develops over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develops over time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something changes or improves, often gradually, over a period of time. For example: "My daughter's skills in tennis have been developing over time and now she is a skilled player."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'll be interested to see how "Origins" develops over time.

The New Yorker

That's something that develops over time.

The New York Times - Sports

It develops over time, and with commitment and purpose.

The New York Times - Sports

Addiction develops over time and requires repeated and worsening use.

The New York Times

But this understanding develops over time; nobody's entitled to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The doll, which does not have a serial cable, develops over time.

The New York Times - Tech

These findings affirmed the importance of understanding intelligence as a faculty that develops over time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In reality, it requires an ability to read the game, a knowledge of how play develops over time.

The Guardian - Sport

By definition, a stress reaction develops over time and is not generally the result of a single event.

The New York Times

For me, mentoring is something that develops organically; it starts off with a connection and develops over time.

The Guardian

Teaching is a craft that develops over time, with five to seven years the typical maturation period.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or skill acquisition, use "develops over time" to emphasize gradual improvement or change, instead of sudden transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "develops over time" when describing events that happen rapidly or instantaneously; this phrase implies a gradual process. Instead, opt for verbs like 'occurs' or 'happens' for quick actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develops over time" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process that unfolds gradually. This implies a progressive change or growth, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develops over time" is a versatile phrase used to describe gradual processes across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While semantically interchangeable alternatives such as "evolves gradually" and "progresses steadily" exist, "develops over time" maintains a broad applicability, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the concept of gradual progression and avoid implying rapid or instantaneous change. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolves gradually

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of development, implying a slow and progressive change.

progresses steadily

Highlights the continuous and consistent nature of the advancement.

matures incrementally

Emphasizes the process of reaching full development through small steps.

unfolds gradually

Suggests a revealing or unfolding of something over an extended period.

builds up slowly

Indicates a gradual accumulation or construction of something.

arises subsequently

Focuses on the sequential emergence of something as a result of time passing.

emerges steadily

Highlights the consistent appearance or coming into being of something.

crystallizes eventually

Suggests a slow forming and hardening process.

expands gradually

Focuses on the growth and enlargement aspect of development.

grows incrementally

Emphasizes the accumulation of small additions.

FAQs

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

Use "develops over time" to describe how a skill, relationship, or condition progresses gradually. For example, "Trust "develops over time" through consistent actions and communication."

What are some alternatives to "develops over time"?

You can use alternatives like "evolves gradually", "progresses steadily", or "matures incrementally" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something 'develops rapidly over time'?

While grammatically correct, it can be contradictory. "Develops over time" implies a gradual process. If something happens quickly, consider using phrases like "emerges quickly" or "progresses rapidly".

What's the difference between 'develops over time' and 'happens over time'?

"Develops over time" suggests a process of growth or improvement. "Happens over time" simply means that something occurs as time passes, without necessarily implying growth or improvement.