Generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Generate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of producing or creating something, often in a technical or creative context. Example: "Please generate a report based on the data collected over the last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These ambitions often generate friction with its neighbours, especially Tajikistan.

The Guardian

However, this is not an alternative to good password policies such as using 1Password, LastPass or similar to generate and save passwords to reduce the risk from brute force attacks and similar.

The Guardian - Tech

Twelve of us worked with fantastic tutors, taking inspiration from natural systems, learning about sustainable ways to produce food, generate energy, house ourselves, create a community, think and live well.

The Guardian - Travel

We can only have virtually the same level of social security if we try to generate growth and jobs – not by having immigration into social systems.

The Guardian

Some are on a grand scale – such as Spain's concentrated solar power stations which, by super-heating molten salts that hold their heat for many hours, can generate clean power from the sun at night.

The Guardian

Burgeoning stars like RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery all got their start on The Voice under Shelton's mentoring, and The Voice has learned how to generate the same heartland appeal that Idol once understood in how it presents its contestants to the public.

The Guardian - Music

Rather, they are investments which can reliably generate income – the all-important cash spent on charitable activities.

The Guardian

For example, a 10p dividend would generate him income of well over £30m, which would keep the wolf from the door".

The Guardian - Business

We know that when markets are extended they generate what is known as "negative externalities" – damage caused by market behaviour that does not enter into the cost calculations of those producing it.

The Guardian - Opinion

(1) A number of companies already generate bioenergy in this way.

The Guardian

It will include introducing feed-in tariffs to enable households to claim guaranteed cash back when they generate their own electricity, and incentives for renewable heat such as solar power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate" when you want to emphasize the process of bringing something into existence, especially as a result of a specific action or process.

Common error

Avoid using "generate" in extremely casual conversations where simpler verbs like "make" or "create" might be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your speech sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "generate" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies the action of bringing something into existence or producing it as a result of a specific process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "generate" functions as a transitive verb, denoting the act of producing or creating something through a defined process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, notably in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While alternatives like "create", "produce", and "yield" exist, "generate" emphasizes the process-driven aspect of bringing something into existence. Best practice involves using it to accentuate the result of a specific action or process, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings to preserve a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Create

Focuses on the act of bringing something entirely new into being.

Produce

Emphasizes the process of making or manufacturing something, often on a larger scale.

Yield

Implies a result or output, often in the context of effort or investment.

Form

Highlights the shaping or structuring of something into a specific configuration.

Develop

Suggests gradual growth or evolution into a more advanced state.

Originate

Focuses on the point of commencement or the source from which something begins.

Fabricate

Implies constructing or inventing something, sometimes with a negative connotation of deceit.

Instigate

Emphasizes the initiation or triggering of a process or event.

Compose

Refers to the act of putting elements together to create a unified whole, often in artistic contexts.

Elicit

Suggests drawing out or provoking a response or reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "generate" in a sentence?

You can use "generate" to describe the creation of something, such as "The new policy will generate more revenue" or "The engine can generate a lot of power".

What's the difference between "generate" and "create"?

"Generate" often implies a process or system that produces something, while "create" suggests bringing something entirely new into existence. For example, a machine might "generate" electricity, while an artist might "create" a sculpture.

What can I say instead of "generate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "produce", "create", "yield", or "form".

Is it correct to say "generate an idea"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say "generate an idea". It implies that the idea came about through a deliberate process of thinking or brainstorming.