With varying intensity
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to describe things that fluctuate in strength rather than staying at one constant level.
In 15 Sekunden
- Describes something that changes in strength or power over time.
- A professional way to say 'sometimes strong, sometimes weak.'
- Perfect for reports, health descriptions, or weather talk.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes something that happens at different levels of strength or power. It is a smart way to say that a situation isn't always the same—sometimes it is strong, and sometimes it is weak.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Describing the weather to a colleague
It rained all weekend with varying intensity, so we stayed indoors.
It rained with different levels of strength all weekend.
Discussing a workout routine
I like to run with varying intensity to keep my heart rate up.
I run at different speeds and effort levels.
Reporting a headache to a doctor
The pain has been present since morning, but with varying intensity.
The pain is there, but sometimes it hurts more than others.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression reflects the Western academic and professional value of 'nuance.' Instead of making absolute statements, speakers use this to show they have observed subtle changes over time. It became popular in technical writing before entering general professional English as a way to sound more precise and measured.
The 'Dimmer Switch' Rule
If you can imagine a dimmer switch or a volume knob for the situation, you can use this phrase.
Don't Overuse in Texts
Using this in a casual text to a friend might make you sound a bit like a robot or a weather reporter.
In 15 Sekunden
- Describes something that changes in strength or power over time.
- A professional way to say 'sometimes strong, sometimes weak.'
- Perfect for reports, health descriptions, or weather talk.
What It Means
Imagine a dimmer switch on a light bulb. Sometimes the light is blindingly bright. Other times, it is just a soft glow. That is exactly what with varying intensity describes. It tells your listener that a feeling, a weather pattern, or even a work project changes its 'volume' over time. It is a sophisticated way to avoid saying something is 'always' one way. It adds nuance to your English. It shows you understand that life is rarely black and white.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the end of a sentence. Use it after describing an action or a state of being. For example, 'The rain continued throughout the day, with varying intensity.' This means it poured for a bit, then drizzled, then poured again. You can also use it to describe emotions or focus. If you are studying for an exam, your concentration might fluctuate. You could tell a friend you've been working with varying intensity since morning. It sounds much more professional than saying 'I keep getting distracted.'
When To Use It
This phrase is a lifesaver in professional and academic settings. Use it when writing reports or giving presentations. It helps you sound objective and precise. It is also great for describing physical sensations like pain or heat. If you are at the gym, you might train with varying intensity to burn more calories. It works well in news reports or weather updates too. Use it whenever you want to sound like you have a deep grasp of the details.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that are binary. If a light is either 'on' or 'off,' it doesn't have varying intensity. Avoid using it in very high-energy, casual slang sessions. If you are at a loud party, don't tell your friend the music is playing with varying intensity. They will think you've spent too much time with your nose in a textbook. Keep it for moments where you want to be descriptive and thoughtful. Also, don't use it for things that are constant. If a noise is a steady hum, this phrase doesn't apply.
Cultural Background
English speakers love 'hedging.' This is the cultural habit of not being too direct or extreme in claims. Using phrases like with varying intensity makes you sound more 'British' or 'academic.' It suggests you are a careful observer. It comes from a scientific tradition of measuring things accurately. In the modern world, it has moved from the lab into the office. It reflects a culture that values data and specific details over broad generalizations.
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, you can try to varying degrees. This is very similar but works better for opinions. You might also hear with fluctuating levels. For a more casual vibe, people say it comes and goes. In a technical setting, you might hear with inconsistent force. However, with varying intensity remains the gold standard for describing a flow of energy or effort.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is high-level (C1) and primarily used in writing or formal speech. It acts as a 'hedge,' allowing the speaker to be more accurate by acknowledging that a situation isn't constant.
The 'Dimmer Switch' Rule
If you can imagine a dimmer switch or a volume knob for the situation, you can use this phrase.
Don't Overuse in Texts
Using this in a casual text to a friend might make you sound a bit like a robot or a weather reporter.
The Art of Hedging
English speakers use this to avoid being 'wrong.' By saying intensity varies, you are safe even if the thing gets weaker later!
Beispiele
6It rained all weekend with varying intensity, so we stayed indoors.
It rained with different levels of strength all weekend.
Shows the rain wasn't a constant downpour.
I like to run with varying intensity to keep my heart rate up.
I run at different speeds and effort levels.
Commonly used in fitness contexts (Interval training).
The pain has been present since morning, but with varying intensity.
The pain is there, but sometimes it hurts more than others.
Very useful for medical descriptions.
The chaos in the office continues with varying intensity!
The office is always crazy, but the level of craziness changes.
Adds a touch of sophisticated humor to a stressful situation.
They have loved each other for years, though with varying intensity at times.
Their love has been stronger in some periods than others.
Adds a poetic, honest layer to an emotional description.
My neighbor has been playing the drums with varying intensity for three hours.
The drumming gets louder and softer but won't stop.
Used here to express annoyance through formal language.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to describe a wind that keeps changing from a breeze to a gale.
The wind howled through the trees ___.
Since the wind is changing its strength, 'varying intensity' is the most accurate description.
Complete the sentence to describe a student's focus during a long lecture.
She listened to the professor ___, depending on the topic.
Focus often goes up and down, making this the perfect phrase for fluctuating attention.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'With Varying Intensity'
It comes and goes
The noise comes and goes.
Changes a lot
The pressure changes a lot.
With varying intensity
The signal fluctuated with varying intensity.
When to use 'With Varying Intensity'
Weather Reports
Snow fell with varying intensity.
Medical Symptoms
The fever returned with varying intensity.
Workload
Projects arrived with varying intensity.
Physical Exercise
Training with varying intensity.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is more specific than 'sometimes.' It specifically describes the *strength* or *force* of something changing, not just the frequency.
Yes, it is perfect for light and sound. You can say 'The strobe light flashed with varying intensity.'
Absolutely. It is a very professional phrase. Use it to describe market trends or team productivity.
The opposite would be at a constant level or with steady intensity.
Usually, we keep it singular: with varying intensity. The plural sounds a bit clunky and is less common.
Yes, especially in 'High-Intensity Interval Training' (HIIT). Coaches often tell athletes to work with varying intensity.
Not necessarily. It just means it changes. It could be a predictable pattern or totally random.
It is better for moods or behaviors. For example: 'He argued his point with varying intensity throughout the night.'
In this context, 'varying' is an adjective meaning 'changing.' 'Various' usually means 'many different types,' so stick with varying here.
It is in-TEN-si-tee. The stress is on the second syllable.
Verwandte Redewendungen
To varying degrees
In different amounts or levels.
Ebb and flow
A recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going.
Fluctuating levels
Amounts that rise and fall irregularly.
In waves
Happening in groups or bursts rather than steadily.
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