decreased over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreased over time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a decrease in something that has been happening over the course of time. For example, "The population of mountain gorillas decreased over time due to poaching and loss of habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, for F1 and F3 the activity decreased over time.

AMB Express

The proportion of applications featuring in-app purchases has apparently decreased over time as well.

TechCrunch

The ratio decreased over time.

Construction and Building Materials

The shear-thickening degree decreased over time.

Construction and Building Materials

Tumor burden was measured as well and decreased over time.

Nature

Has the performance value of an MBA decreased over time?

Harvard Business Review

The microlayer thickness decreased over time due to evaporation.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Their ability to cope with the influx has decreased over time".

The Guardian

In almost all countries with existing data, acceptance of violence against women had decreased over time.

The Guardian

The voltage rails extending from the battery decreased over time and were susceptible to noise.

Cornell University

The remaining donor signature decreased over time and could not support functional hepatocyte properties.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decreased over time", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific period and the entity experiencing the decrease. For example, "The market share of the company decreased over time due to increased competition."

Common error

Avoid using "decreased over time" without specifying what exactly is decreasing. Always provide clear context; otherwise, the statement lacks precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreased over time" functions as a verb phrase with an adverbial modifier. It describes the action of something diminishing or lessening across a duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decreased over time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a reduction or decline across a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key—ensure you specify what is decreasing and over what timeframe to provide a complete and precise message. Consider alternatives such as "declined over time" or "reduced over time" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced over time

Simple synonym replacement of 'decreased' with 'reduced'.

declined over time

Synonym replacement maintains the same grammatical structure.

diminished over time

Replaces 'decreased' with a more formal synonym.

lessened over time

Substitutes 'decreased' with a less formal synonym.

eased off over time

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate a gradual reduction.

faded over time

Implies a gradual disappearance or weakening.

dropped gradually

Emphasizes a slower rate of decline.

saw a reduction with time

Changes the structure while retaining the core meaning.

showed a decline as time passed

Expresses the idea using a more descriptive phrase.

experienced a downturn over the period

Replaces 'decrease' with 'downturn', adding a sense of negativity.

FAQs

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

You can use "decreased over time" to describe a reduction in quantity, quality, or intensity over a period. For instance, "The number of errors "decreased over time" as employees gained more experience."

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

Alternatives include "declined over time", "reduced over time", or "diminished over time", depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "decreased over time" or "decreased with time"?

"Decreased over time" is generally more common and natural-sounding. "Decreased with time" is grammatically correct but less frequently used. You could also consider "decreased gradually".

What factors might cause something to have "decreased over time"?

Many factors can contribute, such as changes in technology, market conditions, or environmental factors. For example, "The use of typewriters "declined over time" due to the advent of computers."