What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluctuating
Example
The stock market has been fluctuating wildly this week. [fluctuating: verb]
Example
The temperature has been fluctuating between hot and cold all day. [fluctuating: present participle]
varying
Example
The colors of the leaves are varying shades of red and orange. [varying: adjective]
Example
The prices of the products are varying depending on the size and quality. [varying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Varying is more commonly used than fluctuating in everyday language. Varying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fluctuating is less common and often used in specific technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluctuating and varying?
Both fluctuating and varying can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fluctuating may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing.
