expand over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or phenomenon that increases or develops gradually as time progresses. Example: "The company's market share is expected to expand over time as they introduce new products and improve their marketing strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Applied Water Science

TechCrunch

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Vice

Plosone

Biology Open

The New York Times

The Guardian

Geochemical Transactions

EPJ Quantum Technology

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Los Angeles Times

Huffington Post

Horticulture Research

BMJ Open

Evolutionary Applications

Genome Medicine

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

BMC Biology

Emerging Infectious Diseases

WikiHow

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Scenario 1 (do nothing) suggests that the contamination plume would continually expand over time.

Applied Water Science

It will likely expand over time as more partners come on board.

TechCrunch

Using a Russian modification of the validated Danish electronic semistructured interview [23], EAHC has built a database of over 1,000 patients, which will expand over time as a valuable research resource.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

But Tobin suspects this definition could expand over time as more studies and clinical trials accumulate.

Vice

"The services and options will likely expand over time as experience with these services and the positive results become evident," Republic Live said.

Vice

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that hematomas are dynamic and might expand over time associated with cerebral edema and secondary brain injury.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many bats healed to the point where only a pin-sized hole was present in the wing, and in a few cases this hole expanded over time.

Biology Open

INSIDE: The house was built in 1904 and expanded over time to accommodate a growing family.

The New York Times

The scope of the family office can be expanded over time, she said.

The New York Times

And that brings us to iTools, a collection of services that will be expanded over time.

The New York Times - Tech

In tandem with this advance was the growth of the service industry as the economy expanded over time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expand over time", consider the specific nature of what is expanding. Use it when referring to gradual increases in scope, size, influence, or complexity.

Common error

Do not use "expand over time" when describing something that is inherently static or unchanging. The phrase implies a dynamic process of growth or development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand over time" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe how something increases or develops gradually. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase commonly modifies a subject by indicating a process of growth or extension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

TechCrunch

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expand over time" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the progressive growth or development of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various domains, including news, science, and technology. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of gradual increase in size, scope, or complexity. Avoid using it in static contexts. Remember that while alternatives like "grow with time" or "develop gradually" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Pay attention to the difference between "expand" (quantitative change) and "evolve over time" (qualitative change).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow with time

Replaces "expand" with "grow", suggesting a more natural or organic development.

develop gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the expansion or change.

increase progressively

Highlights the continuous and incremental nature of the increase.

evolve with the passing of time

Implies a more complex and transformative development.

unfold over the years

Suggests a revealing or unfolding of something that was previously hidden or less developed.

become more extensive with time

Emphasizes the increasing scope or reach of something.

progress in due course

Implies a scheduled development following standard procedure.

extend as time goes on

Focuses on the lengthening or stretching of something.

build up over a period

Suggests a gradual accumulation or layering of something.

mature through the ages

Emphasizes the role of time in achieving the completion of the process.

FAQs

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

Use "expand over time" to describe the growth or development of something gradually. For example, "The company's product line is expected to "grow over time" as they respond to market demands."

What are some alternatives to "expand over time"?

You can use alternatives such as "develop gradually", "grow with time", or "increase progressively" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "expanded over the time" instead of "expand over time"?

While grammatically understandable, "expanded over the time" is less common and less idiomatic than "expand over time". The latter is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "evolve over time" and "expand over time"?

"Expand over time" typically refers to a quantitative increase in size, scope, or amount. "Evolve over time", on the other hand, suggests a qualitative change or transformation.