Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
selected over time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "selected over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process where choices or options are gradually chosen or preferred as time progresses. Example: "The best candidates were selected over time through a rigorous interview process."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
However, it is also clear that non-growing bacteria29 and high-persister-forming mutants are selected over time in patients exposed to repeated doses of antibiotics49,50.
Science & Research
"We do not yet adequately understand the way in which the different environments in the world have selected over time the genes which determine our capacity to do different things.
News & Media
But simply having these heuristics cannot explain how they were selected over time.
Science
Furthermore, 5 out of the 8 mutations in the head of the F protein are concentrated in a short invariable region at position 364 411, suggesting that the observed mutations are actually selected over time by the host immune responses.
Science
Our studies also demonstrate that the B-1a IgH repertoire is selected over time.
Science
Dynamic exclusion filtering in DDA mode excludes the re-sampling of the same precursor ion, thus maximizing the number of different precursors that are selected over time.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
Moreover, analysis of gene activation in rectal tissue of patients under ART led the author to imply that because of the drugs' inhibitory effects on transcription of genes hosting integrated provirus, NRTIs select over time for cells in which latent HIV survives.
Science
Exploitation of the rich resources available in inshore waters must be balanced against this risk of predation, and mechanisms for optimising this trade-off should be selected over evolutionary time.
Science
After all, the plants we study have evolved to survive through mechanisms that have been selected, over evolutionary time, in nature.
Science
This mutualistic relationship has been selected over evolutionary time resulting in a stable microbiota in mature animals that is generally similar in composition and function in a diverse range of animal species [ 3].
Science
All of the antibodies used in these experiments were of the IgG class, which is known to be present in tissues and may have been selected over evolutionary time to be able to penetrate many tissues and organs easily.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "selected over time", ensure the context clearly indicates a process where choices are made gradually, not instantaneously. For example, "The most effective strategies were "selected over time" through rigorous testing."
Common error
Avoid using "selected over time" when describing a one-time, immediate choice. This phrase implies a gradual process of preference, not a single selection event. For instance, do not say "The winner was "selected over time" after the first round"; instead, say, "The winner was selected after the first round."
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "selected over time" functions as a compound verb phrase indicating a process where something is gradually chosen or favored. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
17%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "selected over time" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a gradual process where choices or options are gradually chosen or preferred as time progresses. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific contexts, but also appears in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates a gradual selection process rather than an instantaneous choice. Remember to consider alternatives like "chosen gradually" or "picked over a period" to best suit your specific needs.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
chosen gradually
Emphasizes the gradual nature of the selection process.
picked over a period
Highlights the duration during which the selection occurs.
gradually preferred
Focuses on the increasing preference for something as time passes.
preferred with time
Indicates that preference grows as time progresses.
evolved over the years
Highlights the evolutionary aspect of being selected over a longer duration.
developed gradually
Focuses on the development or refinement that occurs during the selection.
identified progressively
Emphasizes the progressive identification of something over time.
favored in the long run
Indicates that the selection is advantageous or preferable in the long term.
accumulated with age
Describes a process where something accumulates as time passes.
established eventually
Highlights the eventual establishment or selection of something.
FAQs
What does "selected over time" mean?
The phrase "selected over time" refers to a process where choices or preferences are gradually chosen or favored as time progresses, often implying a period of evaluation or development.
How can I use "selected over time" in a sentence?
You can use "selected over time" to describe how certain traits, strategies, or options become favored or dominant through a period of selection. For example: "The most effective solutions were "selected over time" through trial and error."
What are some alternatives to "selected over time"?
You can use alternatives like "chosen gradually", "picked over a period", or "gradually preferred" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "selected over time" the same as "selected at a specific time"?
No, "selected over time" implies a gradual selection process, while "selected at a specific time" refers to a one-time choice made at a particular point. These phrases are not interchangeable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested