What is the difference between 'vary' and 'change'?

'Vary' often implies a range of differences or fluctuations within a set, while 'change' is a broader term for becoming/making something different. 'Vary' suggests difference among multiple things or over time, 'change' suggests transformation from one state to another.

Can 'vary' be used in the progressive form (is varying)?

Yes, but less commonly. It is used to emphasise an ongoing process of change: 'The data is constantly varying.' The simple present ('varies') is more typical for general statements.

Is 'vary' a stative or dynamic verb?

It is primarily a dynamic verb as it describes an action or process of changing. However, in some uses (e.g., 'Opinions vary'), it can describe a state of being different, bordering on stative, but it is still treated as dynamic.

What are the noun forms of 'vary'?

The main nouns are 'variation' (the act or instance of varying) and 'variety' (a number of different types). 'Variable' is also a related noun (and adjective).

vari

UK/ˈveə.ri/US/ˈver.i/ /ˈvɛr.i/

Neutral formal & informal

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

to change or be different, especially in amount or level, over time or between different situations.

To make or introduce modifications to something; to differ in form, characteristics, or essence; to be subject to change, fluctuation, or diversity.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

"Vary" is versatile, covering intentional alteration, natural fluctuation, and inherent differences. It can be transitive (to make different) or intransitive (to be different). The verb form "varies" is more common than "vary" for third-person singular present tense, highlighting state or condition.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., 'varies' vs. 'varies' is identical). Usage is virtually identical, though British English may slightly prefer 'differ' or 'alter' in some spoken contexts.

Connotations

None.

Frequency

Slightly higher frequency in American English, particularly in business and scientific registers, but the difference is negligible.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

widelyconsiderablygreatlysignificantlyenormouslydramaticallydirectly

medium

slightlymarkedlyseasonallygeographicallydepending onfrom person to person

weak

constantlyinfinitelyhugelywildlyendlessly

Grammar

Valency Patterns

S + vary + (adv.)S + vary + from + NS + vary + with + NS + vary + depending on + N/wh-clauseS + vary + between + N + and + N

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

alternatedivergedeviate

Neutral

changedifferfluctuate

Weak

modifyalterswitch

Vocabulary

Antonyms

remain constantstay the samestabilizestandardize

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“vary your routine”
“to vary the diet”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Common in reports: 'Prices vary according to market conditions.' or 'Quality can vary between suppliers.'

Academic

Frequent in describing data, results, or phenomena: 'The results varied significantly across the test groups.'

Everyday

Used for routines, opinions, or preferences: 'My commute time varies depending on traffic.'

Technical

Used in science, engineering, and statistics to denote differences in measurements, samples, or parameters.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The opening hours vary by season.
Her mood can vary quite dramatically.

American English

Rates vary from state to state.
You should vary your workout routine.

adverb

British English

Not applicable as primary form.

American English

Not applicable as primary form.

adjective

British English

Not applicable as primary form.

American English

Not applicable as primary form.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The weather varies a lot in spring.
Fruit prices vary in the market.

People's tastes in music vary widely.
The recipe says cooking time may vary.

Standards of living vary considerably across the region.
The symptoms vary from mild to severe.

The methodology was varied to accommodate the new data set.
Cultural interpretations of the law vary profoundly between nations.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a VARYing menu at a restaurant – the dishes CHANGE from day to day.

Conceptual Metaphor

CHANGE IS MOTION (e.g., 'prices vary up and down'), DIFFERENCE IS DISTANCE (e.g., 'opinions vary widely').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct translation from Russian 'меняться' when referring to people changing clothes (use 'get changed').
Do not confuse with 'very' (совсем).
The Russian 'разнообразный' is often the adjective 'various' or 'varied', not the verb 'vary'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: 'It varies on the weather.' Correct: 'It varies with/depending on the weather.'
Incorrect: 'The prices are vary.' Correct: 'The prices vary.'

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The intensity of the pain can from a dull ache to a sharp stab.

Multiple Choice

Which preposition is LEAST likely to follow 'vary' in standard usage?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: 'Vary' often implies a range of differences or fluctuations within a set, while 'change' is a broader term for becoming/making something different. 'Vary' suggests difference among multiple things or over time, 'change' suggests transformation from one state to another.
: Yes, but less commonly. It is used to emphasise an ongoing process of change: 'The data is constantly varying.' The simple present ('varies') is more typical for general statements.
: It is primarily a dynamic verb as it describes an action or process of changing. However, in some uses (e.g., 'Opinions vary'), it can describe a state of being different, bordering on stative, but it is still treated as dynamic.
: The main nouns are 'variation' (the act or instance of varying) and 'variety' (a number of different types). 'Variable' is also a related noun (and adjective).