What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
varying
Example
The store offers varying sizes of shoes to fit all customers. [varying: adjective]
Example
The weather has been varying a lot lately, making it hard to plan outdoor activities. [varying: verb]
various
Example
The store sells various types of fruits and vegetables. [various: adjective]
Example
There are various ways to solve this problem, but we need to choose the best one. [various: pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Various is more commonly used than varying in everyday language. Various is a common adjective that can be used in many different contexts, while varying is less common and often used in technical or scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between varying and various?
Both varying and various are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, various is more versatile and can also be used in informal contexts.
