shrank over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrank over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual reduction in size, importance, or quantity over a period. Example: "The company's market share shrank over time due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

David Cameron doesn't have one, Gordon Brown's was modest but workable, Tony Blair's started massive but shrank over time and John Major had a little one and then lost it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here we see that both persistent high growth and persistent high decay rates shrank over time, with some prominent exceptions (e.g., Syria).

EPJ Data Science

In preliminary trials, a few early-stage polyps left in a patient's colon shrank over time, with no noticeable side effects.

Forbes

He theorizes that during thousands of years of isolation on the islands, the lineage shrank over time as other island mammals did.

Science Magazine

He and colleagues tracked shifts in ancient ecosystems by counting the overall abundance of marine invertebrate fossils and analyzing how populations of species swelled or shrank over time.

Science Magazine

Researchers thought the creature, about 1 meter tall at the shoulder (right, for scale), descended from ancient, mainland European elephants that came to the Greek island and shrank over time.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But these shares will shrink over time.

The Economist

Mr. Cain said unemployment benefits should shrink over time.

The New York Times

Even worse, evidence suggests this disparity is unlikely to shrink over time.

The Economist

If that cap really binds, the value of social insurance per person must shrink over time.

The New York Times

"Did you know that clothes shrink over time if they are not worn?" Hisham asks.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrank over time" to describe a gradual decrease in size, quantity, or importance. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is diminishing and the timeframe involved.

Common error

Avoid mixing past and present tenses when using "shrank over time". Ensure the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent tense to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrank over time" functions as a descriptive element, indicating a process of gradual reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. This is seen in examples where it describes the reduction of physical size or abstract quantities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrank over time" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing a gradual decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in science and news contexts, indicating its relevance across various fields. When writing, ensure you maintain consistent tense and clearly specify what is diminishing. Alternatives like "decreased gradually" or "diminished progressively" can be used for variety. The phrase helps to illustrate trends and patterns of decline in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased gradually

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the decrease.

diminished progressively

Highlights the progressive reduction in size or quantity.

lessened with time

Focuses on the effect of time on the reduction.

reduced incrementally

Stresses the small, step-by-step nature of the reduction.

declined steadily

Implies a consistent and unwavering decrease.

receded slowly

Suggests a gradual withdrawal or retreat.

faded away

Implies a loss of visibility or importance over time.

attenuated over the period

Focuses on a reduction in intensity or strength over a specific duration.

waned in due course

Emphasizes a decline in power or influence over a natural progression.

contracted with the passing of time

Highlights a decrease in size or scope as time goes on.

FAQs

What does "shrank over time" mean?

The phrase "shrank over time" means that something gradually decreased in size, quantity, or importance as time passed. It indicates a progressive reduction rather than a sudden change.

What are some alternatives to "shrank over time"?

You can use alternatives like "decreased gradually", "diminished progressively", or "lessened with time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shrunk over time" instead of "shrank over time"?

Both "shrank" and "shrunk" are past participles of "shrink", but "shrank" is generally preferred for the simple past tense. Thus, "shrank over time" is more common, although "shrunk over time" isn't incorrect.

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

For example, you could say: "The company's market share "shrank over time" due to increased competition". Always specify what is shrinking and the relevant time period.