built over time

USAGE SUMMARY

'built over time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea, process, or structure that has been slowly developed to its current state. For example: "His reputation as an artist was built over time, as he worked diligently to master his craft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It built over time," Mr. Moonves said.

The New York Times

Brains are built over time.

Harvard University

The cases we built over time took years".

The New York Times

Target communities online: Trust and awareness is built over time and over a breadth of channels.

The Guardian

Their greatest achievement, however, are the characters Penny has built over time.

The Guardian - Books

Documents provided to The Washington Post show that opposition to the name built over time.

The Washington Post

Others must be built over time, such as Gerber's brand name for baby food.

Harvard Business Review

Integrity won't suddenly develop when times are tough it is built over time before the pressure arrives.

Yale University

Increasingly complex skills are built over time, allowing students to develop autonomy in their practice as appropriate.

Columbia University

The brain systems that govern motivation are built over time, starting in the earliest years of development.

Harvard University

We are surrounded by the quick and the instant, but great teams, like solid relationships, are built over time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes such as skill development or relationship building, "built over time" can effectively highlight the importance of patience and consistent effort.

Common error

Do not use "built over time" when describing features, products, or services developed through agile methods or rapid iteration cycles. This phrase is best suited for describing gradual, long-term developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built over time" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has been gradually developed or created. Ludwig shows numerous examples across diverse contexts, supporting its broad applicability. It highlights the process and duration involved in the creation or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “built over time” is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe gradual development or accumulation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. This phrase emphasizes that a process requires patience and continuous effort. Alternatives include "developed gradually" or "evolved incrementally". Remember, while widely applicable, it’s best suited for contexts emphasizing slow, steady progress, rather than rapid development cycles. Mastering its use enhances writing clarity and precision by highlighting the significance of gradual, consistent efforts in various processes and developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew gradually

Simple and direct synonym, emphasizing natural growth.

formed gradually

Highlights the slow formation of something.

developed gradually

Emphasizes the slowness and steadiness of the development process.

evolved incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the evolution.

constructed bit by bit

Emphasizes the piecemeal nature of the construction.

accumulated steadily

Focuses on the increasing quantity or amount over a period.

fashioned slowly

Focuses on the unhurried pace of the creation.

established progressively

Stresses the progressive establishment or creation.

accrued gradually

Indicates a slow accumulation, often in a financial or abstract sense.

cultivated patiently

Implies careful and patient nurturing to achieve growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "built over time" to describe something that has gradually developed or accumulated, such as "Their trust was "built over time" through consistent honesty and reliability."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "built over time"?

Alternatives include "developed gradually", "evolved incrementally", or "accumulated steadily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "built over time" in formal writing?

Yes, "built over time" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the gradual nature of a development or process. Its usage is widespread across academic, business, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "built over time" and "achieved instantly"?

"Built over time" implies a gradual, continuous process, while "achieved instantly" suggests immediate success. They are contrasting concepts, with "built over time" highlighting the importance of patience and persistence.