from generation to generation

USAGE SUMMARY

"from generation to generation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that has been passed down from one generation to the next. For example, "Family traditions have been passed down from generation to generation in our family for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"From generation to generation".

The New Yorker

"Vintners from generation to generation.

The New York Times

Some were passed from generation to generation.

The New York Times

It's passed down from generation to generation.

The New York Times - Arts

"These relationships go from generation to generation".

The New Yorker

Fleas would transmit the plague from generation to generation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lifestyles are passed down from generation to generation by example.

The New York Times

Some things remain true from generation to generation.

The New York Times

Adaptations spread across Central Europe, adapted from generation to generation.

The New York Times

From generation to generation, the blood runs cold.

The New Yorker

From generation to generation they remain the same genetically.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from generation to generation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being passed down, whether it's traditions, values, skills, or genetic traits.

Common error

Avoid using "from generation to generation" when referring to changes or trends that occur within a single generation. This phrase implies a transfer or continuation across multiple successive generations, not just within one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from generation to generation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the duration or manner in which something is transmitted or continued. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from generation to generation" is a versatile expression used to convey the passing of traditions, values, skills, or even genetic traits across successive generations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in news and media, academic writings, and encyclopedias, emphasizing continuity and endurance over time. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to use this phrase when referring to transfers across multiple generations, avoiding its application to changes within a single generation. Consider alternatives like ""across the generations"" or "passed down through the family" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across the generations

This alternative emphasizes the span of time and the collective experience of multiple generations.

throughout the ages

This phrase provides a broader, more historical perspective, implying a longer duration than just generational succession.

from parent to child

This alternative focuses specifically on the direct lineage of inheritance.

passed down through the family

This highlights the familial aspect of the transmission of traditions, values, or possessions.

handed down through the years

This emphasizes the process of transferring something over a considerable period.

inherited through the lineage

This alternative suggests a formal or legal transfer of inheritance.

down through the ancestry

This focuses on ancestral heritage and the passing of customs or traits.

from ancestors to descendants

This alternative specifically points out the direction of the transmission from past to future relatives.

continuing legacy

This emphasizes the lasting impact or influence maintained across time.

time-honored tradition

This suggests that something has been respected and maintained for a very long time.

FAQs

How can I use "from generation to generation" in a sentence?

You can use "from generation to generation" to describe how traditions, values, or skills are passed down within families. For example, "The art of pottery has been passed down "from generation to generation" in our family."

What's the difference between "from generation to generation" and "across generations"?

"From generation to generation" typically implies a direct transmission or inheritance, while "across generations" can refer to broader impacts or changes affecting multiple generations simultaneously. The phrase "across the generations" emphasizes the scope of time and the collective experience of multiple generations.

Which is correct, "from generation to generation" or "between generations"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "From generation to generation" refers to something being passed down, while "between generations" describes interactions or differences among different generations.

What can I say instead of "from generation to generation"?

You can use alternatives like ""across the generations"", "throughout the ages", or "passed down through the family" depending on the context.