decrease over time

USAGE SUMMARY

"decrease over time" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase typically expresses that something is losing value, amount, or intensity as time passes. For example, "The population of the town has decreased over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That activity may decrease over time as the body becomes more efficient at the activity.

Los Angeles Times

Finally, multiple social identifications were found to decrease over time.

Journal of Adolescence

Educational differentials decrease over time among women while they remain unchanged among men.

Princeton University

Thus, our self-ratings of our leadership competences decrease over time.

Harvard Business Review

Coliforms and E. coli counts significantly decrease over time after freezing.

Journal of Dairy Science

We show that distortions (aka, wedges) under optimal contracts may either increase or decrease over time.

Journal of Economic Theory

But the pressure will be on, because the limits will decrease over time.

The New York Times

Adherence also tends to decrease over time.

Duke University

The Sq amplitude tended to decrease over time.

Earth, Planets and Space

a Somatic symptoms group 1 (monotonic decrease over time).

Injury Epidemiology

If there are true data network effects, these numbers should decrease over time.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease over time", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is decreasing and the time frame being considered. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "decrease over time" when describing a sudden or abrupt change. The phrase implies a gradual and continuous reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease over time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a gradual reduction or decline in quantity, quality, or intensity as time progresses. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decrease over time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a gradual reduction or decline as time progresses. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. Its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and academic contexts underscores its versatility. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing. Alternatives such as "decline over time", "fall over time", and "diminish over time" can be considered for stylistic variation. However, avoid using "decrease over time" when referring to sudden or abrupt changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline over time

Replaces "decrease" with a synonym, maintaining the overall meaning of reduction with the passage of time.

fall over time

Substitutes "decrease" with "fall", suggesting a downward trend over a period.

diminish over time

Replaces "decrease" with "diminish", implying a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

lessen over time

Alternatives for "decrease", focuses on the process of becoming smaller or weaker as time passes.

wane over time

Uses "wane" instead of "decrease", suggesting a decline in power, prosperity, or influence over time.

recede over time

Replaces "decrease" with "recede", indicating a gradual movement away or backward over a period.

attenuate over time

Substitutes "decrease" with "attenuate", meaning to reduce the force, effect, or value of something over time.

abate over time

Replaces "decrease" with "abate", suggesting a reduction in intensity or degree over a period.

erode over time

Uses "erode" instead of "decrease", implying a gradual wearing away or deterioration over time.

taper off over time

Replaces "decrease" with "taper off", suggesting a gradual reduction to a point.

FAQs

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

Use "decrease over time" to describe a gradual reduction in something as time passes. For example, "The frequency of these events tends to decrease over time."

What is a good alternative to "decrease over time"?

Alternatives include "decline over time", "fall over time", or "diminish over time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "decreases over time"?

Yes, "decreases over time" is grammatically correct. The choice between "decrease" and "decreases" depends on the subject. Use "decreases" for singular subjects and "decrease" for plural subjects.

What's the difference between "decrease over time" and "decrease with time"?

"Decrease over time" emphasizes a continuous process throughout a period, while "decrease with time" can imply a relationship between a decrease and the progression of time, but doesn't necessarily indicate the continuous process. The meanings are very similar and frequently interchangeable.