a whole generation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole generation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant group of people born and living around the same time, often sharing similar experiences or cultural influences. Example: "The rise of the internet has transformed the way a whole generation communicates and interacts with the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't think you can generalize about a whole generation.

Huffington Post

But for a whole generation?

The New York Times

A whole generation was radicalized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

AIDS humbled a whole generation".

The New York Times - Health

A whole generation of super-fit geniuses!

Independent

A whole generation is at stake".

The New York Times

A whole generation had missed their education.

The Economist

A whole generation was lost".

The Guardian

"A whole generation could disappear".

The Guardian - Sport

She outdid a whole generation of women.

The New York Times

It's about honouring a whole generation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a whole generation" to emphasize the widespread impact of a particular event or trend on people born around the same time. For example, "The digital revolution has transformed the way "a whole generation" interacts with information."

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements about "a whole generation" without sufficient evidence. Remember that generalizations can perpetuate stereotypes and ignore individual differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole generation" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It serves to quantify and emphasize the scope or impact on a group of individuals born and living around the same time, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a whole generation" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a group of individuals born and living around the same time, often sharing similar experiences or cultural influences. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in News & Media, reflecting its widespread use in discussing societal trends and historical events. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overgeneralizations and consider the diversity within any generation. Alternatives include "an entire generation" or "an age group", depending on the specific context. Always strive for nuance and avoid making broad, unsupported claims about entire cohorts of people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a generation of people

Adds "of people" to emphasize the human element of the generation.

an entire generation

Replaces "whole" with "entire", emphasizing completeness.

a complete generation

Uses "complete" instead of "whole", also stressing completeness.

the generation in question

Specifies that it is a particular generation under discussion.

a full generation

Substitutes "whole" with "full", conveying a sense of entirety.

a specific generation

Emphasizes the specificity and particularity of the group.

an age group

Replaces the concept of "generation" with a more general term for people of similar ages.

a cohort of individuals

Uses more formal language to describe a group of people sharing a common characteristic (age or time period).

the people of that era

Shifts the focus to a specific time period and the people living then.

the contemporary population

Highlights the current population, especially in a specific context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a whole generation" to refer to the collective experience or impact on a group of people born around the same time, such as "The economic recession affected "an entire generation"'s career prospects".

What are some alternatives to saying "a whole generation"?

Alternatives include "an entire generation", "a complete generation", or "an age group" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to generalize about "a whole generation"?

While it's useful to identify trends and shared experiences, avoid overgeneralizing. Recognize that individuals within "an age group" have diverse perspectives and circumstances.

What makes one "generation" distinct from another?

Generations are often defined by significant historical events, cultural shifts, and technological advancements that shape their collective identity and worldview.