vary

IELTS use

Helps describe differences or changes in data, opinions, or conditions in Task 1 charts, Task 2 arguments, and speaking answers.

Examples

1. The number of commuters using public transport varies widely depending on the time of day.
2. Household energy consumption varies significantly between summer and winter.
3. Views on the role of technology in education vary from one country to another.
4. The figures vary across the regions, making it hard to identify a single trend.

Collocations

vary significantly

The test results varied significantly among the groups.

vary from ... to ...

Salaries in the industry vary from £25,000 to £80,000.

vary according to

The appropriate level of taxation varies according to income.

vary widely

Attitudes towards recycling vary widely across the country.

vary with

The demand for electricity varies with the weather.

Word family

Noun

variation

Verb

vary

Adjective

variable

Adverb

variably

Paraphrases

• differ: A direct synonym when comparing two or more things.
• be different: A common, slightly less formal alternative.
• change: Focuses on alteration over time rather than across cases.
• be inconsistent: Useful when data points are not steady.

Common mistakes

• The results vary between 10 to 20 degrees. to The results vary from 10 to 20 degrees.. Use 'from ... to ...' for ranges, not 'between ... to ...'.
• The amount of rainfall vary by region. to The amount of rainfall varies by region.. The subject 'amount' is singular, so the verb should be 'varies'.
• We need to vary the method for compare the results. to We need to vary the method to compare the results.. Use 'to' before a verb to express purpose, not 'for'.
• The prices varied from cheap to expensive. to The prices varied from low to high.. 'Cheap' and 'expensive' describe value, not range; for numbers, use 'low' and 'high'.