from one generation to another

USAGE SUMMARY

"from one generation to another" is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a process or an idea which has been passed down from parents to children (or from one generation of people to the next). For example, you could say "The tradition of making apple pies for the harvest festival has been passed down from one generation to another for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Augustine believed that this was how original sin was passed on from one generation to another.

The Guardian - Opinion

The songs are passed on from one generation to another, and in most cases the composers are unknown.

Britannica

"Nobody organises anything - parents just take their children around and this is passed on from one generation to another.

BBC

While money beliefs can be passed on from one generation to another, they do not have to be permanent.

Forbes

Physically, there is nothing in the original form of the virion that has to be passed on from one generation to another.

Biology and Philosophy

(IDI, single mother) Parents talked about how some discourses supporting CSPs among men were deeply rooted in their culture and passed on subconsciously from one generation to another.

BMC Public Health

Mitochondrial transfer passes on genetic changes from one generation to another.

The Guardian

The World Food Programme attributes this disturbing reality it on mass malnutrition, from one generation to another.

The Guardian

One of our central values is to pass on our tradition from one generation to another, from parents to children.

Huffington Post

If so, this would indicate a transition of masculinities from one generation to another with a potential positive influence on the prevention of domestic violence.

BMC Women's Health

Other projects focus on the induction of epigenetic variation that can be passed from one generation to another via self-perpetuating changes in protein conformation.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural or familial traditions, use "from one generation to another" to emphasize the continuity and handing down of practices. For example, "The secret recipe was passed down from one generation to another preserving our family's culinary history."

Common error

Avoid assuming that transmission is only from older to younger generations. Knowledge, values, and even trends can also flow from younger to older generations. Make sure the context clarifies the direction when using "from one generation to another".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from one generation to another" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate how something is transferred or changes over time, spanning different generations. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase describes a process of inheritance or transmission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from one generation to another" is a versatile phrase that effectively describes the transmission of various elements, such as traditions, knowledge, or genetic traits, across generations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When using this phrase, consider the direction of transmission and the specific context to ensure clarity. Remember that while alternatives like "across generations" or "through the generations" exist, they might carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across generations

Slightly shorter and more direct, omitting "one" and "to another".

through the generations

Emphasizes the process occurring over time.

from parent to child

More specific, focusing on the direct familial link.

intergenerationally

A single-word adverb form, more concise.

passed down through family lines

Highlights the familial heritage aspect.

handed down through ancestry

Focuses on ancestral heritage and inheritance.

successive generations

Highlights how there are future generations following the current ones.

generational transfer

Formal, concise term for the process.

heritage transition

Focuses on transfer and change to heritage.

legacy continuation

Emphasizes the continuation of a legacy or tradition.

FAQs

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

Use "from one generation to another" to describe how traditions, knowledge, or values are passed down, for example: "The art of woodworking was passed "from one generation to another" in their family."

What phrases are similar to "from one generation to another"?

Similar phrases include "across generations", "through the generations", or "from parent to child", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "between generations" instead of "from one generation to another"?

While "between generations" implies a relationship or comparison, "from one generation to another" specifically indicates transmission or inheritance. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "from one generation to another" apply to non-family contexts?

Yes, it can. While often used in familial contexts, it can also apply to organizations, communities, or any group where knowledge or practices are transferred over time. Consider: "The company's innovative spirit was passed "from one generation to another" of employees."