wanes over time

USAGE SUMMARY

'wanes over time' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that gradually becomes less intense or important over time. For example: "The initial enthusiasm for the project waned over time as the team members became increasingly unmotivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

These data demonstrate that systemic protective influenza-specific CD8+ T-cell memory wanes over time despite the maintenance of memory CD8+ T-cell numbers capable of secondary expansion and recruitment to the site of viral replication.

European Journal of Immunology

"But it usually wanes over time.

The New York Times

CB In terms of quality and originality, the horror genre waxes and wanes over time.

The Guardian - Film

The research on self-control shows that willpower, for all its benefits, wanes over time.

The New York Times

This is mainly because protection from the current shots wanes over time.

The New Yorker

Converging evidence from neuroscience suggests that our attention to the outside world waxes and wanes over time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But my devotion to the game waned over time.

The New York Times - Sports

But unless they have skin in the game, their passion may wane over time.

Forbes

Consequently, their interest in the vocalization presented at T2 might have waned over time.

Plosone

This effect may wane over time as workers become complacent with attention to protocol details.

BMC Health Services Research

Possible explanations for this could be that stressful war experiences retain their potency irrespective of the severity of childhood adversity, whose effects may wane over time.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanes over time" to describe processes or phenomena where intensity or effectiveness decreases gradually rather than abruptly. For instance, "The effectiveness of the vaccine wanes over time, requiring booster shots."

Common error

While "wanes over time" is accurate, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "diminishes", "declines", or "fades" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanes over time" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, specifying how a particular attribute, quality, or effect changes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and indicates a gradual decline.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanes over time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something's intensity or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. Analysis of example sentences indicates its frequent use in scientific and news contexts, with applications ranging from describing the effectiveness of vaccines to the enthusiasm for projects. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that a gradual decline is indeed what you intend to convey. While "wanes over time" is a useful phrase, it's important to avoid overuse and vary your language when appropriate by using alternatives such as "diminishes gradually" or "declines steadily".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishes gradually

Focuses on the gradual reduction in size or importance, similar to waning.

fades gradually

Emphasizes the loss of visibility or clarity over a period.

declines steadily

Highlights a consistent downward trend.

lessens with time

Simple and direct way of saying something becomes smaller or weaker as time passes.

decreases progressively

Focuses on the step-by-step reduction over time.

weakens gradually

Highlights the reduction in strength or effectiveness.

deteriorates slowly

Suggests a gradual decline in quality or condition.

erodes gradually

Implies a slow wearing away or destruction.

dissipates with time

Emphasizes the gradual vanishing or scattering.

loses intensity over time

Specifically refers to a reduction in the strength or force of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "wanes over time" in a sentence?

The phrase "wanes over time" is used to describe a gradual decrease in intensity or effectiveness. For example, "The enthusiasm for the project "wanes over time" as deadlines approach."

What are some alternatives to saying "wanes over time"?

Instead of "wanes over time", you can use phrases like "diminishes gradually", "fades gradually", or "declines steadily" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "wanes over time" and "disappears completely"?

"Wanes over time" implies a gradual reduction, while "disappears completely" suggests an abrupt or eventual end. The choice depends on whether the decrease is gradual or immediate.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "wanes over time"?

The phrase "wanes over time" is suitable for describing phenomena that naturally decrease in intensity or effectiveness, such as the impact of a marketing campaign or the effectiveness of a vaccine. For example, "Vaccine protection "wanes over time", necessitating booster shots."