earned over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earned over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been accumulated or achieved gradually through consistent effort or experience. Example: "The trust he earned over time allowed him to lead the team effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

And that trust is earned over time.

The New York Times

This precocious young pianist knew that artistic success had to be earned over time.

The New York Times - Arts

That takes trust and respect, which we as managers can't mandate; they must be earned over time.

Harvard Business Review

SportBrain users earn a point for every 100 steps they take, and SportBrain awards prizes based on the number of points earned over time.

The New York Times

And some felt that it was unfair for new hires to get as much vacation as they themselves had earned over time.

Harvard Business Review

But even if they are able to achieve some measure of control, whether through formal authority or authority earned over time, they have achieved a false victory.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Baseball traditionalists believe that All-Star status is something one earns over time.

Huffington Post

And we want to make sure that we've got a pathway to citizenship that is tough but allows people to earn over time their legal status here in this country.

The New York Times

Their clients came out even, earning over time the same 6% they had bargained for.

Forbes

It involves complex actuarial calculations and some arbitrary assumptions, such as what a pension portfolio can earn over time.

Forbes

All of the gifts to family and charity and big purchases will still be there in six months after you have built a sound financial plan". While letting your money sit in several savings accounts probably won't earn you much interest and might have a dramatic effect on how much money you earn over time, you should still take ample time to think through your options.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earned over time" to emphasize that something valuable (like trust, reputation, or skill) is not obtained instantly but through consistent effort and experience.

Common error

Avoid using "earned over time" when describing something that was simply given or granted without any effort. The phrase specifically implies a process of working to achieve something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earned over time" functions as a verbal phrase modifying a noun, typically describing something (like trust or respect) that has been acquired gradually. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earned over time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something acquired gradually through consistent effort or experience. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s considered correct. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, it emphasizes the process and duration required to obtain a particular quality or asset. While semantically similar alternatives like "accumulated gradually" exist, "earned over time" uniquely implies effort and deservingness. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implication of effort and avoid using it for things simply given without any work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulated gradually

Focuses on the process of gradual accumulation rather than the effort involved in earning.

gained progressively

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the acquisition.

acquired incrementally

Emphasizes the small, added increments in the acquisition process.

built up gradually

Suggests a process of construction or development over time.

developed steadily

Focuses on consistent and unwavering development.

accrued gradually

Implies a natural or automatic accumulation over time, often in a financial context.

achieved gradually

Highlights the accomplishment aspect, achieved through steps or stages.

established progressively

Indicates a steady establishment or firm setting over a period.

cultivated over the long term

Suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to foster growth.

fostered steadily

Focuses on a sustained nurturing or encouragement that leads to growth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "earned over time" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "acquired incrementally" or "accrued gradually" to convey a more formal tone while still emphasizing the gradual accumulation. Avoid overly casual alternatives in formal writing.

What is the difference between "gained over time" and "earned over time"?

"Gained over time" suggests acquisition, while "earned over time" implies effort and deservingness. "Earned" indicates that something was obtained through work or merit.

Is it correct to say "earned over a short period"?

While grammatically correct, "earned over a short period" can sound contradictory, as "earned over time" typically implies a more extended duration. Consider using alternatives like "quickly earned" if the achievement was rapid.

What are some examples of things that are typically "earned over time"?

Common examples include trust, respect, reputation, experience, and skills. These are qualities or assets that require sustained effort and consistent behavior to develop.