accrue over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accrue over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the gradual accumulation of something, such as benefits, interest, or knowledge, over a period. Example: "The benefits of regular exercise will accrue over time, leading to improved health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

These benefits will accrue over time as global coverage and information on alien species increases.

Biological Conservation

For the provider, these benefits of less data actually accrue over time.

TechCrunch

However, given evidence of significantly greater improvements with active treatment at follow-up in one of the primary outcomes and in several secondary outcomes, the benefits of manual therapy and exercise may accrue over time.

British Medical Journal

The costs are borne up front but the benefits accrue over time.

The Economist

Brighton Square was the third Joycean plaque in Dublin; others would accrue over time.

The Guardian - Books

And so I would love to say that I formed a conviction to make the Caravaggio my pilgrimage site in order to nobly embody the pre-Internet virtues of long looking, of allowing meaning to accrue over time.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But Mr. Spurlock's documentary, he said, had helped remind him of what has accrued over time.

The New York Times - Arts

"We need to do longitudinal studies, to see if these kinds of changes are accruing over time, whether they happen frequently or infrequently, and what their association with the patient's level of function is," Schiff told me.

The New Yorker

Sequestration would slash agencies' "budget authority" by about $85 billion, but the Congressional Budget Office this month estimated that actual outlays would fall by only about $44 billion in the 2013 fiscal year, with the rest accruing over time.

The New York Times

The great feature of our newly improved user profiling system is that you can find out more about where reviewers are coming from (critical authority, as AggieH has pointed out, accrues over time).

The Guardian - Books

Therefore, a longer analysis phase might have demonstrated additional benefit accrued over time.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase in financial contexts, ensure that you clarify what is accruing, such as interest, benefits, or value. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "accrue" with words like "increase" or "accumulate", which may not always imply a gradual, time-dependent process. "Accrue" specifically denotes something that builds up or is received over a period, so use it when this sense of gradual increase is essential to your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accrue over time" functions as a verbal phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that something accumulates or increases gradually across a duration. Ludwig provides examples where benefits, skills, or revenue accrue over time, illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "accrue over time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes a gradual accumulation of something—be it benefits, skills, or resources—over a period. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides diverse examples across scientific, news, and formal contexts. While it is suitable for neutral to formal registers, writers should be mindful of using it when a time-dependent, gradual increase is intended, differentiating it from similar terms like "increase" or "accumulate". Alternatives such as "accumulate gradually" or "build up progressively" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accumulate gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the accumulation.

Build up progressively

Emphasizes the incremental building of something.

Increase steadily

Highlights the consistent and stable increase.

Grow incrementally

Stresses the small steps of growth over a period.

Develop gradually

Focuses on the progressive development of something.

Evolve slowly

Emphasizes the slow evolutionary process.

Amass gradually

Highlights the gathering or collecting of something over time.

Collect steadily

Focuses on the consistent accumulation or gathering.

Mount up slowly

Emphasizes the slow and gradual increase.

Compound progressively

Highlights the incremental compounding effect.

FAQs

How can I use "accrue over time" in a sentence?

You can use "accrue over time" to describe benefits, interest, or value that accumulate gradually. For example, "The benefits of investing in renewable energy will "accrue over time" as technology improves".

What's a good alternative to "accrue over time"?

Alternatives include "accumulate gradually", "build up progressively", or "increase steadily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "accrue over time" and "accumulate over time"?

"Accrue over time" often suggests a more organic or natural growth, especially in financial or benefit-related contexts, while "accumulate over time" implies a more general process of gathering or collecting something.

Is it correct to say "benefits accrue over time"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "benefits "accrue over time"" is commonly used to indicate that the advantages or positive effects of something build up gradually over a period. Ludwig confirms its validity with multiple examples.