wear over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wear over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how something, such as clothing or materials, deteriorates or changes as it is used or exposed to the elements over a period. Example: "The fabric of the jacket may wear over time, leading to fraying and fading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

If the floor is dark, it will show wear over time.

The New York Times

It is way too early to know how either act will play over the long term, how Mr. Christie's confrontational swagger will wear over time or whether Mr. Malloy will end up alienating both friends and enemies.

The New York Times

The current electro-magnetic signature in a coin can wear over time making forgeries harder to detect but iSIS technology can sift through at least 4,000 coins a minute to identify fakes.

BBC

For example, torches burn out, items wear over time and the player character must eat.

Wikipedia

Layered hardwood, composed of composite layers with a finished wood layer on top, can show wear over time because it is thinner and weaker than pure wood.

WikiHow

Chiffon, net, and lace are very susceptible to wear over time and should be examined carefully before purchase.[9] Even when purchased, they should still be worn rarely in order to preserve them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Cycling damages that individual coal units incur are a function of cumulative wear and tear over time.

Energy Economics

Standing poses, and even just sitting, are wearing over time.

The New York Times

Jonathan Legge, a founder of the online design boutique Makers & Brothers, said that the spirit of an object comes largely from its material, "how it functions and wears over time".

The New York Times

He told the agency that after two owners complained of sudden acceleration, he investigated and found that the cruise control cable end wore over time and came loose.

The New York Times

"A sofa's legs can get really worn over time," said Lisa Aharam, a designer in Minneapolis whose work has been featured on HGTV.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the longevity and durability of products, specify factors influencing "wear over time", such as material quality or environmental conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "wear over time" to describe sudden or immediate damage. Instead, reserve it for gradual degradation or changes accumulated across an extended duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wear over time" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the process of gradual deterioration or change in something as it is exposed to use, environment, or age. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wear over time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the gradual deterioration or change of an object or material as a result of prolonged use or exposure. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in writing. Predominantly found in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, its purpose is to explain durability, predict lifespan, or justify maintenance. While similar to "wear and tear", "wear over time" focuses on the process itself. When using the phrase, remember to describe factors influencing the "wear over time" like material quality, and do not use it for immediate damage. Alternatives include "deteriorate with age" or "degrade over the years".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorate with age

Focuses specifically on aging as the cause of deterioration.

degrade over the years

Emphasizes the gradual decline over a longer period.

show signs of aging

Highlights the visible indications of getting older.

suffer from long-term use

Focuses on the impact of prolonged usage.

experience cumulative effects

Highlights the accumulating impact of something.

develop over a period

Highlights the process of growth or change over time.

evolve through the ages

Focuses on the evolution and transformation through history.

mature with passing time

Highlights the improvement and development that comes with time.

transform across generations

Emphasizes changes that occur over multiple generations.

shift across the timeline

Focuses on alterations and adjustments throughout a duration.

FAQs

How can I describe the gradual degradation of an object?

You can use the phrase "wear over time" to indicate the gradual deterioration of an object due to use or exposure to elements.

What are some alternatives to "wear over time"?

Alternatives include "deteriorate with age", "degrade over the years", or "show signs of aging", depending on the context.

Is "wear over time" the same as "wear and tear"?

"Wear over time" specifically refers to the process, whereas "wear and tear" often describes the result or the damage itself. While related, they aren't perfectly interchangeable.

How does "wear over time" differ from immediate damage?

"Wear over time" describes gradual changes occurring across extended durations. In contrast, immediate damage refers to sudden or instantaneous harm.