fades over time

USAGE SUMMARY

"fades over time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that diminishes or becomes less noticeable as time passes. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the fading of colors, memories, or emotions. Example: The vibrant colors of the sunset slowly fade over time, leaving behind a dark and hazy sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It fades over time and is distorted by our beliefs, desires and interests.

The New York Times - Books

That sounds like a flavor too tough to kill, but it too fades over time, and the leaves you picked had undoubtedly seen many moons come and go.

The New York Times

The Simons found that writing a date, location, names or other information on the backs of photos was too labor intensive, and, as they add in their patent, "often ineffective in that the writing fades over time and becomes illegible".

The New York Times

Immigrants arrive in New York City in better health than New Yorkers who were born in the United States, but their advantage fades over time, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported yesterday.

The New York Times

When a male writer, in 2008, states as universal law that women's sexuality or beauty fades over time, I must challenge this notion -- as Madonna has done throughout her career.

The New York Times

Information has a certain quality indicator that fades over time.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Fear may fade over time.

The Economist

These objections have faded over time.

The New York Times

Certainly Blow-Up's power has faded over time.

The Guardian - Film

So some of the initial reactions to his film may fade over time.

The New York Times

For example, he said museums could use 3-D printing technology to make more realistic reconstructions of paintings that have been damaged or have faded over time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fades over time", ensure that the subject is something that can logically diminish or lose its impact gradually. For example, "memories" or "colors" can fade, but not necessarily "buildings".

Common error

Avoid using "fades over time" to describe situations with sudden or immediate endings. This phrase is better suited for gradual declines rather than instantaneous disappearances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fades over time" typically functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a process of gradual diminishing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that diminishes or becomes less noticeable as time passes. This is seen in examples where memories or colors diminish.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fades over time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verbal phrase that effectively conveys the idea of a gradual decline or loss. As Ludwig AI highlights, it accurately describes the diminishing intensity or impact of something as time passes, finding frequent application across news, scientific, and general contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use this phrase appropriately, ensuring that the subject logically undergoes a gradual reduction rather than an abrupt ending. When a nuanced expression of gradual decline is needed, "fades over time" provides a reliable and contextually adaptable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishes with time

This alternative uses "diminishes" to emphasize a gradual reduction in strength or importance.

wanes as time passes

Replaces "fades" with "wanes", suggesting a gradual decline in power or influence.

declines gradually

Focuses on the gradual decrease using "declines", highlighting the slow nature of the reduction.

loses intensity with time

Emphasizes the loss of strength or intensity over a period.

becomes less effective over time

Highlights a reduction in effectiveness or impact as time progresses.

dissipates over the years

Implies a scattering or vanishing effect over a longer duration.

erodes with the passage of time

Suggests a wearing away or gradual destruction as time goes on.

deteriorates slowly

Focuses on the gradual worsening or decay of something.

regresses in due course

Implies a return to a previous or less developed state over time.

lessens with the march of time

Uses more figurative language to convey the concept of diminishing over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "fades over time" to describe the gradual decrease in intensity, visibility, or effectiveness of something. For instance, "The memory of the event "fades over time"" or "The initial excitement "fades over time"".

What are some alternatives to "fades over time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "diminishes with time", "wanes as time passes", or "declines gradually", each emphasizing the gradual reduction or loss of something.

Is it correct to say "fade over time" instead of "fades over time"?

The correct form depends on the subject. "Fades over time" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "the memory fades over time"), while "fade over time" would be used with plural subjects (e.g., "memories fade over time").

What's the difference between "fades over time" and "disappears over time"?

"Fades over time" implies a gradual reduction or loss, while "disappears over time" suggests a complete vanishing or cessation. The former is more suitable for describing processes that diminish, whereas the latter is for things that cease to exist.