that over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that over time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a gradual change or development that occurs as time passes. Example: "The project improved significantly that over time, it became a model for others." Alternative expressions include "as time goes on" and "over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was an excellent, thoroughly modern environment that over time produced successful results.

Independent

Short-term chemotherapy treatment enriches for a chemo-residual TN subpopulation that over time resumes proliferation.

Breast Cancer Research

SS is a complex autoimmune exocrinopathy that over time often progresses to a systemic disease.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

It said that "over time" it should be abolished altogether.

The Guardian

Nicola Sturgeon said she believed that "over time" Prestwick could go "back to profit".

BBC

"Consumers expect that over time, electronics get cheaper," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

We made a number of changes like that over time".

The Guardian - Tech

"Davutoğlu has agreed to do that over time.

The Guardian

But hopefully you'll discover some of that over time.

The Guardian - Music

What happened since is that over time "people got better at the hard parts".

The New York Times

Forecasters expect that over time, the popularity of tablets will eat into PC sales.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider placing a comma before and after "over time" (e.g., "that, over time, the results...") if you wish to treat it as a parenthetical insertion for extra emphasis or better flow.

Common error

Avoid using the single word "overtime" when you mean a period of time passing. "Overtime" (one word) refers to extra hours worked beyond a standard schedule. Always use the two-word phrase "over time" to describe progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that over time" typically functions as a relative clause marker or a conjunction followed by a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI data, it serves as a temporal bridge, linking a preceding verb or noun to a subsequent description of a dynamic process. It is frequently employed after cognitive verbs like "know", "expect", or "suspect".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Informal Speech

3%

Social Media

1%

Fiction Writing

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A comprehensive review of Ludwig AI data confirms that "that over time" is a robust and indispensable phrase for describing gradual transformation. It is most effectively used in journalistic and scientific writing to qualify predictions or observations that occur incrementally. One of the most important takeaways is the distinction between the temporal phrase and the noun "overtime", which refers to work hours. Writers should be confident using this phrase to add depth and temporal clarity to their sentences, especially when dealing with data-driven or process-oriented topics. Whether used with or without parenthetical commas, the phrase remains a hallmark of clear and professional English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as time passes

Shifts focus slightly more toward the continuous movement of time itself.

gradually

A single-word adverb that emphasizes the slowness or step-by-step nature of the change.

as time goes on

A slightly more idiomatic and less formal variation of the temporal progression.

with the passage of time

A more formal and literary way to denote the same temporal development.

in the long run

Focuses on the eventual outcome after a significant period rather than the process itself.

eventually

Specifies that an end state will be reached, without necessarily focusing on the incremental steps.

progressively

Implies a steady, often increasing rate of change or development.

with time

A concise alternative that functions similarly but feels more direct.

sequentially

Emphasizes the order of events rather than the duration spent.

as years go by

More specific about the scale of time, limiting it to an annual or multi-year context.

FAQs

How do I use "that over time" in a professional email?

In professional contexts, you can use it to manage expectations about long-term goals, such as: "We anticipate "that over time" our efficiency will increase."

What is the difference between "that over time" and "that overtime"?

The phrase "over time" describes a gradual progression, whereas "overtime" is a noun or adverb referring to extra work hours. Using the latter in a temporal sense is a common spelling mistake.

Can I use "gradually" instead of "that over time"?

Yes, you can often replace it with "gradually" for brevity. For example, "I expect that it will happen over time" becomes "I expect it to happen gradually."

Should I put a comma after "that" when using "that over time"?

It is optional. Using commas (e.g., "that, over time,") makes the temporal element parenthetical and adds a pause for emphasis, which is common in "formal writing".