varying to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "varying to" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in most contexts.
It could potentially be used when discussing changes or transitions to different states or conditions, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The temperature is varying to a higher degree as the day progresses."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

However, the ratios presented even varied within papers rather than clinical setting alone, with ratios varying to almost double [ 21, 22], demonstrating the variability and difficulty of arriving at recommended ratios.

Human Resources for Health

They remain in fresh water, generally for a year or more, varying to some extent with the species, and then they migrate to the sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They respond in varying to degrees to the fear and terror the play depicts, writes Patrick Healy, as well as to the debates over a burgeoning gay identity of the early 1980s.

The New York Times

The valley is enclosed by sandstone cliffs veined with shades of red and purple varying to pale yellow, and for this reason Petra was called by the 19th-century English biblical scholar John William Burgon a "rose-red city half as old as Time".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The trash generated by residents in their households is extremely heterogeneous in nature, varying in great degree, while the kind of trash typically generated by businesses and the M.T.A. subway platforms, for example, is much more homogeneous in nature, varying to only a small degree".

The New York Times

Then Z is rapidly varying to infinity at zero.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

To play the character, Renée Zellweger gained 20 to 30 pounds, according to varying reports, to become a size... 14.

Huffington Post

And both H.V.N. and the cognitive approach to psychosis can be traced, to varying degrees, to the same radical figure.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have always known that people are liable, to varying degrees, to antisocial temptations and weakness of the will.

The New York Times - Magazine

NASA can also weigh down the participants to varying degrees, to simulate different gravity environments.

Huffington Post

This practice of convict leasing allowed land owners and companies to pay varying fees to each state.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes or differences, consider using more direct and standard phrasing such as "changing to", "differing from", or "ranging between" instead of "varying to" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "varying to" as a direct substitute for verbs indicating a shift or alteration. It's better to use active constructions to show that something is directly changing or affecting something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varying to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to modify a verb by indicating a direction or extent of change. However, it is not considered standard English and its usage is generally discouraged. Ludwig indicates that more common and grammatically sound alternatives exist.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "varying to" is encountered in a range of sources, its usage is not considered grammatically correct or standard in English. It attempts to describe a transition or alteration toward a particular state. As Ludwig reports, its intended communicative purpose is to show something is changing or evolving, but there are better ways to express this idea. For improved clarity and professionalism, alternatives like "changing to", "differing from", or "ranging to" are recommended. Given its questionable grammatical status, avoiding "varying to" in formal or professional contexts is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differing to

This alternative uses "differing" which implies a distinction or dissimilarity that aligns with the concept of variation, providing a closer semantic match.

altering to

This alternative focuses on the action of changing or modifying something towards a certain state, emphasizing the transformation aspect of varying.

fluctuating to

This phrase suggests an irregular rising and falling in number or amount, capturing the essence of dynamic change inherent in "varying".

ranging to

This expresses the extent or scope within which something differs, implying a spread from one point to another, similar to how something varies.

variable to

Using "variable" directly indicates a susceptibility to change or alteration, mirroring the changeable nature of "varying".

divergent to

This implies a movement away from a common point, suggesting differences that increase over time or space, similar to how things can vary.

varied to

Using the past participle form of vary, this option underscores the diversity or range achieved through alteration.

altered to

Similar to "altering to", this emphasizes the changed or modified state resulting from the action of varying.

diverse to

This option points to the existence of many different elements or qualities, echoing the heterogeneity implied by variation.

range to

A more concise form of "ranging to", this option highlights the span or limits within which variation occurs.

FAQs

Is "varying to" grammatically correct?

While "varying to" appears in some contexts, it is not considered standard English. Alternative phrasings like "changing to" or "differing from" are generally preferred.

What does "varying to" mean?

The phrase attempts to convey that something is in the process of changing or transitioning toward a different state or condition. However, it's not a conventional expression.

What are some alternatives to "varying to"?

Consider using phrases like "altering to", "ranging to", or rephrasing the sentence for better clarity. For instance, instead of "The colors are varying to shades of blue", say "The colors are shifting to shades of blue".

When can I use "varying to"?

While technically possible, its usage can come off as unnatural. Opt for clearer and more common phrases like "depending on", "changing to" or "shifting towards".