deteriorate with time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deteriorate with time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how something declines in quality, condition, or effectiveness as time passes. Example: "The paint on the old house began to deteriorate with time, leading to visible cracks and peeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Memory, unlike gold, starts to deteriorate with time, and from lack of use.

The New Yorker

And in a declining market, the value of a real estate asset can deteriorate with time, said Dean Williams, owner of Williams & Williams, an auction house in Tulsa, Okla., that holds around 300 auctions a month across the country.

The New York Times

First, I feel, was the appalling strain he was always under after the loss of one eye and the certainty that the sight of the other would deteriorate with time.

Independent

Its good mechanical properties deteriorate with time.

Construction and Building Materials

As these fluctuations occur often, the performance of the cooled tubular reactor will deteriorate with time.

Chemical Engineering Science

The pull-out strength of GFRP-concrete bond subjected to outdoor environment was found to deteriorate with time until the maximum degradation of 9.3 % occurred after 6 months.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

As they are deteriorating with time, it is of crucial importance to monitor their condition and provide timely alarms.

Big Data Analytics for Sensor-Network Collected Intelligence

Ground-arch strength usually deteriorates with time, however, increasing the load on the support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Could it be that the wiring problems were an early sign of just how far an aging shuttle fleet had deteriorated with time?

The New York Times

The performance of automotive three-way catalysts (TWC) deteriorates with time, temperature and aging environment.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

Once the roads are constructed, their condition goes on deteriorating with time.

International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system that weakens, use "deteriorate with time" to emphasize the gradual decline in performance or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "deteriorate with time" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "decline over time" or "worsen as time passes" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deteriorate with time" primarily functions as a verb phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier. It describes how the action of a verb is affected by the passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deteriorate with time" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a gradual decline or worsening of something over a period. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable for describing how different things decline in quality, condition, or effectiveness. It appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. When writing, it's important to be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider using synonyms like "decline over time" or "worsen as time passes" to add variety. The phrase is versatile and suitable for both physical and abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline over time

Replaces "deteriorate" with the more general term "decline," focusing on a decrease in quality or condition.

degrade over time

Uses "degrade," emphasizing a reduction in worth or quality, often in a moral or environmental context.

worsen as time passes

Substitutes "deteriorate" with "worsen" and rephrases "with time" to emphasize the progressive nature of the decline.

fall into disrepair over time

Specifically implies a state of neglect or decay, suitable for physical objects or structures.

lose effectiveness over time

Focuses on a reduction in the ability to produce a desired result, applicable to methods, treatments, or strategies.

diminish with the passage of time

Replaces "deteriorate" with "diminish" and uses a more formal phrasing to suggest a gradual reduction in importance or value.

corrode over the long term

Implies a gradual wearing away or disintegration, often used for physical materials or relationships.

become less effective as time goes on

Rephrases to emphasize the gradual reduction in effectiveness, suitable for processes or abilities.

go downhill over the years

Uses an idiom to indicate a decline, suggesting a negative trend or worsening situation.

break down with age

Focuses on the physical or functional failure due to aging, applicable to objects or systems.

FAQs

How can I use "deteriorate with time" in a sentence?

You can use "deteriorate with time" to describe a gradual decline in quality, condition, or effectiveness. For example, "The bridge's structural integrity will "deteriorate with time" if not properly maintained."

What are some alternatives to "deteriorate with time"?

Alternatives include "decline over time", "worsen as time passes", or "degrade over time", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "deteriorate over time" or "deteriorate with time"?

Both "deteriorate over time" and "deteriorate with time" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "deteriorate with time" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "deteriorate with time" can apply to abstract concepts like relationships, skills, or memories, indicating a decline in their quality or strength. For example, "Without practice, her musical skills may "deteriorate with time"."