course over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "course over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or development that occurs gradually or continuously throughout a specific period. Example: "The study aims to analyze the changes in behavior and attitudes of participants as they progress through the course over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, over time, wounds healed.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, over time, the bubble bursts.

The New Yorker

Of course, over time these objections were (mostly) removed by careful study of telescopes and optics.

The New York Times

Of course, over time, the area subject to the law grew and grew.

The New York Times

To be sure, annual rebalancing can keep a portfolio from veering drastically off course over time.

The New York Times

Of course, over time they'd given each other clues, little comments laid down casually in the night like playing cards.

The New Yorker

That speed bump eventually goes away, of course; over time, your standard list fills with those substitute items that the store does carry.

The New York Times - Tech

Of course, over time, as the idea of the novel matured, and its readership developed, these comparatively raw instincts would become more sophisticated, getting softened, deepened and tamed.

The Guardian - Books

There will be changes in global power, of course, over time, but not launching a war in Syria is not a sign of American decline.

The New Yorker

It is not a simple ribbon of moving water but rather a complicated network of currents that tend to shift course over time, to disappear and then reappear, and to develop eddies along the margins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Table 3 reports information on the determinants of course over time and the variables associated with the most frequently addressed PSDs.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes, specify the starting and ending points to provide a clear frame of reference for the "course over time".

Common error

Avoid using "course over time" without providing a specific timeframe. This can make your analysis too general and less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course over time" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes how something changes or progresses during a specific period. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it frequently modifies verbs related to analysis, examination, and description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "course over time" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for describing how something evolves during a specific period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While most common in scientific and academic writing, it can also appear in news media. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide a specific timeframe to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "progression over time" or "development over time" can be used depending on the context. Remember that the goal is to clarify and specify how something unfolds throughout a duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progression over time

This emphasizes the idea of advancing or moving forward during a period.

development over time

This focuses on the gradual growth or evolution throughout a period.

evolution over time

Highlights the process of change and adaptation across a span of time.

trajectory over time

Implies a specific path or direction that changes over a period.

trends over time

Focuses on patterns and tendencies that emerge and shift across a duration.

changes over time

This is a general way to refer to any kind of alteration or modification during a period.

shift over time

Emphasizes a change in position, direction, or focus across a duration.

pattern over time

Emphasizes the repetition or predictability of certain events, actions or elements over a specified duration.

tendencies over time

Stresses a inclination to behave in a certain way, or for a situation to develop in a particular direction over a given period.

historical development

Highlights how something has grown, changed, or advanced throughout history.

FAQs

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

You can use "course over time" to describe how something changes or develops throughout a specific duration. For example, "The study examined the disease course over time" or "We analyzed the project's course over time to identify areas for improvement."

What are some alternatives to "course over time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "progression over time", "development over time", or "evolution over time", depending on the specific context.

Is "course over time" formal or informal language?

"Course over time" is generally considered suitable for formal and professional contexts, particularly in academic or scientific writing. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings.

What does "course over time" typically describe?

"Course over time" often describes the changes or progression of a disease, project, trend, or other phenomenon as it unfolds across a duration. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of the subject.