vary proportionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vary proportionally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing relationships between two variables that change in a consistent ratio to each other. Example: "As the temperature increases, the pressure of the gas will vary proportionally, leading to changes in its volume."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

As a result, strain measurements at different locations did not vary proportionally resulting from the IEO.

Composite Structures

In all cases, Poisson's ratio is fixed at one-quarter, while both shear modulus and material density profiles vary proportionally.

Wave Motion

It is shown that if the deterministic and stochastic components of performance measures vary proportionally, the principal is inclined to provide a low-powered incentive contract.

Games and Economic Behavior

In slim patients and in patients with severe or malignant obesity, these results may vary proportionally.

Insights into Imaging

Thus, the disparity requirements vary proportionally for cinema viewing (typically 20 m), home TV viewing (typically 1.5 m), and mobile device viewing (typically 0.2 m).

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The solar flare-associated enhancements on both the amplitude and phase of VLF signals were found to vary proportionally with the logarithm of the X-ray flux.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Sorption mass-transfer coefficients varied proportionally with pore-water velocity.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

In unequal clustering, the cluster size varies proportionally to the distance to Base Station (BS).

Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences

The sensor response varies proportionally to enzymatic activity, showing sensitivity against MMP-2 and MMP-9 down to 2 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL, respectively.

Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research

Calculations show that, after a connection type is selected, the fabrication cost has little effect on the optimum design, since it varies proportionally with the mass according to the present calculating method.

Engineering Structures

The modulation period was varied proportionally to the fluorescence lifetime of the crystal and was used to enable the fluorescence decay rate to be determined, and thus the probe temperature.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vary proportionally", ensure that you clearly define the two or more variables whose relationship you are describing, and that the proportional change is consistent.

Common error

Avoid assuming that two variables "vary proportionally" without sufficient evidence. Verify that the relationship holds true across the entire range of observed values, not just a limited subset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary proportionally" functions as a verb phrase indicating a specific type of relationship between two or more quantities. It suggests that the quantities change in a consistent ratio to one another. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

98%

News & Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vary proportionally" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a direct relationship between two or more variables, where a consistent ratio is maintained during their changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase sees frequent use, particularly in scientific and academic contexts, to articulate precise, predictable relationships. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure a clear definition of the involved variables and the consistency of their proportional change. Avoid assumptions of proportionality without empirical evidence. Alternatives such as "change in direct proportion" or "relate proportionately" can be used for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change in direct proportion

Uses "change" instead of "vary" and specifies "direct proportion" for emphasis.

increase correspondingly

Focuses on an increasing trend, implying a proportional relationship.

decrease correspondingly

Focuses on a decreasing trend, implying a proportional relationship.

fluctuate in proportion

Replaces "vary" with "fluctuate" suggesting irregular changes but maintaining a constant ratio.

correlate directly

Emphasizes the direct correlation between the variables.

scale linearly

Suggests a linear relationship where one variable increases at a constant rate with another.

relate proportionately

A more formal phrasing emphasizing the proportional relationship.

rise and fall together

Suggests a concurrent increase and decrease between variables.

move in lockstep

Suggests a very tight, synchronized relationship between variables.

track each other closely

Suggests a close relationship but without explicitly stating proportionality.

FAQs

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

Use "vary proportionally" to describe how two quantities change in relation to each other, maintaining a constant ratio. For example, "The intensity of the light varies proportionally with the power output of the lamp."

What does it mean when two quantities "vary proportionally"?

It means that as one quantity increases or decreases, the other quantity changes by a constant factor. If one doubles, the other doubles; if one halves, the other halves.

What are some alternatives to "vary proportionally"?

You can use alternatives like "change in direct proportion", "increase correspondingly", or "relate proportionately" to express similar ideas.

How is "vary proportionally" different from "correlate"?

"Vary proportionally" implies a specific mathematical relationship where the ratio between two variables remains constant. "Correlate" simply means that two variables tend to change together, without specifying the nature of the relationship.