shrink with time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrink with time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that diminishes or decreases as time passes, often referring to physical objects or abstract concepts like memories or emotions. Example: "The fabric may shrink with time if not washed properly, leading to a tighter fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

Plosone

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

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

The list of those who bear responsibility should grow, not shrink, with the passage of time.

Huffington Post

Finally, the "Multiple Refugia" hypothesis was simulated from a finite island model [ 30]; i.e. current populations are descendant from lineages originally in the demes at t1750 generations ago, meaning that as the tree builds back through time, population shrink with N1750 equal to 1,000 and a chance of 0.01/generation for changing migrants among demes every time.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

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

There were some halting initial games, and worries about his durability after an operation on his left knee in October, but those concerns seemed to shrink with each rebound and dunk; in time, there were a lot of both.

The New York Times - Sports

We anticipate that this required time will dramatically shrink with additional optimization and automation of our current workflow and allow these devices to be created in an on-demand fashion for expedited initiation of oncologic-directed therapies.

3D Printing in Medicine

Researchers have known for some time that certain patches of avian neurons grow and shrink with the seasons.

Science Magazine

As the banking sector shrinks, Cyprus's service-oriented economy will shrink with it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrink with time" to describe a gradual reduction in size, quantity, or importance. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is shrinking and over what period.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink with time" when a more precise term like "erode", "decay", or "diminish" would better convey the specific type of reduction or loss occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrink with time" functions as a verb phrase combined with a prepositional phrase, indicating a process of gradual reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrink with time" is a versatile expression used to describe the gradual decrease in size, quantity, or importance of something as time passes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds application across various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. While alternatives like "diminish over time" or "decrease with time" can be used, "shrink with time" effectively conveys the notion of progressive reduction. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is shrinking and over what period. While commonly employed, remember to choose the most precise term to match the specific type of reduction you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish over time

Replaces "shrink" with a more general term for decrease.

decrease with time

Similar to diminish, but focuses on a reduction in quantity or size.

reduce over time

Implies a lessening in amount, size, or intensity over a period.

lessen with time

Suggests a gradual reduction in significance or impact over a period.

wane with time

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

fade over time

Suggests a gradual loss of color, brightness, or distinctness over a period.

decline over time

Focuses on a downward trend or deterioration over a period.

recede with time

Implies a moving back or withdrawal over a period.

atrophy over time

Specifically refers to the wasting away of body tissue or an organ over a period.

ebb with time

Suggests a gradual decline or weakening, similar to the receding tide.

FAQs

What does "shrink with time" mean?

The phrase "shrink with time" means to decrease in size, amount, or importance as time passes. It suggests a gradual reduction or decline over a period.

What can I say instead of "shrink with time"?

You can use alternatives like "diminish over time", "decrease with time", or "reduce over time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shrink over time" instead of "shrink with time"?

Yes, "shrink over time" is also a correct and commonly used alternative. Both phrases convey the same meaning of diminishing as time passes.

Can "shrink with time" apply to abstract concepts?

Yes, "shrink with time" can apply to abstract concepts such as memories, influence, or power, indicating a gradual decline in their strength or significance.