gets smaller over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets smaller over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or phenomenon where something decreases in size, quantity, or intensity as time progresses. Example: "The ice cube in my drink gets smaller over time as it melts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Thus, the debt owned by the bank gets smaller over time, instead of collapsing if the bonds were sold.

Independent

The size of this neighborhood gets smaller over time and in ILGA, both the neighborhood size and learning rate are increased by the presence of the reinforcement signal.

Biological Cybernetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yes, gadgets may get smaller over time.

The New York Times

Human jaws have got smaller over time, and as a result we can't fit our wisdom teeth in.

Independent

In the meantime, cheer up: new models of gadgets like cellphones tend to get smaller over time.

The New York Times

"I told him he's living in a box right now, and the box will only get smaller over time if he doesn't get some treatment".

The New Yorker

They talk about the way bulky gadgets get smaller over time, expensive ones become commodities — and how recording tape always gives way to digital storage.

The New York Times - Tech

Only 40% of Diageo’s business comes from Europe, and that will likely get smaller over time as the company expands its reach into emerging markets.

Forbes

A turbulent world may have pressured animals to adapt to changing conditions as quickly as possible, and thus they got smaller over time, Sallan says.

Science Magazine

If deletions are more common than insertions for a given organism, then proteins that can tolerate more mutations (i.e. are evolving under weaker functional constraints) will tend to get smaller over time.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The last time the government actually got smaller over the first three years of a presidential term was when Richard M. Nixon was president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes, use "gets smaller over time" to illustrate a gradual reduction in size, quantity, or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "gets smaller over time" for abstract concepts that don't literally shrink. Instead of saying "interest gets smaller over time", consider "interest wanes over time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets smaller over time" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a process of reduction in size, quantity, or impact that unfolds gradually. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets smaller over time" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a gradual reduction in size or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially News & Media and Science, although more formal alternatives like "decreases over time" may be preferred in academic settings. When writing, avoid using it with abstract concepts and consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as different alternatives emphasize different aspects of the reduction process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreases over time

Replaces "gets smaller" with the more formal "decreases".

diminishes with time

Uses "diminishes" to emphasize a gradual reduction in size or impact.

reduces as time passes

Focuses on the process of reduction happening concurrently with the passage of time.

contracts over the period

Implies a shrinking or reduction in size or scope during a specific duration.

shrinks gradually

Highlights the gradual nature of the shrinking process.

lessens over the years

Emphasizes a decrease in intensity or significance across multiple years.

tapers off with time

Suggests a gradual decline, often in a smooth or predictable manner.

wanes as time goes on

Emphasizes a fading or diminishing quality over a period.

becomes more compact with each passing day

Highlights the ongoing nature of the reduction.

attenuates in duration

Refers to a reduction in intensity or magnitude with passing time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gets smaller over time" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "decreases over time" or "diminishes with time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gets smaller with time" instead of "gets smaller over time"?

While both are understandable, "gets smaller over time" is more common and idiomatic. "Gets smaller with time" is grammatically correct, but less frequently used.

What is the difference between "gets smaller over time" and "shrinks over time"?

"Gets smaller over time" implies a gradual process, while "shrinks over time" /s/shrinks+over+time can suggest a more rapid or noticeable reduction. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "gets smaller over time" be used for abstract concepts, or only physical objects?

While it can be used for both, it's more effective for physical objects or measurable quantities. For abstract concepts, alternatives like "fades over time" or "declines over time" might be more appropriate.