for generations

USAGE SUMMARY

"for generations" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been true for multiple generations, and is often used to emphasize the longevity of something. For example: The family has owned this land for generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They stay for generations.

The New Yorker

"Art, you can pass down for generations".

The New York Times

We've been hearing this for generations.

The New York Times

Natural calamities have plagued humanity for generations.

The New York Times

Rich men have had them for generations.

The Economist

What makes it indelible for generations?

The New York Times

It has been this way for generations.

The New York Times

"They've been doing it for generations".

The New York Times

The buildings there had stood for generations.

The New Yorker

We're building something for generations.

The New Yorker

"They've lived here for generations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for generations" to emphasize the historical depth and continuity of a tradition, belief, or practice within a family or community. For example: "This recipe has been passed down "for generations"." This highlights its enduring importance.

Common error

While "for generations" effectively conveys longevity, overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives like "over many years" or "throughout history" when appropriate to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for generations" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or entire clauses to indicate duration and continuity. It signifies that an action, tradition, or state has persisted over a long period, specifically across multiple generations. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is valid and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for generations" is a powerful adverbial phrase used to emphasize the longevity and historical depth of a tradition, practice, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. Primarily found in "News & Media", but also present in “Formal & Business” and “Academia”, "for generations" adds weight to statements, highlighting their persistence across multiple family lines or societal periods. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "over many years" or "across generations". Using "for generations" effectively communicates enduring significance, making it a valuable asset in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over many generations

Emphasizes the span of time across numerous generations.

across generations

Highlights the idea of something spanning from one generation to another.

throughout the generations

Suggests that something has been consistent and continuous through different generations.

over successive generations

Highlights the continuity and progression through multiple generations.

from one generation to the next

Focuses on the passing of something between consecutive generations.

for many years

A simpler way to indicate a long period, though less specific about familial succession.

for a long time

A general expression indicating duration, lacking the generational connection.

since time immemorial

Implies a very ancient and continuous tradition, without specifying generations.

down through the ages

Suggests a historical perspective, referring to a longer period than just generations.

in perpetuity

Indicates that something is intended to last forever, beyond just generations.

FAQs

How can I use "for generations" in a sentence?

Use "for generations" to indicate that something has been a tradition, belief, or practice passed down through multiple family lines. For instance, "Their family has been farming this land "for generations"."

What are some alternatives to saying "for generations"?

You can use alternatives such as "over many years", "across generations", or "throughout the generations" to express a similar idea of longevity and continuity.

Is it correct to say "from generations" instead of "for generations"?

No, "from generations" is not grammatically correct in this context. The correct phrase to use is ""for generations"" when indicating something has been happening or passed down over a long period.

What's the difference between ""for generations"" and "in generations"?

"For generations" indicates a period spanning multiple generations, while "in generations" is typically used to express something that hasn't happened within a long time (e.g., "It hasn't happened in generations").