during the course of evolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the course of evolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the gradual changes that have taken place over a period of time. For example, "Scientists have discovered that birds have adapted significantly during the course of evolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nature also encountered the energy demands of flight during the course of evolution.

The New York Times - Science

In many species the number of digits has been reduced during the course of evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some birds have completely lost the power of flight during the course of evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The postcranial axial skeleton in mammals generally has remained rather conservative during the course of evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traditionally, our remarkable mental abilities were thought to come down to the massive expansion of the brain relative to body size during the course of evolution.

The Guardian

Two species have, in other words, merged into one, rather than one splitting into two, as usually happens during the course of evolution.

The Economist

This basic plan has become so modified during the course of evolution that in some forms it is difficult to recognize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Patterns of vertebrate gene regulation have changed during the course of evolution.

Science Magazine

According to "Dollo's Law," many substantial changes during the course of evolution are irreversible.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

A number of studies were conducted based on this technique, and it was considered that 16S region is conserved during the course of evolution among bacterial linage.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

After gene duplication, diversification of topology and sequestration into non-identical sets of complexes alter half-lives of paralogous proteins during the course of evolution.

Structure

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific adaptations or changes, use "during the course of evolution" to highlight that these developments occurred gradually over extended periods.

Common error

Avoid using "during the course of evolution" when referring to short-term adaptations or changes within a single generation. This phrase is best suited for describing changes that occur over many generations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the course of evolution" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to specify when certain biological or genetic changes occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during the course of evolution" is a prepositional phrase used to specify that changes or developments occurred gradually over a long period of evolutionary time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. When writing, it's important to use this phrase to describe events that have occurred over many generations, rather than short-term adaptations. Alternative phrases like "through evolutionary processes" or "over evolutionary time" can be used to convey similar meanings. This phrase is vital for accurately conveying the time scale and nature of evolutionary changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through evolutionary processes

Focuses on the mechanisms and pathways of evolution.

over evolutionary time

Emphasizes the extensive duration of the evolutionary process.

in the evolutionary timeline

Highlights the sequential aspect of evolutionary changes.

as evolution unfolded

Suggests a gradual unveiling or progression of evolutionary events.

throughout the evolution

Stresses the continuous nature of evolutionary changes.

with the unfolding of evolution

Emphasizes the gradual revelation of evolutionary changes.

in evolutionary history

Refers to specific events or developments within the history of evolution.

as species evolved

Directly relates evolutionary changes to the development of species.

during evolutionary development

Highlights the developmental aspects of evolution.

in the process of evolving

Focuses on the continuous and ongoing nature of evolutionary change.

FAQs

How can I use "during the course of evolution" in a sentence?

Use "during the course of evolution" to indicate that a change or adaptation occurred gradually over a long period, such as, "The development of flight occurred "during the course of evolution"".

What are some alternatives to "during the course of evolution"?

You can use phrases like "through evolutionary processes", "over evolutionary time", or "in evolutionary history" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "during the course of evolution" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "during the course of evolution" is more common in formal and scientific writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "over time" or "as things evolved" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "during the course of evolution" and "evolutionary development"?

"During the course of evolution" refers to the entire period of evolutionary change, while "evolutionary development" ("during evolutionary development") often refers to specific stages or processes within that broader timeline.