vary slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"vary slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this to suggest that something is slightly different from the norm, or from what has been stated. For example, "The temperatures in the area can vary slightly from day to day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patterns vary slightly.

The New York Times - Food

The new houses vary slightly.

The New York Times

Hours at the three piers vary slightly.

The New York Times

Colophons of individual issues vary slightly.

Yale University

Topics vary slightly depending on the quarter.

Stanford University

The amendments vary slightly, but would have the same effect.

The New York Times

These values vary slightly depending on tip conditions.

Nature

Some statistics published by the royal commission vary slightly.

The Guardian

The costs vary slightly from company to company.

The New York Times

Class offerings may vary slightly from year to year.

Stanford University

Your fees will vary slightly depending on your enrollment status.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vary slightly" to indicate small, often insignificant differences between items, measurements, or situations. This helps avoid exaggerating minor discrepancies.

Common error

Avoid using "vary slightly" when the differences are actually substantial. Instead, choose a more accurate descriptor like "vary significantly" or "differ considerably".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vary slightly" functions as a verb phrase modifying a noun, indicating a minor degree of difference or fluctuation. It describes how something changes in a subtle or insignificant manner. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vary slightly" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe minor differences or fluctuations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for indicating that something changes in a subtle way without significant impact. It appears frequently across diverse sources such as news media, academic papers, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the degree of variation is indeed small to avoid misrepresentation. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "differ marginally" or "deviate marginally" to convey similar nuances. Remember to maintain consistency and accuracy when describing variations, and use "vary slightly" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ marginally

Emphasizes the small degree of difference.

deviate marginally

Highlights a slight departure from a standard or norm.

fluctuate a bit

Suggests small, irregular changes.

shift subtly

Indicates a delicate or understated change.

change incrementally

Implies a gradual and small alteration.

diverge imperceptibly

Conveys that the difference is barely noticeable.

oscillate gently

Describes a mild back-and-forth movement or change.

modify insignificantly

Highlights that the modification is of little consequence.

transform gradually

Stresses the slow and continuous nature of the change.

adapt incrementally

Indicates a step-by-step adjustment or alteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "vary slightly" to indicate a minor difference. For example, "The ingredients in the recipe may "vary slightly" depending on your preferences."

What does "vary slightly" mean?

The phrase "vary slightly" means that something differs in a small or subtle way. It suggests that the changes or differences are not significant or substantial.

What are some alternatives to "vary slightly"?

Alternatives to "vary slightly" include "differ marginally", "deviate marginally", or "fluctuate a bit". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "vary slightly"?

Yes, it is correct to say "vary slightly". It's a common and accepted phrase in English to describe small differences. Ludwig confirms this usage is appropriate.