gradually grow over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually grow over time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something is developing, evolving, or expanding over a period of time. For example, "The company's popularity gradually grew over time, eventually becoming one of the most successful in its industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The city grew over time.

Yale University

"People grow over time.

The Washington Post

First: Networks grow over time.

Science Magazine

What has happened is, because of repeated problems in the banking industry, which gradually grew through time into something that's more and more important, governments all over the world regulate them.

Yale University

The increased selection intensity in commercial cows contributed to the genetic merit of future cows (cow-to-cow contribution), but the contribution of the nucleus grew over time and gradually marginalized the cow-to-cow contribution.

Journal of Dairy Science

"Cope's rule", however, the hypothesis that mammalian lineages gradually grow larger over geologic time, while named after him, is "neither explicit nor implicit" in his work.

Wikipedia

It was something that grew over time.

The New York Times

How fast is productivity growing over time?

The Economist

The gap is growing over time, too.

The New York Times

Historical data has suggested that 60% of these small masses will grow gradually over time 12.

BJU International

Time course analysis of K48R Ub reactions revealed that although UbcM2 chain synthesizing activity is enhanced by mutation of K48, the pattern of chain growth is more consistent with a distributive mechanism in which chain lengths grow gradually over time, rather than the processive pattern observed for UbcH5 family members (e.g., Figure 1B).

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradually grow over time", ensure the context clearly benefits from emphasizing both the gradual nature and the extended duration of the growth. It's most effective when highlighting a slow, steady development.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually grow over time" when the gradual nature is already implied. For example, instead of "the plant will gradually grow over time", simply state "the plant will grow over time" if the context suggests a slow process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually grow over time" functions as a descriptive element, specifying how something develops. It combines an adverb ("gradually") with a verb ("grow") and a prepositional phrase ("over time") to emphasize the slow and continuous nature of the development. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually grow over time" is grammatically correct but infrequently used. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a process of slow, steady development over an extended period. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy by ensuring the gradual nature isn't already implied. Alternatives like "develop steadily" or "evolve over time" may be more concise in certain contexts. Although not widely documented in the provided examples, this phrase maintains its validity and can be useful when emphasizing both the gradual pace and long duration of growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grows steadily over time

Omits the word "gradually" for a simplified expression, still retaining the core meaning of consistent growth.

Evolve slowly over the years

This alternative uses "evolve" to emphasize the gradual development and "years" to specify a longer timeframe.

Develop steadily as time passes

This alternative emphasizes consistent development with "steadily" and uses "as time passes" to highlight the temporal aspect.

Progress incrementally in the long run

This alternative uses "incrementally" to stress the small steps and "in the long run" to highlight the extended duration.

Mature gradually throughout the period

This alternative uses "mature" to suggest a natural process of growth and "throughout the period" for emphasis on duration.

Slowly expand with each passing year

This alternative focuses on expansion as the primary form of growth, emphasizing the yearly progression.

Unfold bit by bit over an extended duration

This alternative emphasizes the gradual revelation or unfolding of something over a prolonged time.

Accumulate little by little with the passage of time

This alternative highlights the accumulation aspect of growth, stressing the small additions over time.

Increase gradually as time goes on

This alternative focuses on a general increase, highlighting the progression of time.

Become progressively larger over a period

This alternative concentrates on the increase in size or scale, denoting a specific duration.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually grow over time" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually grow over time" to describe a process that develops slowly and steadily over an extended period. For example, "The company's reputation "grew steadily" over time, earning it a loyal customer base".

What are some alternatives to "gradually grow over time"?

Alternatives include "develop steadily as time passes", "evolve slowly over the years", or "progress incrementally in the long run", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "gradually grow over time"?

While the phrase isn't grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes be redundant. The word "gradually" and the phrase "over time" both indicate a slow, continuous process. Depending on the context, using just one might be sufficient. Consider replacing it with a more concise alternative like "develop over time".

What is the difference between "gradually grow over time" and "grow rapidly"?

"Gradually grow over time" emphasizes a slow and continuous development, whereas "grow rapidly" indicates a fast and quick expansion. The key difference lies in the speed of the development.