What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluctuate
Example
The stock market tends to fluctuate frequently. [fluctuate: verb]
Example
The temperature in this region fluctuates between hot and cold throughout the year. [fluctuates: present tense]
vary
Example
The prices of goods vary depending on the store. [vary: verb]
Example
The colors of the leaves vary from green to yellow in the fall. [vary: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vary is more commonly used than fluctuate in everyday language. Vary is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fluctuate is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fluctuate and vary?
Fluctuate is more formal than vary. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while vary can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
