position.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This model can well describe many practical architectures of delayed neural networks, which is generalization of some additive delayed neural networks such as delayed Hopfied neural networks and delayed cellular neural networks, under a time-varying environment, particularly when the network parameters and input stimuli are varied periodically with time.

Neural Networks

Furthermore, the power absorption coefficient is varied periodically over forcing frequency.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The performance of the HYBRID module varied periodically in natural sunlight due to the current-limiting property of the HYBRID module and the environmental effects.

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Such a star is termed a "standard candle". Examples are Cepheid variables, whose brightness varies periodically in well-documented ways, and certain types of supernova explosions that have enormous brilliance and can thus be seen out to very great distances.

Britannica

This paper develops a solution method for the longitudinal motion of a rod or the flexural motion of a beam of infinite length whose area varies periodically.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vary periodically" when describing phenomena that exhibit consistent, repeating patterns of change over time, especially in scientific or technical contexts. For example, the length of the day "varies periodically" throughout the year.

Common error

Avoid using "vary periodically" to describe unpredictable or random fluctuations. Ensure that the changes follow a discernible, repeating pattern rather than occurring without a clear cycle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary periodically" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action or process that occurs at regular intervals. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

84%

Encyclopedias

8%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vary periodically" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, particularly in scientific and technical writing, to describe changes that occur at regular intervals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's essential to use this phrase when describing phenomena that exhibit repeating patterns over time, ensuring that the changes follow a discernible cycle rather than occurring randomly. While "vary periodically" is more suited for formal contexts, simpler terms may be more appropriate for casual conversation. Alternatives include "fluctuate regularly" and "change cyclically", which offer similar meanings with slight nuances. The primary contexts in which "vary periodically" is used are science, encyclopedias and news & media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuate regularly

Focuses on the back-and-forth movement, implying a less strict period than "vary periodically".

change cyclically

Highlights the cyclical nature of the change, emphasizing recurrence.

oscillate rhythmically

Suggests a smoother, wave-like variation.

recur at intervals

Emphasizes the repetition at specific time points.

alternate in sequence

Highlights the ordered change between different states.

modulate over time

Indicates a controlled or intentional change in something's characteristics.

shift recurrently

Focuses on the act of moving from one state to another in a recurring manner.

undulate steadily

Implies a wavy or flowing pattern of change.

pulsate regularly

Suggests rhythmic expansions and contractions.

evolve rhythmically

Implies a gradual and patterned development over time.

FAQs

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

Use "vary periodically" to describe something that changes at regular intervals. For example, "The intensity of the light "varies periodically" throughout the day."

What's a good alternative to "vary periodically"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "fluctuate regularly", "change cyclically", or "oscillate rhythmically".

Is it appropriate to use "vary periodically" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "vary periodically" is more suited for formal or technical contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "change regularly" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean for something to "vary periodically"?

When something "varies periodically", it means that its state or condition changes in a repeating pattern over time, exhibiting a regular cycle.