with time

USAGE SUMMARY

"with time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that some event, process, or outcome will take place over a period of time. For example, "With time, we can find the right solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The play with time.

The New Yorker

Everything changes with time.

The New York Times - Sports

"It comes with time".

The New York Times - Sports

With time, things shifted.

The New York Times

With time, that should improve.

Independent

You're helping with "time management".

The New York Times

It didn't improve with time.

The Economist

"Values have changed with time".

The New York Times

His trouble was with time.

The New Yorker

It will happen with time.

The New York Times

Attitudes can change with time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with time" to indicate a gradual change or development. For example, "With time, skills improve".

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy. Instead of saying "With time, eventually...", choose either "with time" or "eventually" to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the temporal aspect of an action or state. As shown by Ludwig, it specifies that something happens or changes gradually over a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with time" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurs or changes gradually over a period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. When writing, be mindful of avoiding redundancy with similar adverbs like "eventually". Consider alternatives like "over time" or "in due course" for nuanced expression. Overall, "with time" is a versatile and useful phrase for expressing temporal progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the progression across a duration.

in due course

This suggests that something will happen at an appropriate or expected time in the future.

eventually

This indicates that something will happen at a later, unspecified point in time.

as time goes on

This phrase emphasizes the ongoing nature of time and its effect.

in the fullness of time

This suggests that something will happen when the time is right, often implying patience.

down the line

This phrase indicates a point in the future, often in a sequence of events.

in the long run

This refers to the eventual outcome after a considerable period.

sooner or later

This suggests that something is inevitable and will happen at some point.

as time passes

This highlights the continuous flow of time and its impact.

after a while

This indicates that something will happen after a certain period has elapsed.

FAQs

How can I use "with time" in a sentence?

You can use "with time" to describe changes or developments that occur gradually. For example, "With time, relationships deepen".

What are some alternatives to "with time"?

Alternatives include "over time", "in due course", or "eventually", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "with time" formal or informal?

"With time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "with time" and "in time"?

"With time" emphasizes the process of change that occurs during a period. "In time" often means "eventually" or "before it's too late". For example, "In time, you'll understand" suggests understanding will come at some point.