Which one is correct?
"varied little" or "varied a little"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"varied little" or "varied a little"?

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This phrase is used to convey that there was minimal variation or change in something, implying a lack of significant difference.

Examples:

The test scores varied little from one student to another.
The prices of the products varied little over the years.
Her routine varied little from day to day.

Alternatives:

showed minimal variation
changed insignificantly
remained largely the same
exhibited little difference
had minimal fluctuation

This phrase is used to describe a situation where there is a small amount of variation or change in something.

Examples:

The flavor of the soup varied a little depending on the chef.
Her mood varied a little throughout the day.
The temperature outside varied a little from morning to evening.

Alternatives:

changed slightly
fluctuated a bit
shifted a little
differed slightly
showed a small variation

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. 'Varied a little' means that something changed slightly or to a small extent, while 'varied little' implies that there was not much change or variation. The choice between the two depends on the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024