varying

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "varying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when something has many different options or outcomes. Example sentence: His approach to the problem was creative, with varying solutions to choose from.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are around 30 types of lavender, producing flowers of varying colours including purple, pink and white.

The Guardian

On the agenda from 11 to 17 July are two proposals to create what's called Marine Protected Areas (MPA) within which are allowed varying degrees of activity, from fishing and tourism under restrictions to areas known as "no take" zones.

The Guardian

Related: Real Madrid 7-3 Getafe | La Liga match report There are certainly enough options to make a reasonable argument that United's more glaring issue this summer will not theoretically be replacing De Gea but planning for the other end of the pitch and how to compensate for the fact that all three of their main strikers are, to varying degrees, on the wane.

The Guardian - Sport

By March, English local-authority spending on the arts and culture will be down by 16% since 2009-10, but with the picture varying wildly: Somerset County Council, for example, has cut its arts provision by 100%.

The Guardian

I have been making this trip for more than 10 years, varying my location each time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All four parties, to varying degrees, have been wheeling out "immigration crackdown" proposals.

The Guardian

But Christopher said: "Whilst there may well be quite a number of stories which would be said to varying degrees to be concerned with issues in the public interest, the prosecution alleges it is plain that this was not the behaviour of a conscience-driven whistleblower, moved by the desire to see change and accountability where otherwise there would be none".

The Guardian

The social networking site carries numerous online petitions for and against the erection of a statue of him outside the presidential palace, as well as 500 Pinochet-themed opinion groups with titles varying from "General Pinochet burn in hell!" to "I loved Pinochet and I don't care what stupid communists say".

The Guardian

Piketty goes on to point out, however, that only the varying crises of the 20th century – mainly two world wars – prevented the steady growth of wealth by temporarily and artificially levelling out inequality.

The Guardian - Books

The battle against depression is a very personal thing: services for those with mental health problems are still poor, and as we go through life we tend to develop our own coping strategies, with varying degrees of success.

The Guardian

There have been five editors since Kelvin's departure and, in varying ways, they have provoked controversy too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "varying", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing or differing. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "varying" without specifying what is varying. For example, instead of saying "the varying results", specify "the varying results of the experiment" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The term "varying" primarily functions as a present participle, often modifying nouns to describe something characterized by change or diversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "varying" is a versatile present participle, signifying change or diversity across numerous contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it a valuable addition to any writer's arsenal. Predominantly found in news, business, and scientific publications, "varying" helps to emphasize change and diversity effectively. Remember to specify what is "varying" to ensure clarity and impact. By using alternatives such as "differing" or "fluctuating", writers can fine-tune their message to convey particular nuances. With frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, mastering the usage of "varying" elevates the precision and sophistication of written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differing

Highlights the existence of distinct differences between items.

fluctuating

Emphasizes irregular shifts and changes over time.

changing

Focuses on the process of transformation or modification.

diverging

Stresses the act of moving in different directions or paths.

modifying

Suggests making alterations or adjustments to something.

transforming

Implies a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.

alternating

Indicates a regular pattern of switching between two or more options.

shifting

Draws attention to a slight change in position or direction.

evolving

Focuses on a gradual development or unfolding of something.

unstable

Highlights lack of predictability or steadiness.

FAQs

How do I use "varying" in a sentence?

"Varying" is used to describe something that changes or differs. For example, "The project involved three different videos, of "different interests" and depth."

What are some alternatives to "varying"?

You can use alternatives such as "differing", "fluctuating", or "changing" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "varying degrees of success"?

Yes, "varying degrees of success" is a common and grammatically correct phrase. It indicates different levels of accomplishment or achievement.

What is the difference between "varying" and "various"?

"Varying" describes something that is changing or differing, while "various" indicates a collection of different things. For example, "varying opinions" suggests opinions are changing, whereas "various opinions" suggests a collection of different opinions.