take over time

USAGE SUMMARY

"take over time" can be a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to gradually gain control or dominance over a period of time. Example: The company's success was not immediate, but through their hard work and dedication, they were able to take over the market over time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The degree to which AOL really did take over Time Warner may be more evident in the company's culture than in its products, some media executives said.

The New York Times

In August last year, Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox scrapped an audacious bid to take over Time Warner, a move that would have created a media behemoth and was widely seen as the crowning deal of the mogul's career.

The Guardian

In August 2014, Fox scrapped an audacious $80bn bid to take over Time Warner, a move that would have created a media behemoth and would have been seen as the crowning deal of Rupert Murdoch's career.

The Guardian

So not only does Vesta resist the aging effects of space weathering, but the pummeling it must take over time heals the discoloration that comes with age.

Science Magazine

7 8 The national Meaningful Use Roadmap defines patient and family engagement from a patient perspective as 'actions we must take over time to obtain the greatest benefit from the healthcare services available to us', further stating that engagement is desirable and necessary for health information systems.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The fact that many images of the remote location were taken over time, beginning in 2004, suggests a costly interest on the part of an individual or organization.

The New York Times

The problem arises because Nice mostly deals with drugs that are taken over time, and often many years, which spreads out the costs to the NHS.

The Guardian

Note that data from viral dynamic studies usually consist of repeated viral load measurements taken over time for each subject.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

This can be correlated by examining photographic evidence of glaciers taken over time even with an absence of other means of documentation.

Wikipedia

To illustrate this, I've listed the side effects of various medications I've taken over time, as well as the behaviors that made those medications necessary.

Vice

To illustrate this, I've listed the side effects of various medications I've taken over time, as well as the behaviours that made those medications necessary.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that evolves or unfolds gradually, use "take over time" to emphasize the temporal aspect of gaining influence or control. For example, "The invasive species will "take over time", displacing native plants."

Common error

Avoid using "take over time" when describing an instantaneous event. The phrase implies a gradual process, not a sudden shift. For immediate takeovers use phrases such as "assume control" or "seize power".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take over time" is as a phrasal verb indicating a process of gaining control or dominance that occurs gradually. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a development across a span of time. It is typically part of a larger clause, modifying a noun or pronoun.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take over time" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, meaning to gradually gain control or dominance over a period. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is typically employed to illustrate a process that unfolds gradually rather than instantly. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase describes scenarios where an entity or idea slowly gains influence or control. When writing, it's essential to use "take over time" to convey gradual processes, and to avoid it when referring to immediate actions. Alternatives such as "gradually assume control" or "slowly gain dominance" can provide nuanced substitutions. The phrase's consistent use in credible sources reinforces its validity in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually assume control

Emphasizes a step-by-step process of gaining authority.

slowly gain dominance

Focuses on a gradual increase in power or influence.

progressively dominate

Highlights the continuous and incremental nature of achieving control.

eventually supersede

Suggests an eventual replacement or outperformance after a period.

slowly eclipse

Conveys a gradual overshadowing or diminishing of something else.

develop over the course of time

Focuses on the development of something across a time period.

mature with age

Emphasizes growth and development over a long period.

unfold gradually

Implies a slow and deliberate revelation or development.

emerge incrementally

Highlights the gradual appearance or development in small stages.

accrue gradually

Focuses on the incremental accumulation or increase of something.

FAQs

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

Use "take over time" to describe a gradual process of gaining control or influence. For example, "The company's innovative strategies allowed it to "take over time", securing a dominant position in the market."

What are some alternatives to "take over time"?

Alternatives include "gradually assume control", "slowly gain dominance", or "progressively dominate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "took over time" or "taken over time"?

Both "took over time" and "taken over time" are grammatically correct but represent different tenses. "Took over time" is past tense, while "taken over time" is past participle, often used in perfect tenses (e.g., "has taken over time").

What's the difference between "take over time" and "happen over time"?

"Take over time" implies a more active process of gaining control or influence, while "happen over time" suggests a more passive occurrence or development. For example, a company takes over time, whereas a trend happens over time.