lessen over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in intensity, quantity, or quality as time progresses. Example: "The pain from the injury will lessen over time, allowing for a full recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

To the extent that community efforts are focused on development of shared resources, the ontology development load for any single research group will likely lessen over time as ontologies grow and develop through common use.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

For some among us, these pleasures lessen over time.

The New Yorker

In brief remarks at the ceremony, Gov. George E. Pataki spoke for many when he said, "Over time, the wounds to this landscape will be healed, but the wounds in our hearts will only lessen over time".

The New York Times

From the numerical results, it is shown that time resource and human resource in implementing the strategy will be required mostly at the beginning of the period and then lessen over time.

Advances in Difference Equations

These feelings usually lessen over time.

Wikipedia

Such symptoms do gradually lessen over time, eventually disappearing altogether.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As I indicated above, some of the sting of these four big obstacles is lessening over time.

Huffington Post

The possibility for less misunderstanding in the world at large, would over time, lessen wars, reduce -terrorism, racism, sexism, and classism.

Huffington Post

He continued: "That has lessened over time.

The New York Times

Like any pain it lessens over time.

The New York Times

But that ego lessened over time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lessen over time" to describe the expected diminishing effect of something, such as pain or concern. This phrase is useful for setting realistic expectations about long-term outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "lessen over time" when something disappears completely. "Lessen" implies a reduction, not a complete elimination. For total disappearance, use phrases like 'disappear over time' or 'vanish over time'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen over time" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a noun by describing a process that reduces something’s intensity, amount, or effect as time progresses. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly conveys a gradual reduction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lessen over time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a gradual decrease or reduction in intensity, quantity, or quality as time progresses. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. Remember that "lessen" implies a reduction, not a complete disappearance; therefore, it's crucial to use it when describing something diminishing rather than vanishing. Related phrases include "diminish over time" and "decrease gradually". Use "lessen over time" to set realistic expectations about how something will diminish in the long run.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish with time

Changes the verb to 'diminish' which implies a gradual decrease, maintaining the original meaning.

decrease gradually

Replaces 'lessen over time' with 'decrease gradually', focusing on the gradual reduction.

fade as time passes

Emphasizes the weakening or disappearance of something as time elapses, akin to "lessen over time".

abate with the passage of time

Uses 'abate' to indicate a reduction in intensity or amount as time goes on, similar to the original phrase.

weaken as time goes by

Focuses on the reduction of strength or intensity over a period.

erode with time

Suggests a gradual wearing away or deterioration as time progresses, resembling the effect of "lessen over time".

attenuate over the long term

Uses 'attenuate' for a reduction in force or effect over a prolonged period.

decline progressively

Implies a step-by-step decrease or deterioration over time.

mitigate with the years

Highlights a lessening of severity or impact as years pass.

subside in due course

Indicates a gradual calming down or decrease in intensity as time passes.

FAQs

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

You can use "lessen over time" to describe a gradual decrease in intensity, amount, or effect. For example, "The pain from the surgery should "lessen over time" with proper medication and physical therapy."

What are some alternatives to "lessen over time"?

Some alternatives to "lessen over time" include "diminish over time", "decrease gradually", or "fade as time passes". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "reduce over time" or "lessen over time"?

Both "reduce over time" and "lessen over time" are grammatically correct, but "lessen over time" often implies a more natural or gradual reduction. "Reduce over time" might suggest an active intervention causing the reduction.

Does "lessen over time" imply a complete disappearance?

No, "lessen over time" suggests a reduction, not a complete disappearance. If something completely disappears, use alternatives like "vanish over time" or "disappear over time".