slowly over time

USAGE SUMMARY

"slowly over time" is a perfectly grammatical phrase, and is definitely usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate gradual or incremental change: My language skills have improved slowly over time, as I have been learning a new language every year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It grew slowly over time.

The Guardian

"Slowly, over time," he qualified.

The New York Times

Sinkholes can develop quickly or slowly over time.

Independent

Slowly, over time, the world is becoming a better place.

The Guardian - Books

Slowly, over time, [IT managers demanded more control].

MIT Technology Review

It's been a lot of things slowly over time".

The Guardian - Sport

Then, slowly over time, blood pours out of her scalp.

The Guardian

The disease progresses slowly over time, eventually causing loss of central vision.

Ophthalmology

This causes a slight imbalance that slowly, over time, alters the object's path.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When fat is gained slowly over time, the fat can probably adapt," he says.

Columbia University

The resulting exotherm was significant and dissipated slowly over time raising the subsequent storage temperature considerably.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slowly over time" to emphasize a gradual or incremental process, especially when contrasting it with sudden or rapid changes.

Common error

Avoid using "slowly over time" when the context already implies gradual change. In such cases, a simpler word like "gradually" may suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly over time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner and duration of an action. It indicates that something happens gradually rather than suddenly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowly over time" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize gradual change or development. With 67 examples, its frequency is very common, especially in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and broad applicability. While synonyms like "gradually" and "incrementally" exist, "slowly over time" offers a specific emphasis on the duration of the change, making it a valuable tool in writing and communication. Be mindful of potential redundancy, but don't hesitate to use it when highlighting the deliberate pace of a process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually

Emphasizes a progressive change, omitting the explicit temporal aspect.

incrementally

Highlights small, additive steps in the process of change.

progressively

Indicates advancement or development in stages.

over a period

Focuses on the duration during which the change occurs.

in the long run

Suggests the effects are visible after a considerable amount of time.

with time

A shorter, more general way to indicate that something happens as time passes.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate time, without emphasis on the slowness.

bit by bit

Emphasizes the small, individual increments of change.

little by little

Similar to 'bit by bit', but with slightly more emphasis on the continuity of the process.

eventually

Highlights the final outcome of a process, without necessarily implying slowness.

FAQs

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

Use "slowly over time" to describe processes that unfold gradually, such as "My understanding of the subject grew "slowly over time" as I continued my research".

What are some alternatives to "slowly over time"?

You can use alternatives like "gradually", "incrementally", or "progressively" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is "slowly over time" redundant?

While "slowly" and "over time" both indicate a gradual process, using them together can add emphasis. However, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider whether a single word like "gradually" might suffice.

What's the difference between "slowly over time" and "quickly over time"?

"Slowly over time" indicates a gradual change, while "quickly over time" signifies a rapid transformation. The choice depends on the pace of change you want to convey.