as the years progressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the years progressed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or process that has changed over a long period of time. For example, "As the years progressed, technology advanced rapidly, leading to a whole new way of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

As the years progressed, so did the hedonism.

The New York Times - Travel

As the years progressed, so did Dengler's look.

The Guardian - Music

As the years progressed, I just got more sucked in.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the years progressed, Mr. Ebbers continued to snap up competitors.

The New York Times

But as the years progressed, few used that word to describe Shea.

The New York Times - Sports

He flunked kindergarten, and did little better in school as the years progressed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

That changed as the year progressed.

The New York Times - Sports

As the year progressed, he grew increasingly reclusive.

The Economist

As the year progressed, Berman regularly asked to see Fife at the end of the day.

The New Yorker

As the year progressed, banks were also popular with investors who anticipated the rate cuts.

The New York Times

But as the year progressed, the warm, fuzzy veneer started peeling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the years progressed" to indicate a gradual transformation or development over a sustained period. It's effective for illustrating how something evolved or changed bit by bit.

Common error

While "as the years progressed" is valid, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by incorporating alternatives like "over time" or "subsequently" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the years progressed" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It sets a temporal context, indicating when changes or developments occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the years progressed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier, primarily used to establish a timeline and indicate gradual changes or developments over time. Ludwig AI confirms it's perfectly valid and widely employed across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. To maintain stylistic variety, consider using alternatives like "over the years" or "with the passage of time". When using the phrase, be sure to avoid overuse in rapid succession to ensure clarity and engagement. Also remember that the phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it appropriate for many writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over the years

This alternative is more concise and general, focusing on the overall period rather than the continuous progression.

with the passage of time

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the continuous flow of time and its impact.

as time went on

This option is slightly more informal and focuses on the continuation of time.

in the course of time

This alternative highlights the unfolding of events naturally over a period.

as time advanced

This phrase emphasizes the forward movement of time and its effects.

as the years unfolded

This alternative is more evocative, suggesting a gradual revelation or unfolding of events.

in subsequent years

This phrase focuses on the years that followed a specific point in time.

with each passing year

This alternative emphasizes the incremental changes that occur annually.

down through the years

This option suggests a historical perspective, looking back at changes over a long period.

as the era evolved

This phrase is best when the topic is a long period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "as the years progressed" in a sentence?

Use "as the years progressed" to show how something changed or developed gradually over a period of time. For example, "As the years progressed, the small town transformed into a bustling city."

What are some alternatives to "as the years progressed"?

You can use alternatives like "over the years", "with the passage of time", or "as time went on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as years progressed" instead of "as the years progressed"?

While understandable, "as the years progressed" is the more grammatically correct and commonly used form. The article "the" adds specificity to the time period being discussed.

What's the difference between "as the years progressed" and "in the following years"?

"As the years progressed" implies a gradual change or evolution, while "in the following years" simply refers to a period of time after a specific event. The former emphasizes development, the latter, sequence.