diminish with time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diminish with time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe how something gradually becomes smaller, less intense, or less significant over time. For example: "The feeling of excitement that I had when I first started this job has diminished with time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But in about 20percentt of users, raloxifene causes hot flashes, which may diminish with time.

The New York Times - Health

Moreover, the odds of finding a new job diminish with time.

The New York Times

The density of galaxies in space should also diminish with time in a big-bang universe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because immunity is believed to diminish with time, most people alive today are considered vulnerable to smallpox.

The New York Times

Stuart never finds Margalo, but Andy and Katharine found each other, and their devotion did not diminish with time.

The New Yorker

Alkalinity is supposed to diminish with time, when exposed to carbon dioxide in the air, but the process is slow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"The resolve hasn't diminished with time".

The New York Times

And for many New Yorkers, the anguish and anxiety created by the Sept. 11 attacks have diminished with time.

The New York Times

The habit of insisting that the virtual life is somehow not part of real life has diminished with time.

The New York Times - Arts

The legacies of partition are still with us – in both the subcontinent and in Britain – and the need to understand it has not diminished with time.

The Guardian - Books

The colour intensity of the ring diminishes with time and can be used to date the mineral in which the pleochroic halo appears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diminish with time" when you want to emphasize a gradual decline or reduction in something's intensity, importance, or quantity over a period. For example, "The pain from the surgery should diminish with time."

Common error

Avoid using "diminish with time" interchangeably with phrases that imply sudden disappearance or immediate cessation. "Diminish" suggests a gradual process, unlike words like "vanish" or "cease."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diminish with time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a gradual reduction or decrease in something over a period. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It often modifies a noun or describes a process that becomes less intense or significant as time passes, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diminish with time" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual reduction in intensity, significance, or quantity over a period. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "lessen over time" or ""fade as time passes"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to use "diminish with time" when emphasizing a gradual decline, and avoid confusing it with terms suggesting sudden disappearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessen over time

Replaces "diminish" with "lessen", a synonym, maintaining the core meaning of a gradual reduction.

decrease with age

Substitutes "time" with "age", emphasizing the reduction occurring as something gets older.

fade as time passes

Uses "fade" to convey a weakening and rephrases "with time" for a more descriptive effect.

wane over the years

Replaces "diminish" with "wane" implying a decline in power or influence across multiple years.

decline with the passage of time

Employs "decline" to suggest a more significant reduction and adds "the passage of time" for emphasis.

reduce gradually over time

Uses "reduce gradually" to highlight the slow and incremental nature of the decrease.

erode with the years

Presents a metaphoric alternative using "erode" suggesting gradual wearing away over the years.

weaken as time goes on

Replaces "diminish" with the word "weaken" and uses "as time goes on" instead of "with time."

attenuate over a period

Substitutes "diminish" with "attenuate" for a more formal tone and specifies "over a period" instead of "with time".

subside through time

Uses "subside" to imply a calming down or reduction, while keeping "through time" as an alternative to "with time".

FAQs

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

You can use "diminish with time" to describe something that gradually decreases in intensity, amount, or significance as time passes. For example, "The initial excitement of starting a new hobby might "fade as time passes"."

What are some alternatives to "diminish with time"?

Some alternatives include "lessen over time", "decrease with age", or ""fade as time passes"", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lessen with time" instead of "diminish with time"?

Yes, "lessen over time" is a correct and semantically similar alternative to "diminish with time". Both phrases indicate a gradual reduction or weakening over a period.

What's the difference between "fade with time" and "diminish with time"?

"Fade with time" often implies a loss of color, brightness, or clarity, while "diminish with time" suggests a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to describe.