alter over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe changes that occur gradually or progressively throughout a period. Example: "The landscape will alter over time due to natural erosion and human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Once a rule is implemented its adoption may alter over time.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Given the changing demography of the student population, this may alter over time.

BMC Oral Health

However, acute WAD cohorts should be studied with MRI follow-up examinations to find out how ligament structure may alter over time.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Third, the cross-sectional nature of this study – particularly the use of a survey, indicates that the respondents provided an incomplete snapshot of their views, which might alter over time.

BMC Health Services Research

Second, macrophage activity may alter over time as a consequence of tumour-induced immune dysfunction, since nitric oxide production, which is a major effector molecule for tumour cell killing, was suppressed in macrophages of tumour-bearing mice [ 32].

BMC Cancer

And the fierce independence of our journalism, I can't help but think, would alter over time".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A network with that many users and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue is far from a dead network, though its pitch may have altered over time as it starts to push more on its specialization in image recognition and visual search.

TechCrunch

A pure restoration is what the owners envision for the street-level facade of the building, which was altered over time.

The New York Times

"The houses had been heavily altered over time and had very little left of the original 1830's design," he said, so the new windows were accepted.

The New York Times

He hasn't altered over time, and he lacks the neuroses I    have, so our 24-year friendship has been smooth sailing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Crucial to that lead-out train is Mark Renshaw, though when he is asked whether their relationship has altered over time he replies simply that it's "the same".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that changes due to external factors, consider using "alter over time" to highlight the influence of time on that change.

Common error

Avoid using "alter over time" when describing changes driven by intentional actors; instead, consider using "modify", "revise", or "transform" to emphasize the active role in the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter over time" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a process of change that unfolds gradually. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for describing gradual or progressive changes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alter over time" is a grammatically sound way to describe changes that happen gradually. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for describing progressive transformations. While not extremely common, it finds use across both scientific and general media contexts. As discussed, its neutral register makes it versatile. When using this phrase, consider emphasizing the continuous influence of time. Alternatives such as "change over time" or "evolve over time" offer subtle differences in nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolve as time passes

Emphasizes a more organic and developmental type of change.

develop with the passage of time

Suggests growth and increased complexity as time progresses.

mature steadily

Suggests a natural and predictable progression toward completion or improvement.

change through the years

Focuses on the duration and progression of change across multiple years.

shift incrementally

Focuses on small, step-by-step changes accumulating over time.

transform gradually

Highlights the slow and incremental nature of the transformation.

progress bit by bit

Stresses the small, individual advancements that contribute to overall change.

morph over the long term

Implies a more radical or complete alteration occurring across an extended period.

become different eventually

Indicates a certain outcome of change, albeit unspecified, that occurs over time.

undergo modification in due course

Implies a formal or systematic change that unfolds naturally and appropriately over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "alter over time" to describe how something changes or evolves as time passes. For example: "The city's skyline will "change over time" as new buildings are constructed."

What are some alternatives to "alter over time"?

Some alternatives to "alter over time" include "change over time", "evolve over time", or "transform over time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "change over time" instead of "alter over time"?

Yes, "change over time" is a perfectly acceptable and often more common alternative to "alter over time". Both phrases describe how something becomes different as time progresses.

What's the difference between "alter over time" and "modify over time"?

"Alter over time" generally implies a more fundamental or natural change, while "modify over time" suggests a deliberate or controlled adjustment. However, the distinction can be subtle and context-dependent.