Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a trend over time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a trend over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing patterns or changes that occur gradually across a specific period. Example: "The data shows a trend over time indicating an increase in average temperatures globally."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
There was however a significantly higher proportion of females in 2002 and a trend over time to more patients being admitted in shock and after resuscitation.
Science
If the series exhibits a trend over time or seasonality, or if some other non-stationary pattern exists, the series should be differenced repeatedly until the time series becomes stationary.
Compliance during the study (modeled as a trend over time) was strongly related to the baseline compliance rating, with patients who had a high score at baseline having almost sevenfold higher odds of being rated as 'highly' compliant during the study.
As to the actual 30-year climate normal period used, the WMO recommendation (WMO (2010) and Arguez and Vose (2011)) is 1971 2000 which has the advantage of a good data coverage for many areas and, due to its higher actuality, better captures variables that have a trend over time.
Understand there's an ebb and flow in the marketing world; once competitors pick up on a trend, over time that tactic and approach gets played out (for example, we may see a return to direct mail campaigns taking shape over the next year as digital spaces become increasingly overcrowded).
News & Media
Specifically relating to teenagers, as one generation grows out of a trend over time, it will disappear for a while until the next generation stumbles upon it.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
Second, a trend over-time for AOPD was determined by regressing the estimated AOPD over each year.
Science & Research
Also, a trend over-time for the yield at the AOPD was determined by regressing yield (maximum yield) at AOPD over hybrid release year.
Science & Research
Microsoft has added a particularly innovative feature called Sparklines, which gives a visual snapshot image of a data trend over time within a cell.
News & Media
It is common practice to include a linear or a quadratic trend over time to increase the model fit.
To allow for an easier interpretation of the results, a consistent trend over time was assumed by using a linear term for year of audit.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Quantify the trend whenever possible using data or statistics. This makes the observation more concrete and compelling.
Common error
Avoid stating "a trend over time" without providing supporting evidence or data. Unsupported claims weaken credibility.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a trend over time" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun, indicating the presence of a pattern or directionality in data or events across a period. Ludwig examples showcase its use in scientific and news contexts to describe observable changes.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a trend over time" is a versatile phrase used to describe patterns or changes that occur gradually over a period. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, including science, news, and business. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to define the timeframe and support claims with data. While synonyms like "a pattern over time" or "a shift over time" exist, "a trend over time" remains a standard and effective way to communicate temporal developments.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a temporal trend
Replaces "over time" with "temporal", emphasizing the time aspect of the trend.
a change through time
Emphasizes the evolving nature of the subject across the duration.
an evolution over time
Suggests a gradual and developmental change.
a development over the years
Focuses on a long-term growth or alteration.
a pattern across time
Highlights recurring or predictable elements within a timeframe.
a shift in time
Indicates a clear change or alteration at some point in time.
a progression through the ages
Implies a forward movement or advancement throughout a long period.
a historical trend
Refers to a pattern found in historical data or events.
an increasing trend
Highlights a trend that is consistently growing.
a gradual increase
Indicates a slow and steady increase over a period of time.
FAQs
How can I use "a trend over time" in a sentence?
Use "a trend over time" to describe a pattern or change that occurs gradually across a specific period. For example, "The data shows "a trend over time" indicating an increase in average temperatures globally."
What can I say instead of "a trend over time"?
You can use alternatives like "a pattern over time", "a shift over time", or "a change over time" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
What's the difference between "a trend over time" and "a fluctuation over time"?
"A trend over time" implies a general direction or tendency, whereas "a fluctuation over time" suggests irregular variations without a clear direction.
Is it better to use "a trend over time" or "a trend through time"?
Both phrases are acceptable, but ""a trend over time"" is more common. "A trend through time" may subtly emphasize the progression or journey of the trend.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested