fallen over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fallen over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline or decrease in something throughout a period. Example: "The quality of the product has fallen over time, leading to customer dissatisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"The paper provides really strong evidence that absolute mobility has fallen over time.

The Washington Post

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

The Guardian

"You can see how topics have risen and fallen over time, but you can also see the way language and terminology change over time," she said.

The New York Times

Regardless of the differences, the costs of index funds and actively managed funds have fallen over time by roughly the same proportion.

The New York Times

It shows that the share of consumer spending — and, by extension, of income — devoted to housing has not fallen over time.

The New York Times

The EPA's acting administrator, Andrew Wheeler, has been among the Trump officials who have noted that U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants have fallen over time.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In East Germany, new patent applications actually fell over time as industrial espionage increased.

Harvard Business Review

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

The line steadily falls over time, across every economic class.

The New York Times

Unauthorized border crossings have been falling over time.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fallen over time", ensure the subject is something that can logically decrease or decline. For example, use it with quantities, rates, or qualities that are expected to diminish.

Common error

Avoid using "fallen over time" when describing something that requires active intervention to change. It is better suited for describing natural declines or trends, rather than situations needing direct action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fallen over time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe how a quantity, quality, or rate has diminished or decreased across a span of time. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it denotes a reduction or decline in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fallen over time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a gradual decrease or decline. Ludwig AI analysis, drawing from numerous examples, confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts like news, science, and business. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject can logically decrease or decline and that it describes a trend rather than an event requiring active intervention. Common alternatives include "decreased gradually" or "diminished steadily". Based on these insights, "fallen over time" is a versatile and effective phrase for indicating a declining trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decreased gradually

Focuses on the gradual reduction in magnitude or quantity.

Diminished steadily

Emphasizes a consistent and continuous decline.

Declined incrementally

Highlights the small, step-by-step nature of the decrease.

Waned progressively

Suggests a reduction in strength or intensity over time.

Eroded gradually

Implies a wearing away or disintegration over time.

Lessened continuously

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the reduction.

Deteriorated steadily

Focuses on the degradation of quality or condition.

Subsided gradually

Suggests a decrease in intensity or activity over time.

Reduced incrementally

Implies a series of small reductions accumulating over time.

Tapered off

Indicates a slow and steady decline, often towards an end.

FAQs

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

The phrase "fallen over time" indicates a decrease or decline across a period. For instance, "The quality of customer service has "fallen over time" due to budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "fallen over time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "decreased gradually", "diminished steadily", or "declined incrementally", which all suggest a reduction over a period.

Is it correct to say something has "risen and fallen over time"?

Yes, it is correct. This phrasing indicates fluctuations, with periods of increase followed by periods of decline. For example, "The popularity of that product has "risen and fallen over time"."

What's the difference between "fallen over time" and "decreased sharply"?

"Fallen over time" implies a gradual or general decline throughout a period, whereas "decreased sharply" suggests a sudden and significant drop at a specific point.