a generation of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a generation of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific group of people who were born and raised during a specific time period. It can also be used more broadly to refer to a group of people who share similar experiences or characteristics. Example: "The advancements in technology during the 2000s have greatly impacted the way a generation of millennials communicate and interact with the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A generation of empathy.

Independent

spawned a generation of forensic-science majors.

The New Yorker

A generation of Republican leaders was gone.

The New Yorker

We are a generation of compulsive documenters.

The New York Times

We've raised a generation of psychopaths.

The New York Times

A generation of children are being disadvantaged".

The Guardian - Money

Grunge for a generation of "likers".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A generation of orphans will be created.

The New York Times

It was a generation of wonderful talkers.

The New Yorker

It's given us a generation of peace.

The Guardian

"We will be a generation of repositioning".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a generation of", ensure you provide context about the specific group or time period you are referring to. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a generation of" without specific qualifiers. Saying "a generation of young people" is vague. Instead, specify characteristics or influences: "a generation of digital natives."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generation of" functions as a determiner and noun phrase, introducing a group of individuals who share common characteristics or time period. It sets the stage for describing the attributes or experiences of this group, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a generation of" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a group of individuals sharing similar experiences or birth years, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to categorize people based on shared historical, social, or cultural influences. For best use, provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples show the phrase's versatility in describing various groups, from "a generation of empathy" to "a generation of warriors".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an age group of

Replaces "generation" with a more literal term for age classification. It is more neutral and less evocative.

a cohort of

Substitutes "generation" with "cohort", which emphasizes a group sharing statistical or demographic traits. Suitable in research contexts.

a wave of

Uses "wave" to denote a large group emerging during a particular period, often associated with trends or movements. Less specific to familial lineage.

a group of contemporaries

Emphasizes individuals living during the same period, shifting focus from inheritance to shared time. More neutral and less emotionally charged.

a breed of

Implies a specific type or characteristic within a group born during a time, often used with a specific quality (e.g., "a breed of innovators"). More figurative.

a lineage of

Focuses on ancestral descent and familial connections rather than a broad social grouping. Emphasizes heritage and inheritance.

a class of

Suggests shared characteristics or status, useful when describing a group with common traits or experiences (e.g., "a class of students").

a succession of

Highlights the sequential aspect of generations, one following another. Stresses continuity over shared experience.

an era of

Switches the focus from people to the period itself, describing the impact of a time on those within it. Centers on historical conditions more than individuals.

a cycle of

Implies a recurring pattern or phase within generational shifts, less about the individuals themselves. Centers on repeating trends.

FAQs

How can I use "a generation of" in a sentence?

You can use "a generation of" to describe a group of people born and living around the same time, such as "a generation of millennials" or "a generation of baby boomers".

What are some alternatives to "a generation of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an age group of", "a cohort of", or "a wave of".

Is it correct to say "the generation of" instead of "a generation of"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "the generation of" implies a specific, already identified generation, whereas "a generation of" refers to a generation in a more general or undefined sense. Example: "the generation of the 1960s" versus "a generation of innovators".

What does "a generation of" typically refer to?

"A generation of" commonly refers to a group of individuals born around the same time and sharing similar cultural and historical experiences. It's a way to group people based on shared formative years and societal influences.