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Angliholic Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

over time/in time

These 110 or more magnificent limestone caves were created by sulfuric acid dissolving the limestone over/in time.

Hi,

Do both in and over fit in the above and convey a similar idea to you? Thanks.
  

Top answer

While you can use "in time" in some cases, it wouldn't work here. For one thing, it would sound as though the limestone were being dissolved "in" time, the way you would dissolve sugar in water to make syrup. ) of years that it takes to make a cave.

— Delmobile

  • While you can use "in time" in some cases, it wouldn't work here.
  • For one thing, it would sound as though the limestone were being dissolved "in" time, the way you would dissolve sugar in water to make syrup.
  • ) of years that it takes to make a cave.
  • In time, we will find all the answers to our questions on the forum.
  • Over time, harsh cleaners will etch your beautiful granite countertop.
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3 Answers
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While you can use "in time" in some cases, it wouldn't work here. For one thing, it would sound as though the limestone were being dissolved "in" time, the way you would dissolve sugar in water to make syrup. Plus "over time" gives a better sense of the process of hundreds (or maybe thousands?) of years that it takes to make a cave.

In time, we will find all the answers to our questions
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Thanks, Delmobile.

I think "over time" in the context means "over a long period of time," but doesn't "in time" also connotes this meaning? If not, how should I interpret "in time?"
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In time means "eventually" but is not suitable to describe a process that occurs a little bit at a time, over the course of a long time.
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