lessened over the years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessened over the years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in something over a period of time. Example: "The impact of the policy has lessened over the years, leading to a more stable environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That anger has lessened over the years.

The New York Times

Marie's fear of used hypodermics had lessened over the years.

The New Yorker

Redergard's sympathy for her daughter's killers has lessened over the years.

The Guardian

Such plans, which have indeed lessened over the years, often contain a large subsidy that acts to encourage early retirement.

The Economist

Slayer has a more ominous vibe, although their evil mystique has lessened over the years.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

My sympathies with those who complain about the US judging their conduct have lessened considerably over the years as it has become obvious that the only alternative – an international monitoring system – is even more unwelcome.

The Guardian

Although my ketchup consumption has lessened considerably over the years (I no longer indulge in K-sandwiches) it's still remarkably high.

HuffPost

And the final third have symptoms all their lives, at times increasing in severity, although schizophrenia seems, generally, to lessen gradually over the years.

The New York Times

The band members' reluctance has lessened a bit over the years, but their asking price remains high, often in the neighborhood of a seven-figure fee.

Los Angeles Times

As a fullback, he learned how to lessen the blows over the years, learned how to avoid some head-on collisions, learned that the low man always wins.

The New York Times - Sports

While the side-effect burden associated with available HIV treatments has lessened over recent years with the development of new drugs, a truly side effect-free ART regimen has not yet been developed.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lessened over the years" to describe a gradual reduction or decline that occurs naturally or as a result of specific actions over a considerable period. It's suitable for contexts where the diminishing effect is a key aspect of the narrative.

Common error

Avoid repeating variations of "lessened" too closely within the same paragraph. If you describe how something has "lessened over the years", consider using synonyms like "diminished over time" or "decreased over time" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessened over the years" functions as a modifier, describing how something has changed or decreased in intensity, impact, or significance over a period. Ludwig AI considers this phrase to be correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lessened over the years" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gradual decrease over time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it commonly appears in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "diminished over time" exist, this phrase effectively communicates a gradual decline. It's essential to avoid overuse and consider the context to ensure clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished with time

Focuses on the gradual reduction of something as time passes.

decreased over time

Highlights the reduction in quantity or intensity as time progresses.

faded with the years

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance or weakening of something over the years.

waned with age

Implies a decline in power, influence, or vigor as time goes on.

eased with time

Suggests a gradual reduction in severity or intensity as time passes.

subsided over the period

Focuses on something becoming less intense or active during a specific time.

abated with the passing years

Emphasizes the reduction of something negative, such as pain or a storm.

attenuated through the decades

Highlights the weakening or thinning of something over a long period.

receded with the passage of time

Implies a gradual retreat or withdrawal of something as time moves forward.

ameliorated through the years

Indicates that something has improved or become more tolerable as time has passed.

FAQs

How can I use "lessened over the years" in a sentence?

Use "lessened over the years" to describe a gradual decline or reduction in something over a period. For example: "The impact of the policy has "lessened over the years", leading to a more stable environment."

What are some alternatives to "lessened over the years"?

You can use alternatives like "diminished with time", "decreased over time", or "faded with the years" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lessened over the years" grammatically correct?

Yes, "lessened over the years" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in writing and speech to describe a gradual decrease.

What is the difference between "lessened over the years" and "lessened significantly"?

"Lessened significantly" implies a substantial reduction, while ""lessened over the years"" specifies that the reduction occurred gradually across time.