dwindled over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwindled over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in quantity, quality, or intensity over a period. Example: "The number of participants in the event dwindled over time, leading to its eventual cancellation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Its foreign-exchange reserves have dwindled over time.

The Economist

Others, like "100percentt nasty," which was so closely linked to the Hillary Clinton campaign, have dwindled over time.

Huffington Post

Though the number of members has dwindled over time, the society has been influential in its demonstration of the ideals of social service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had an incredible start, full of opportunities, although those opportunities dwindled over time and things took a turn for the worse.

Independent

The membership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3713 in this desert town, population 6,000, has dwindled over time.

The New York Times

But the poll demonstrated that support for Dr. Dean had dwindled over time among these voters, based upon when they cast their votes, much the way it had deteriorated in the population at large.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And that is over a 100-year period, with methane's power dwindling over time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Groupon argues that its massive marketing budget is both necessary now and will dwindle over time.

The New York Times

Mergers happen in waves, so the number of firms collapses suddenly rather than dwindling over time.

The Economist

Even so, our telomeres dwindle over time.

BBC

The wild natural resources in the game reserve have been dwindling over time.

Ecological Processes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dwindled over time", ensure that the subject undergoing the reduction is clearly defined and that the timeframe is relevant to the context. For example, "The effectiveness of the marketing campaign dwindled over time, necessitating a revised strategy."

Common error

Avoid assuming correlation equals causation when using "dwindled over time". It is better to suggest the correlation without claiming a specific cause or underlying driver (e.g. 'interest in the topic dwindled over time,' instead of 'interest in the topic dwindled over time because of X').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwindled over time" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual reduction or decline in something over a period. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to describe the diminishing of resources, support, or any measurable quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dwindled over time" is a phrase used to describe something that has gradually decreased or reduced over a period. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. It's important to use this phrase accurately, avoiding assumptions of causation and ensuring that the subject and timeframe are clear. Alternatives such as "decreased gradually" or "lessened over the period" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased gradually

Replaces "dwindled" with a more straightforward synonym and maintains the emphasis on gradual change.

lessened over the period

Substitutes "dwindled" with "lessened" and adds "period" which makes the temporal aspect more explicit.

reduced incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step reduction using "incrementally".

gradually diminished

Replaces "dwindled" with "diminished", conveying a sense of lessening in importance or impact.

declined steadily

Emphasizes the continuous downward trend with "steadily".

ebbed away with time

Uses the metaphor of "ebbing" to suggest a gradual receding or fading.

faded into obscurity

Conveys a sense of something becoming less noticeable or relevant with time.

petered out slowly

Suggests a gradual and almost imperceptible end.

dissipated through the years

Emphasizes the process of something scattering or vanishing over an extended period.

atrophied in due course

Implies a withering or wasting away over a period.

FAQs

What does "dwindled over time" mean?

The phrase "dwindled over time" means that something has gradually decreased or reduced in size, quantity, quality, or importance across a period. It suggests a slow decline rather than a sudden drop.

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

You can use "dwindled over time" to describe anything that has diminished or decreased gradually. For example, "The company's profits "decreased gradually" due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to "dwindled over time"?

Alternatives to "dwindled over time" include phrases like "lessened over the period", "reduced incrementally", or "gradually diminished", which all convey a similar sense of gradual reduction.

Is it correct to say "dwindled over the years"?

Yes, "dwindled over the years" is a perfectly acceptable variation of "dwindled over time". Both phrases indicate a gradual decrease, but "over the years" specifies a longer duration.