be over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will change or develop gradually as time passes. Example: "The effects of the new policy will be over time, so we need to be patient and monitor the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The Baidu Crisis Could Be Over, Time To Buy Baidu?

Forbes

Policymakers and macroeconomists could focus on trying to improve overall national well-being, with confidence that a higher growth rate or lower unemployment would be, over time, widely shared.

The New York Times

They can be gradual, they can be over time.

The New York Times

The companies may pass them on, but it will be over time".

The New York Times

"The idea," Rafael Pelli said, "is to let this space become what it wants to be over time".

The New York Times

But these immigrant communities are uncertain whether there could be, over time, a chilling effect on family visits or business travel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The tension-filled match was over, time had run out.

The New York Times - Sports

War is over, time to get some peace.

BBC

Medical information, and by extension identity records, has to be over-time stable, mainly due to legal requirements and for reasons of traceability.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

"No, this study was over time".

The New York Times - Magazine

Again, it's over time, the consistency over time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be over time" to indicate a gradual change or development, particularly when emphasizing that the full effects or results will not be immediately apparent. For instance, "The benefits of this policy will "be over time"" suggests a gradual improvement rather than an instant transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "be over time" when describing something that has an immediate or instantaneous effect. This phrase implies a process or evolution that unfolds gradually, not a sudden change. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The problem will "be over time"" if the issue is resolved instantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be over time" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something will occur or develop gradually as time passes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be over time" is a versatile expression used to convey that something will occur or develop gradually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for objective reporting and analysis. To enhance your writing, remember that "be over time" emphasizes gradual change, contrasting with immediate effects. For alternatives, consider phrases like "develop gradually" or "evolve in due course", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Keep in mind that the effects or results will "be over time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop gradually

Focuses on the gradual development aspect, highlighting the process of growth or change.

evolve in due course

Emphasizes the natural progression and eventual occurrence of something.

unfold eventually

Suggests that the full picture or outcome will become clear as time passes.

materialize as time goes on

Highlights the gradual realization or appearance of something over a period.

arise in the fullness of time

Emphasizes that something will occur when the conditions and timing are right.

come to pass eventually

Focuses on the eventual happening or fulfillment of something.

transpire in the long run

Implies that the effects or results will become apparent over a longer duration.

occur progressively

Stresses the step-by-step nature of something happening over time.

arise subsequently

Focuses on the order and sequence of events, with something following later.

become apparent with time

Highlights the gradual revealing or understanding of something as time elapses.

FAQs

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

Use "be over time" to describe something that develops or changes gradually as time passes. For example: "The full impact of the new regulations will "be over time"." This indicates the effects won't be immediate.

What are some alternatives to "be over time"?

You can use alternatives like "develop gradually", "evolve in due course", or "materialize as time goes on" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "be over time" to describe something happening immediately?

No, it is not correct. "Be over time" implies a gradual process or development, not an immediate occurrence. Using it to describe something instantaneous would be a misuse of the phrase.

What is the difference between "be over time" and "happen eventually"?

"Be over time" emphasizes a gradual process of change or development, while "happen eventually" simply indicates that something will occur at some point in the future, without necessarily implying a gradual process.