after three generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after three generations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time frame or a significant change that occurs following the passage of three generations. Example: "The family business thrived after three generations, evolving into a major corporation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It transpires she looks after three generations of Bradfields.

The Guardian

But after three generations or so the immigrants catch up.

The New Yorker

Today, after three generations, a culture that is distinctively black and British is in full flower.

The New Yorker

With notable exceptions, such as Athens, Rome, Muscovy, and some circum-Caribbean societies, many societies required manumission after three generations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But even if well charted, the process is no less wrenching for those who stand to lose buildings and places of business, some of them after three generations.

The New York Times

The fact is that immigrants who came from rural backgrounds, as many Negroes do, are only now, after three generations, finally beginning to move into the middle class.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

After three generation of backcrossing, homozygous BC3F2 plants were selected (Fig. 1).

Rice

The experiment was stopped after three generation cycles (approximately four weeks).

BMC Genomics

After five generations, the earnings advantage would still be 12percentt.

The New York Times

Usually, Mrs. Brown said, after six generations, descendants number "in the hundreds".

The New York Times

So the researchers crossed a border collie and Newfoundland but abandoned that program after two generations.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "after three generations", ensure the context clearly establishes what occurred or changed following the passage of that time. For example, specify whether it refers to cultural shifts, genetic traits, or business development.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what the "three generations" are relative to. Without a clear point of reference, the phrase can be vague and confusing for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after three generations" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a point in time following the passage of three generations. Ludwig provides examples of it being used to describe changes in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after three generations" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote a time frame following the passage of three generations. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is suitable for various contexts including science, news, and encyclopedias. It's important to establish clarity about the reference point of the "three generations" to avoid ambiguity. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively conveys the idea of changes occurring over an extended period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the third generation

Emphasizes a specific point in the generational sequence, rather than a process occurring after that point.

three generations later

Highlights the temporal aspect, focusing on the period that has passed.

following three generations

More formal and emphasizes the sequence of generations.

subsequent to three generations

Highly formal and emphasizes the time that has passed since the third generation.

by the third generation

Implies attainment or arrival at a certain state by the third generation, rather than a process after.

with the third generation

Suggests simultaneous action or characteristics within the third generation.

in the wake of three generations

Focuses on the consequences or aftermath of three generations.

three generations onward

Emphasizes continued progression from the third generation.

spanning three generations

Highlights the duration or extent across the generations.

across three generations

Indicates something that happens or exists throughout the course of those generations.

FAQs

How can I use "after three generations" in a sentence?

You can use "after three generations" to describe changes or developments that occur following the passage of three generations, such as "After three generations, the family business had become a global corporation".

What is a good alternative to "after three generations"?

Alternatives include "in the third generation", "three generations later", or "following three generations", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "in three generations" or "after three generations"?

The choice depends on the context. "In three generations" suggests something will occur at a point within the third generation, while "after three generations" suggests something occurs subsequent to the third generation.

What kinds of changes can be expected "after three generations"?

"After three generations" is often used to describe cultural assimilation, genetic drift, or the evolution of family businesses. The phrase implies a significant time period where noticeable transformations can occur.