deteriorated over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deteriorated over time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a state or condition that has gotten worse over a period of time. For example, "The condition of the highway had deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Though never close friends, Mandela was always publicly supportive of Mbeki's leadership, even though their private relations reportedly deteriorated over time.

The Guardian

Time series maps helped to illustrate to audiences of government, professional, and civil society stakeholders in Bangladesh how the opinions of the public and the views and experience of government health service users had deteriorated over time, and how this deterioration had happened across the country.

BMC Health Services Research

Stubberfield said the mental health and physical wellbeing of people held in detention had deteriorated over time.

The Guardian

Community members suspect bewitching in the case of 16-year-old Martha Nalwadda, whose sight deteriorated over time.

The Guardian

The flies deteriorated over time, the researchers found, affecting their chances of living another day and of finding romance, both of which declined as they got older.

The New York Times - Science

The work ethic at Yahoo among some workers has deteriorated over time, the Yahoo employees said, and requiring people to show up is a way to keep an eye on them and re-energize the troops.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Without meaningful feedback, a doctor's ability actually deteriorates over time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Quality refers to design quality, which may deteriorate over time.

European Journal of Operational Research

Visuo-spatial function is spared in the FE but may deteriorate over time.

Schizophrenia Research

Consequently, the representativeness of the cohort in a longitudinal study may deteriorate over time.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Health status may deteriorate over time as a response to cumulative discrimination.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deteriorated over time" to clearly indicate a decline or worsening of a condition across a specific duration. For example, "The patient's health deteriorated over time, requiring more intensive care."

Common error

Avoid using "deteriorated over time" when describing sudden or immediate changes. The phrase implies a gradual process, not an abrupt shift. Use "deteriorated rapidly" or "suddenly declined" for quick deteriorations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deteriorated over time" functions as a verb phrase with an adverbial modifier. It describes a process of decline or worsening that occurs gradually. Ludwig examples showcase diverse usages, from describing health to relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deteriorated over time" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual decline in quality, condition, or function, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "worsened over time" or "declined over time" exist, "deteriorated over time" specifically emphasizes the gradual nature of the decline. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context reflects a gradual process, avoiding its use for sudden or immediate changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsened over time

Focuses on the act of becoming worse, similar to deteriorated.

declined over time

Emphasizes a downward trend or decrease.

degenerated over time

Highlights a process of decline in quality or condition.

eroded over time

Implies a gradual wearing away or destruction.

faded over time

Suggests a loss of vibrancy or effectiveness.

weakened over time

Focuses on the loss of strength or power.

degraded over time

Highlights a decline in quality or moral character.

fell into disrepair

Describes a state of neglect and decay.

suffered a decline over time

Emphasizes the experience of a negative change.

regressed over time

Suggests a return to a previous, less developed state.

FAQs

What does "deteriorated over time" mean?

The phrase "deteriorated over time" means that something has gradually worsened or declined in quality, condition, or function as time passed.

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

You can use "deteriorated over time" to describe the decline of physical objects, relationships, health, or any other aspect that can worsen with the passage of time. For example, "The paint on the house had deteriorated over time due to exposure to the elements."

What are some alternatives to "deteriorated over time"?

Some alternatives to "deteriorated over time" include "worsened over time", "declined over time", or "degenerated over time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "deteriorates over time" instead of "deteriorated over time"?

Yes, both are correct but have different uses. "Deteriorated over time" is past tense, describing something that has already happened. "Deteriorates over time" is present tense, describing something that is generally happening or is expected to happen.