for several generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.
Example sentence: The secret family recipe has been passed down for several generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, in such cases, an adapted state is generally maintained only for several generations.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Many families have been here for several generations.

The Guardian

"He has been playing against China for several generations".

The New York Times - Sports

The land has been in his family for several generations.

The New Yorker

The religion prospered for several generations before completely disappearing.

Britannica

"Real estate stays in the family for several generations".

The New York Times

An ESOP is intended to last for several generations.

The New York Times

The truth is, Spanish boxing has been undergoing a standing eight count for several generations now.

The Guardian - Sport

Fortunately for several generations of musicians and listeners, Parker stuck to his own truly original ideas.

The New York Times - Arts

"Some of them have been doing this for several generations," Mr. Stolpe said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Families usually stay and thrive in one community for several generations.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for several generations" to indicate a tradition, belief, or characteristic that has been maintained or passed down within a family or group over a considerable period. For example, "This farming technique has been used in our family for several generations."

Common error

Don't use "for several generations" when a more specific time frame is known. If you know it has been five generations, stating "for five generations" provides clearer and more precise information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for several generations" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the duration or extent to which something has persisted or been maintained. Ludwig AI confirms the usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for several generations" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the duration of something that has persisted through multiple family lines. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in contexts related to news, science, and encyclopedic entries, conveying a sense of longevity and tradition. When writing, it's important to consider whether a more precise timeframe is known, as using a specific number of generations can sometimes be more informative. In essence, this phrase serves as a testament to the enduring nature of practices, beliefs, or characteristics passed down through time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across multiple generations

Replaces "several" with "multiple", emphasizing the plurality of generations.

over numerous generations

Substitutes "several" with "numerous", highlighting a large number of generations.

spanning a few generations

Uses "spanning" to indicate the period covered, and "a few" as a less specific quantity.

through successive generations

Emphasizes the continuity from one generation to the next.

down through the generations

Indicates a passing down or continuation through time.

over the course of generations

Highlights the extended period involved.

for a number of generations

Uses "a number of" as a more generic quantifier.

in the span of generations

Focuses on the timeframe created by generations.

covering multiple generations

Highlights the extent to which generations are impacted or included.

during several family lines

Shifts focus to family lineage and the time period involved.

FAQs

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

This phrase indicates something that has persisted or been passed down through multiple family lineages. For instance, "The art of woodworking has been a cherished tradition in their family "for several generations"".

What are some alternatives to using "for several generations"?

You can use alternatives like "across multiple generations", "over numerous generations", or "through successive generations" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "for several generations" or specify the number of generations?

It depends on the context. "For several generations" is appropriate when the exact number is unknown or unimportant. If the specific number is known and relevant, it's better to specify it (e.g., "for five generations").

What does "for several generations" imply about the duration?

It implies a significant period, typically more than two or three generations, suggesting a long-standing tradition, belief, or practice. The phrase emphasizes the continuity and persistence of something over an extended familial or societal timeline. You can also use "for many years" to express this meaning.