shrank with time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrank with time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has diminished or decreased in size, importance, or relevance as time has passed. Example: "The once vibrant memories of that summer shrank with time, fading into distant echoes of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Plotting the distribution of aurochs shows that their distribution gradually shrank with time.

Plosone

For both currents, the fraction of the smaller mode shrank with time while the amplitude of the larger mode remained fairly constant.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In an idealized model, the "walkback" restriction allows exploration of the region defined by a circle with a radius, determined by remaining consumables (oxygen, CO2 scrubbing capability, cooling water), that shrinks with time.

Plosone

Do isolated FG bodies shrink with time when the monomer concentration is lowered?

eLife

In taliks, the maximum freezing depths and frozen cylinder around the pipeline kept shrinking with elapsing time and increasing water content of the soils.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

Abdominal wounds that are difficult to close after emergency surgery should be managed via an open abdominal technique; however, the longer the wound remains open, the more difficult it will be to close because, in median laparotomy incisions, the rectal muscle in the wound shrinks laterally with time.

Surgical Case Reports

In another study, the volume of the entorhinal cortex, which sends afferent projections to the hippocampus, negatively correlated with playing action video games (Kuhn and Gallinat, 2013) suggesting that the entorhinal cortex shrinks with time playing action video games.

Hippocampus

Accordingly, estates shrank with each generation.

The New Yorker

Interestingly, the diameter of the whole core-shell NWs also shrunk with the reaction time.

Nanoscale Research Letters

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shrank with time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is diminishing. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "shrank with time" when a more precise term like "decreased", "diminished", or "faded" would better convey the specific type of reduction. Overusing it can make your writing less descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrank with time" functions as a verb phrase combined with a prepositional phrase. It describes the process of something diminishing or decreasing over a period. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shrank with time" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe something that has diminished or decreased over a period. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and applicability in various contexts, primarily science and news media. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable for specific situations. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is diminishing. The provided alternatives like "diminished over time" or "decreased with time" can offer nuanced ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished over time

Replaces "shrank" with a synonym, focusing on the gradual reduction.

decreased with time

Uses a more general term for reduction, suitable for various contexts.

lessened over time

Suggests a reduction in intensity or degree over a period.

faded with time

Implies a gradual disappearance or weakening over a period.

eroded over time

Suggests a wearing away or gradual destruction over a period.

waned with time

Indicates a decline in power, influence, or extent over a period.

contracted over time

Specifically refers to a reduction in size or scope over a period.

dwindled with time

Implies a gradual and continuous reduction in size or number over a period.

receded with time

Suggests a gradual movement away or back over a period.

attenuated over time

Indicates a weakening or reduction in force or intensity over a period.

FAQs

What does "shrank with time" mean?

The phrase "shrank with time" means something has become smaller, less significant, or reduced in some way as time passed. It indicates a gradual decline or reduction.

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

You can use "shrank with time" to describe anything that diminishes over a period, such as "The company's market share "diminished over time"" or "My initial enthusiasm "faded with time"."

What are some alternatives to "shrank with time"?

Some alternatives to "shrank with time" include "diminished over time", "decreased with time", "lessened over time", or "faded with time".

Is "shrank with time" formal or informal?

"Shrank with time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "decreased with time" for clarity.