generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "generate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the production or creation of something, either tangible or intangible. Example sentence: The solar panels on the roof of our house generate enough electricity for the entire family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These ambitions often generate friction with its neighbours, especially Tajikistan.

The Guardian

However, this is not an alternative to good password policies such as using 1Password, LastPass or similar to generate and save passwords to reduce the risk from brute force attacks and similar.

The Guardian - Tech

Twelve of us worked with fantastic tutors, taking inspiration from natural systems, learning about sustainable ways to produce food, generate energy, house ourselves, create a community, think and live well.

The Guardian - Travel

We can only have virtually the same level of social security if we try to generate growth and jobs – not by having immigration into social systems.

The Guardian

Some are on a grand scale – such as Spain's concentrated solar power stations which, by super-heating molten salts that hold their heat for many hours, can generate clean power from the sun at night.

The Guardian

Burgeoning stars like RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery all got their start on The Voice under Shelton's mentoring, and The Voice has learned how to generate the same heartland appeal that Idol once understood in how it presents its contestants to the public.

The Guardian - Music

Rather, they are investments which can reliably generate income – the all-important cash spent on charitable activities.

The Guardian

For example, a 10p dividend would generate him income of well over £30m, which would keep the wolf from the door".

The Guardian - Business

We know that when markets are extended they generate what is known as "negative externalities" – damage caused by market behaviour that does not enter into the cost calculations of those producing it.

The Guardian - Opinion

(1) A number of companies already generate bioenergy in this way.

The Guardian

It will include introducing feed-in tariffs to enable households to claim guaranteed cash back when they generate their own electricity, and incentives for renewable heat such as solar power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate" when you want to emphasize the process of bringing something into existence, whether it's tangible or intangible. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "generate" is versatile, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. For more casual situations, consider simpler alternatives like "create" or "make".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "generate" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the act of bringing something into existence or producing a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used to describe creation or production, both tangible and intangible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "generate" functions as a transitive verb signifying the creation or production of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, from formal business reports to casual news articles. The term is frequently employed in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. When writing, while "generate" is versatile, remember that simpler alternatives like "create" or "produce" may be more appropriate in certain informal situations. The term is widely used and, considering its usage and grammatical correctness, "generate" remains a reliable and valuable verb in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce

Emphasizes the creation of something tangible or measurable.

create

Focuses on bringing something new into existence.

develop

Suggests a gradual process of growth and formation.

yield

Implies producing something as a result of effort or a process.

form

Highlights the act of giving shape or structure to something.

originate

Focuses on the point of beginning or source of creation.

spark

Suggests initiating something, often an idea or reaction.

instigate

Emphasizes the act of starting or setting something in motion.

trigger

Highlights a cause-and-effect relationship where something is set off.

bring about

Indicates causing something to happen or exist.

FAQs

How can I use "generate" in a sentence?

You can use "generate" to describe the creation of something, such as "The new policy will "generate more revenue"" or "The machine can "generate electricity"".

What can I say instead of "generate"?

You can use alternatives like "produce", "create", or "develop" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "generate" or "generated"?

Both "generate" and "generated" are correct, but they are different verb forms. "Generate" is the base form, while "generated" is the past tense and past participle.

What's the difference between "generate" and "create"?

"Generate" often implies a process or system that produces something, while "create" is a broader term for bringing something new into existence. You might "generate" electricity with a turbine, but you "create" a work of art.