widely varying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widely varying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that varies to a significant degree in terms of range, size, amount, etc. For example, you could say, "This course involves widely varying topics, from English literature to international finance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With widely varying results.

The New York Times - Arts

We have widely varying perceptions of time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

yielding new and widely varying results.

Yale University

But widely varying state laws compound the problem.

The New York Times

Experts not involved in the study expressed widely varying opinions.

The New York Times - Health

All children grow up eventually, but at widely varying rates.

The New York Times

There are widely varying views on the notorious stiffness problem.

The New York Times

When used in combination, creativity dimensions had widely varying effects.

Harvard Business Review

This is reflected in schools' widely varying retention rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

In earlier decisions, the court has issued widely varying opinions.

The Washington Post

States have widely varying eligibility levels for adults.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely varying" to effectively communicate a broad spectrum of differences within a set of data, opinions, or characteristics. It emphasizes the extent and significance of the variations present.

Common error

Avoid using "widely varying" when the differences are only slight or negligible. Using it for minor variations can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely varying" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes nouns with substantial differences or diversity, highlighting the breadth of the variation. It is used to emphasize the range of differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "widely varying" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that describes significant differences or diversity. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness and usability in various contexts. It appears most commonly in news, science and academic sources, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, ensure the differences are substantial enough to warrant its emphasis, avoiding overuse in cases of minor variations. Alternatives such as "significantly different" or "considerably diverse" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The frequency and authoritative sources supporting its usage reinforce its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly different

Emphasizes the degree of difference between items, rather than the act of varying.

considerably diverse

Highlights the diversity aspect more than the variance.

markedly dissimilar

Focuses on the dissimilarity or distinctness of items.

greatly contrasting

Highlights the contrast and opposition between elements.

broadly divergent

Indicates a deviation or branching out in different directions.

extensively fluctuating

Highlights the aspect of fluctuation or instability across a wide range.

substantially disparate

Focuses on the inequality and difference in kind or degree.

distinctly heterogeneous

Emphasizes the mixed and non-uniform nature of the elements.

noticeably inconsistent

Draws attention to the lack of consistency or uniformity.

highly diversified

Emphasizes the aspect of diversification and variety.

FAQs

How can I use "widely varying" in a sentence?

You can use "widely varying" to describe things that differ significantly. For example: "The survey showed "widely varying" opinions on the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "widely varying"?

Alternatives include "significantly different", "considerably diverse", or "markedly dissimilar" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "varying widely" instead of "widely varying"?

While grammatically understandable, "varying widely" is less common and can sound less natural than ""widely varying"". The latter is a more established and frequently used phrase.

What is the difference between "widely varying" and "slightly varying"?

"Widely varying" indicates significant differences across a broad range, whereas "slightly varying" suggests only minor differences. The choice depends on the extent of the variation you are describing.