gets blacker over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets blacker over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is becoming darker or more intense as time progresses, often metaphorically. Example: "The stain on the carpet gets blacker over time if not cleaned properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The dark part of their fur starts out reddish-black and gets blacker over time," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The sky gets blacker.

The New Yorker

The palm rest and the track pad will get black after time.

WikiHow

…it's really something to get used to over time.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

THE sky was black, and getting blacker.

The Economist

"It gets worse over time".

The New York Times

And it gets worse over time.

The New York Times

It gets easier over time.

TechCrunch

"They get upset, and over time they get over it.

The New York Times

Yes, gadgets may get smaller over time.

The New York Times

"It does not get easier over time".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual change in color or intensity, use "gets blacker over time" to convey a sense of progression. This phrase works well both literally and metaphorically.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "gets blacker over time". Overly literal interpretations can sometimes sound awkward or unnatural, especially in metaphorical contexts. Consider alternative phrasing like "darkens with time" for smoother prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets blacker over time" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a gradual change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. This phrase typically acts as a verb phrase complement, elaborating on how something changes with the progression of time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets blacker over time" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a gradual process of darkening or intensification over time. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears across various contexts, including news, wiki entries and scientific discussions. While not exceedingly common, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of progression and can be used both literally and metaphorically. Be mindful of the context to ensure its use aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

darkens with time

This alternative is more concise and directly refers to the process of becoming darker.

becomes increasingly dark

This phrase emphasizes the gradual and continuous increase in darkness.

grows darker as time passes

This option highlights the temporal aspect of the darkening process more explicitly.

intensifies with age

This alternative suggests an increasing intensity or concentration over time, rather than just darkness.

becomes more obscure over the years

This phrase implies a gradual fading or loss of clarity, aligning with a metaphorical sense of darkening.

deepens in color over time

Focuses specifically on the color aspect, becoming a deeper shade with the passage of time.

gradually loses its brightness

This alternative emphasizes the reduction of light, leading to a darker state.

the darkness accumulates over time

This version suggests an additive process where darkness builds up gradually.

advances into deeper shades

This implies a progression through various levels of darkness.

the shadows lengthen with each passing day

This is a more poetic alternative, evoking a sense of growing darkness through lengthening shadows.

FAQs

How can I use "gets blacker over time" in a sentence?

You can use "gets blacker over time" to describe something that is gradually becoming darker, such as "The stain on the fabric gets blacker over time if it is not treated promptly."

What are some alternatives to saying "gets blacker over time"?

Alternatives include "darkens with time", "becomes increasingly dark", or "grows darker as time passes" depending on the specific context.

Is "gets blacker over time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "gets blacker over time" is grammatically correct. The verb "gets" is properly conjugated, and "blacker" is the comparative form of "black", indicating an increase in darkness over a period of time.

What's the difference between "gets blacker over time" and "becomes black over time"?

"Gets blacker over time" implies a gradual process of darkening, whereas "becomes black over time" suggests a more definitive transformation to black. The former emphasizes the progression, while the latter focuses on the end state.