fall over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something as time progresses. Example: "The company's profits tend to fall over time if they do not adapt to market changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

— But, in keeping with the the decreasing effectiveness with more maturity theory, she notes: "I've also seen the number of impressions served in our campaign slow down recently, despite continuing to raise our bid to stay within the suggested range… My gut tells me that these ads are performing well because they are still new to users, and I expect to see click-through-rates (CTRs) fall over time".

TechCrunch

If so, then as boomers take their place in the ranks of the elderly, the demand for expensive and aggressive interventions to extend life might fall over time.

Huffington Post

As a result, the gold/oil ratio should fall over time.

The Economist

Analysts have little doubt that this price differential will fall over time.

The New York Times - Tech

They will sell for up to $150 a pair at first, although the price should fall over time.

The Economist

But eventually the wholesaler must use the inventory sitting in its warehouses, and the drug company's sales fall over time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Adherence to treatment as reported by interviewees was low overall, initially starting high but ultimately falling over time.

BMC Family Practice

The groups were similar with respect to English not the primary language, and fallers (number of falls) over time.

Clinical interventions in aging

Political openness in Vietnam can look like a market index, rising and falling over time.

The Economist

The downside of most cash savings is that their spending power falls over time due to inflation".

Independent

Although 1,500 have died following police contact since 1990, the frequency of those deaths has fallen over time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall over time" to describe trends or expectations of decline in numerical values, quality or efficacy.

Common error

Avoid assuming correlation equals causation when using "fall over time". Just because something declines over time doesn't mean the passage of time is the direct cause. Analyze underlying factors for a more accurate explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall over time" functions as a modifier, indicating a trend or pattern of decrease that occurs as time progresses. It describes how something changes in value, quantity, or intensity during a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fall over time" is a phrase used to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something as time progresses. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, primarily in news and scientific publications. Related phrases include "decline gradually" and "diminish progressively". When using the phrase, ensure clarity about what is decreasing and the relevant timeframe. Avoid assuming that time is the direct cause of the decline without further analysis. Ludwig's examples highlight trends in diverse topics, demonstrating the phrase's versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the decline.

decline steadily

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering reduction.

diminish progressively

Highlights the progressive reduction in quantity or quality.

wane with time

Suggests a fading or weakening effect as time passes.

recede gradually

Implies a movement away or backward over a period.

lower progressively

Focuses specifically on the progressive reduction in position, level, or amount.

deteriorate over the period

Indicates a worsening condition throughout the duration.

lessen as time goes on

A more informal way to express a reduction over time.

drop off in the long run

Specifically suggests a decline in the long term.

erode with the passage of time

Implies a gradual wearing away or destruction over time.

FAQs

What does "fall over time" mean?

The phrase "fall over time" means to decrease or decline gradually as time passes. It describes a trend where something diminishes in quantity, quality, or intensity as time progresses.

What can I say instead of "fall over time"?

You can use alternatives like "decline over time", "diminish over time", or "decrease gradually" depending on the context.

How do I use "fall over time" in a sentence?

You can use "fall over time" to describe a downward trend. For example, "The demand for typewriters will likely fall over time as more people switch to computers."

Is it better to say "decline over time" or "fall over time"?

Both "decline over time" and "fall over time" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Decline" might sound slightly more formal than "fall".