over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'over time' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something will happen or be true in the future, and it can also be used to indicate that something happened gradually over an extended period of time. Example: She had been feeling increasingly despondent over time, until finally she reached out to a therapist for help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People change over time.

The New York Times

would disappear over time.

The New Yorker

Measure it over time.

The New York Times

Over time, yeah.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over time, maybe.

The New Yorker

Over time, variations proliferated.

The New York Times

That came over time.

The New York Times - Sports

Relationships deteriorate over time.

The New York Times

That changed over time.

Independent

It comes over time.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

OT = Over-time.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over time" to describe gradual changes or developments. For instance, "Skills improve over time with consistent practice."

Common error

Avoid using "over time" when you need to specify a precise duration. Instead of "The project will be completed over time," use "The project will be completed in three months."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when and how changes or developments occur. Ludwig AI shows its use across various contexts, indicating its role in specifying the temporal aspect of an action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "over time" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote gradual changes or developments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across diverse writing styles. Its presence in numerous articles from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, and Forbes underscores its prevalence in news, scientific, and general writing. When using "over time", ensure it accurately reflects a gradual process rather than a specific duration to prevent potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as time goes by

Similar in meaning, focusing on the continuous flow of time and its effect.

with the passage of time

More descriptive and emphasizes the role of time itself in bringing about change.

eventually

Highlights the final outcome after a period, similar to "over time" but more focused on the end.

in due course

Emphasizes the eventual arrival of something, implying a natural progression.

in the long run

Focuses on the ultimate outcome or consequences that become apparent after a considerable duration.

in the fullness of time

A more formal and literary way of saying "eventually", suggesting that things will unfold as they should.

gradually

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of change.

progressively

Similar to gradually, but suggests a more consistent and directed change.

down the line

Informal way of saying in the future, typically referring to potential consequences or benefits.

sooner or later

Implies something will happen inevitably at some point in the future, without specifying when.

FAQs

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

Use "over time" to describe how something changes or develops gradually. For example, "Relationships deepen "over time" as people build trust and share experiences."

What are some alternatives to using "over time"?

Alternatives to "over time" include "eventually", "in due course", or "with the passage of time", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "over a period of time" instead of "over time"?

While "over a period of time" is grammatically correct, "over time" is generally more concise and preferred. The longer phrase can sometimes add emphasis, but is often unnecessary.

What's the difference between "over time" and "in time"?

"Over time" indicates a gradual change or development across a duration, while "in time" means eventually or at some point in the future. For example, "He improved his skills "over time"", versus "In time, he became an expert."