'Vary' is the verb meaning to change or differ; 'very' is the adverb meaning to a great degree.
Verb. To change, differ, or be distinct from something else. To introduce variation.
Prices vary depending on the season and demand.
Results can vary widely from one patient to another.
Please vary your examples so the presentation stays engaging.
Adverb of degree. Means 'to a great extent' or 'extremely'. Intensifies adjectives and adverbs.
The response from the market was very positive.
She worked very hard to meet the launch deadline.
The two proposals are very similar in scope.
Common mistake
Common in learner writing: "The results very depending on the sample" (correct: vary). Or using 'vary' when the intensifier is needed: "She was vary happy" (correct: very happy).
Trick to remember it
'Vary' has an A for 'action' — it is a verb, something actively changes. 'Very' has an E like 'extreme' — it means to a great or extreme degree.
Quick rule
Is it the action of changing or differing? 'Vary' (verb). Does it intensify an adjective or adverb? 'Very' (adverb).
Did you know?
'Very' is one of the most criticised words in English style. Mark Twain reportedly said: 'Substitute damn every time you want to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.' Professional editors today advise replacing it with a stronger, more precise adjective.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The delivery time may _____ between three and seven business days depending on your location.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The client was _____ impressed with the proposal and signed the same day.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the action of changing or differing? 'Vary' (verb). Does it intensify an adjective or adverb? 'Very' (adverb).
Common in learner writing: "The results very depending on the sample" (correct: vary). Or using 'vary' when the intensifier is needed: "She was vary happy" (correct: very happy).
'Vary' has an A for 'action' — it is a verb, something actively changes. 'Very' has an E like 'extreme' — it means to a great or extreme degree.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy