prevail over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevail over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that endures or remains effective despite the passage of time. Example: "The principles of justice and equality will prevail over time, guiding future generations toward a better society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The expectation, nonetheless, would always be that Celtic would prevail over time.

BBC

"Private jets will become more competitively priced in the future and will prevail over time," says Gesar.

Forbes

That is not to say that the game is over or that OpenSocial cannot prevail over time (precisely by being more open).

TechCrunch

Race issues on college campuses have seemed to prevail over time with disregard to the humans who are deeply impacted by it, the students.

HuffPost

Vice President Joseph Biden penned an op-ed for the Houston Chronicle on background check legislation this weekend, predicting that supporters would prevail over time -- not exactly the type of thing the administration would do if it wasn't eager to reengage the fight.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Therefore, if the normal price mechanism of capitalism prevails over time, its price will fall towards zero, too.

The Guardian - Books

Less, because the power of critical judgment usually prevails over time; more, because the course of time often doesn't do the filmmaker any good, and the career of a director who makes a good but expensive film that flops will likely be slowed and maybe even menaced (note that Elaine May hasn't made another film).

The New Yorker

The good news is that although our behaviors naturally reflect whichever side prevails, over time we can still learn to draw out our other side.

Forbes

Most of time, Democrats prevail over Republicans.

The Washington Post

In bridge terms, free will appears to prevail over predestination all the time.

The New York Times - Arts

Technological advances, which have driven down solar and wind costs and have enabled more gas to be economically extracted, and basic economics — the lower prices charged by competing sources — will prevail over government bureaucrats every time.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevail over time", ensure that the context clearly indicates a struggle or challenge that is overcome through persistence and longevity. For instance, 'Despite initial setbacks, the principles of democracy will "prevail over time"'.

Common error

Avoid using "prevail over time" in situations where there's no clear opposition or challenge. It's not simply about lasting; it's about overcoming something significant. Saying 'classical music will "prevail over time"' without implying a threat or challenge is a misuse of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevail over time" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the capacity to endure and succeed across an extended period. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts where something overcomes challenges or maintains its value despite the passing of time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevail over time" describes the capacity to successfully endure despite the passage of time and potential challenges. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare in its usage. It's primarily found in news, science, and business contexts, conveying a sense of eventual triumph or lasting impact. Alternatives like "stand the test of time" or "endure through the ages" offer similar meanings but may emphasize different aspects of longevity or success. When using "prevail over time", focus on contexts where a clear challenge or opposition is being overcome for the phrase to be used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand the test of time

Highlights the ability to remain relevant and valid as time passes, often used for quality or durability.

triumph in the end

Focuses on ultimate success or victory, implying a final positive outcome.

endure through the ages

Emphasizes long-lasting survival, focusing on the concept of ages passing.

prove resilient in the long run

Focuses on the aspect of resilience and eventual success over a considerable period.

remain victorious eventually

Highlights that success is achieved at the end.

maintain relevance indefinitely

Stresses the continuous importance or applicability without a defined end.

hold its own over decades

Emphasizes the ability to maintain its position or status during a very long period of time.

outlast all challenges

Implies overcoming difficulties and continuing to exist longer than any obstacle.

continue to be effective

Focuses on the continued efficiency or productivity over time.

persevere across generations

Emphasizes persistence and continuity through multiple generations.

FAQs

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

Use "prevail over time" to express that something will ultimately succeed or become more powerful, even after facing challenges. For example, 'We believe that justice will "prevail over time", despite the current difficulties'.

What are some alternatives to "prevail over time"?

You can use alternatives like "stand the test of time", "endure through the ages", or "triumph in the end", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "prevail over time" or "prevail in the end"?

"Prevail over time" emphasizes the enduring nature of the success, whereas "prevail in the end" simply highlights the eventual victory, regardless of the duration. The better choice depends on whether you want to stress longevity or just the final outcome.

What does it mean when something is said to "prevail over time"?

It means that something is expected to be successful, powerful, or important for a long period, even if there are difficulties or opposition along the way. It suggests a belief in the long-term dominance or effectiveness of the subject.