shrink over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrink over time" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to indicate that something has become smaller in size or amount over a given period of time. For example, "Due to rising costs, their profits have been shrinking over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Also as patients are treated and hopefully cured, the total patient population will actually shrink over time.

Forbes

But these shares will shrink over time.

The Economist

Mr. Cain said unemployment benefits should shrink over time.

The New York Times

That means the orbit of any sub-satellite of the Moon will shrink over time.

Cornell University

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Of course, populations shift, growing or shrinking over time.

The Washington Post

INR is that rare agency that has been shrinking over time.

The Washington Post

There is also concern that ITV's operating cash flow is shrinking over time.

The Guardian

Sometimes it shrinks over time and doesn't fit the skull and cosmetically it is not as good.

The New York Times

The Y chromosome has shrunk over time because, unlike every other chromosome in the human body, it has no partner.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual reduction, ensure the subject is something that logically decreases over a duration, like 'market share' or 'influence'.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink over time" to describe events that happen suddenly or have an immediate impact; use it for processes that unfold gradually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrink over time" primarily functions as a verb phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes how an action or state (shrinking) unfolds across a duration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrink over time" is a correct and commonly used phrase indicating a gradual decrease. Ludwig AI examples showcase its presence across diverse domains, especially in News & Media, Academia and Science. This phrase is best suited to describe processes that naturally diminish gradually, avoiding usage for sudden events. Consider alternative expressions like "decrease gradually" or "diminish progressively" to add nuances to your writing. The phrase is deemed appropriate for use in neutral contexts, while avoiding being applied to scenarios involving rapid changes. Keep in mind that phrases similar in function include gradual decrement or diminish with the passage of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the reduction but lacks the temporal aspect.

diminish progressively

Highlights the progressive reduction, but doesn't specify the 'time' element.

lessen over the period

Replaces 'shrink' with 'lessen' and 'time' with 'period' maintaining the original sense.

wane in due course

Uses a more figurative term 'wane' for diminishing and a formal expression 'in due course' for time.

decline continuously

Emphasizes the continuous decrease, omitting specific mention of time.

recede slowly

Implies a gradual withdrawal or reduction using 'recede' and 'slowly'.

fade away with time

Expresses a gradual disappearance or reduction, adding a sense of impermanence.

erode with the passage of time

Uses the metaphor of erosion to describe the gradual decrease.

attenuate in the course of time

Employs a more technical term 'attenuate' for reduction and a formal phrase for 'time'.

peter out eventually

Uses the idiom 'peter out' to suggest a gradual termination or reduction over time.

FAQs

What does "shrink over time" mean?

The phrase "shrink over time" means to become smaller or reduce in size, amount, or degree gradually as time passes.

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

You might say, "The company's market share is expected to "shrink over time" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "shrink over time"?

Alternatives include "decrease gradually", "diminish progressively", or "lessen over the period".

Is it always appropriate to use "shrink over time"?

While grammatically correct, "shrink over time" is best used for processes that naturally diminish gradually. For sudden reductions, other phrases may be more appropriate.