Vary vs Very: Which One Do You Need?
Vary is a verb meaning to differ or change. Very is an intensifier meaning to a great degree.
Prices vary by region. It was very cold.
The test that settles it
Swap in change. If the sentence still works, you need vary. Very can never be swapped for a verb, because it never acts as one — it only ever modifies another word.
“results ___ between sites” → change fits, so vary.
“it was ___ good” → it intensifies good, so very.
Vary belongs with variety, variable and various — all about difference. Very has no such family; it just turns the volume up.
Vary: to differ or change
A verb, used both intransitively (things vary) and transitively (you vary something). Its relatives all carry the idea of difference.
Opening hours vary by branch.
Try to vary your sentence length.
Quality varied considerably.
Does change or differ fit? Then vary.
Very: to a great degree, or exact
Usually an adverb intensifying an adjective or another adverb. It is also an adjective meaning precisely that one — the very thing I wanted.
a very long meeting
She spoke very quietly.
that very afternoon
Is it turning up the strength of another word? Then very.
Side by side
| Vary | Very |
|---|---|
| Verb | Adverb, sometimes adjective |
| To differ | To a great degree |
| varies, varied, varying | No forms at all |
| Prices vary. | Prices are very high. |
The exceptions
At that very moment and the very idea use very as an adjective meaning exact or extreme. It is still not a verb, so the test holds.
Various is an adjective meaning several of different kinds. You cannot write the prices various any more than you can write the prices very. Only vary can be the verb.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery times very by postcode. | Delivery times vary by postcode. | A verb is needed. |
| The exam was vary difficult. | The exam was very difficult. | An intensifier is needed. |
| Try to very your vocabulary. | Try to vary your vocabulary. | The verb. |
| at that vary moment | at that very moment | The adjective sense of very. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- Ticket prices ___ from month to month.
- It is ___ kind of you to ask.
- Results may ___ between participants.
- She arrived at that ___ moment.
- Chefs ___ the recipe to suit the season.
Show the answers
1. vary 2. very 3. vary 4. very 5. vary
Frequently asked
Why are they confused at all?
In some accents the first syllable sounds almost identical, so the error is usually one of the ear rather than the eye.
Is vary ever an adjective?
No. The adjective in that family is various or variable.
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