for many generations

USAGE SUMMARY

"for many generations" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "My family has lived in this town for many generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We fought for it for many generations".

The Guardian

The disease can be traced back for many generations.

The New York Times

Pasteur's family had been leather tanners for many generations.

Britannica

By selecting for multiple QTL over time, MAS maintained superiority over conventional selection for many generations.

Journal of Dairy Science

Katharine Fullerton was of staunchly New England lineage for many generations on either side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One musical analyst, Rainer Moritz, calls Heino an "emetic for many generations".

The Economist

The interpretation of Aristotle was for many generations molded by these scholars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Khomyakov came from a family that had for many generations served the Russian tsars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever their origin, they have now lived in Nigeria for many generations.

The Economist

"I was born in Warsaw, my whole family comes from Warsaw for many generations," he said.

The New York Times

He expects his descendants to preside over Sealand for many generations to come.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for many generations" to emphasize the historical depth or longevity of a practice, tradition, or family lineage. This phrasing adds weight and significance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "for many generations" when you actually mean a specific number of years or decades. If you have precise data, it's better to state the actual timeframe to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for many generations" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration or timeframe of an action or state. Ludwig provides examples where it describes how long families have lived in a place, how long a tradition has been practiced, or how long something will last.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for many generations" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has persisted over a significant period of time, specifically through successive family lines or groups. As Ludwig confirms, it is used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedia entries, to emphasize historical depth or long-term continuity. While appropriate for both neutral and formal registers, it lends a sense of weight and significance. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and isn't an overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over numerous generations

Emphasizes the large quantity of generations.

across countless generations

Highlights the vast number of generations involved.

through successive generations

Focuses on the sequence and progression of generations.

down through the ages

Uses a more figurative term, "ages", to denote a long period.

for numerous future generations

Specifically indicates generations yet to come.

in perpetuity

Indicates an indefinite or unending duration.

for the foreseeable future

Implies a long duration, though less explicitly generational.

for an extended period

Uses general wording to suggest the temporal scope.

over a long timescale

Emphasizes the dimension of time to suggest a long duration.

for posterity

Focuses on future generations as beneficiaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "for many generations" to describe something that has persisted or been passed down through families or communities over a long time. For example, "This land has been farmed by my family "for many generations"".

What are some alternatives to "for many generations"?

Alternatives include "over numerous generations", "across countless generations", or "down through the ages", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "for many generations" in formal writing?

Yes, "for many generations" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing historical or cultural contexts. However, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning and isn't an overstatement.

What's the difference between "for many generations" and "for many years"?

"For many generations" specifically refers to the passage of time through family lines or successive groups, while "for many years" is a general statement about a long period. Use "for many generations" when the generational aspect is relevant.