diminished over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diminished over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in something, such as quality, quantity, or intensity, as time progresses. Example: "The enthusiasm for the project has diminished over time, leading to a lack of participation from team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many individuals described their initial reaction to FA as denial, which reportedly diminished over time.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

If adjusted for stage, the differences in relative survival between both countries diminished over time and eventually disappeared.

BMC Cancer

It is a sense that seems to have diminished over time, but has not quite disappeared.

The New York Times

The support of the UK for the treaty was longstanding and had not diminished over time".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, she says, a quality which has not diminished over time or absence.

The Guardian - Sport

At AOL Time Warner, however, Mr. Case's profile and power within the company have apparently diminished over time.

The New York Times

Not only was bulk crystal a particularly poor light producer, but its feeble light output diminished over time.

The New York Times - Tech

And, he said, "The state's capacity to deal with organized crime and corruption, particularly corruption, has diminished over time".

The New York Times

The itch came back when the anesthetic wore off, and, although Oaklander tried having M. wear an anesthetic patch over the wound, the effect diminished over time.

The New Yorker

"The importance of stardom has diminished over time," Basinger, the chairwoman of the film studies department at Wesleyan University, writes in this sprawling book.

The New York Times - Books

The number of studios in existing co-ops and condos has diminished over time, as more people have bought neighboring apartments to expand their own spaces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diminished over time" to describe a gradual reduction in intensity, importance, or quantity. This phrase works well when emphasizing the temporal aspect of the decrease. For example, "The impact of the policy diminished over time."

Common error

Avoid using "diminished over time" to describe sudden or abrupt changes. This phrase implies a gradual process, not an instantaneous one. For example, don't say "The light diminished over time" if the light was switched off instantly; instead, use "The light went out."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diminished over time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating how something changed. It expresses a process of gradual reduction or weakening. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing its use with various verbs across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "diminished over time" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction over a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to avoid using it to describe sudden changes. Alternatives like "decreased over time" or "faded over time" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remembering these insights ensures clear and accurate communication when describing changes that occur gradually.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waned with time

Changes the verb to 'wane', which means to decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker.

faded as time passed

Replaces 'diminished' with 'faded', indicating a gradual disappearance or weakening.

declined with the passage of time

Uses 'declined' instead of 'diminished', suggesting a downward trend or reduction over time.

lessened through time

Substitutes 'diminished' with 'lessened', implying a reduction in amount, degree, or intensity.

reduced over the period

Employs 'reduced' to indicate a decrease, and 'over the period' to specify the timeframe.

weakened with age

Replaces 'diminished' with 'weakened' focusing on loss of strength or effectiveness over a lifespan.

attenuated as time wore on

Uses 'attenuated', meaning reduced in force, effect, or value, and 'as time wore on' to emphasize the gradual process.

petered out in the long run

Employs the idiom 'petered out' to suggest a gradual ending or fading away over an extended period.

tapered off with the passing years

Substitutes 'diminished' with 'tapered off', indicating a gradual reduction in size or intensity over years.

dwindled in due course

Uses 'dwindled', meaning to diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength, and 'in due course' to denote the expected passage of time.

FAQs

What does "diminished over time" mean?

The phrase "diminished over time" means that something has gradually decreased or weakened as time passes. It implies a slow and continuous reduction rather than a sudden drop.

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

You can use "diminished over time" to describe the gradual reduction of qualities, quantities, or effects. For example, "The effectiveness of the drug "diminished over time", requiring a higher dosage."

What are some alternatives to "diminished over time"?

Some alternatives to "diminished over time" include "decreased over time", "lessened over time", "faded over time", or "waned over time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "diminished over time" formal or informal?

"Diminished over time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a clear and professional way to describe a gradual decrease.