generates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'generates' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something producing an effect or result, or when something creates or brings something into being. Example: The new policy generated a lot of excitement among the students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what about pre-emptively dealing with death, in more general terms – is it a good idea, or one that generates more anxiety than it allays?

The Guardian - Books

They are right to say that work is a noble calling, that good work generates value, and that workers should be treated with dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

But passenger transport still generates a significant part of total greenhouse gas emission of the EU so we need to think about more sustainable transport systems- the car cannot solve all our problems in the 21st century.

The Guardian

In India, a fully electric car generates emissions comparable to a 20 MPG (US gallon) petrol vehicle whereas in Paraguay, using one produces emissions comparable to a 218 MPG petrol vehicle.

The Guardian

The shares were the biggest risers in the FTSE 100 jumping almost 8% despite concerns from analysts that the bank would lose revenue as a result of the cuts in its investment banking division, traditionally the group's powerhouse that generates more than 50% of the profits.

The Guardian - Business

And yet the push for leaders' debates has grown, in part because the identification between party leader and government is now so strong in the UK, and in part because the drama that nationally televised debates generates is likely to awaken interest among a jaded electorate.

The Guardian

Any reduction in visitor numbers to a region that generates AUS$6bn a year from tourists would also be keenly felt by local businesses and the Australian economy at large.

The Guardian

Work has already begun at the Hinkley site, which the UK government said will have a capacity of 3.3GW, with the electricity it generates bought at a strike-price of £92.50 per megawatt hour, around double the market rate.

The Guardian

As well as attracting 6 million viewers on BBC2 each week, it generates around £50m a year for the corporation's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.

The Guardian

People often resist new housing and other development because it generates extra traffic and car use.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to Spain's interior ministry, drug dealing generates close to €16m a day, or €5.7bn a year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the output of a system or process, use "generates" to emphasize the active creation of something new. For instance, "the software generates reports automatically" highlights the program's capability.

Common error

Avoid using "generates" when simpler verbs like "creates" or "produces" are more appropriate. Overusing "generates" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of saying "the machine generates noise", use "the machine makes noise".

Linguistic Context

The word "generates" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of creating, producing, or causing something to come into existence. It often describes a process or system that actively brings about a result, as seen in Ludwig's examples where debates "generates" interest and electric cars "generates" emissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "generates" is a versatile verb commonly used to describe the creation or production of something, especially as a result of a process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, leaning toward formal, making it suitable for news, business, and academic writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "creates" or "produces" in less formal settings. "Generates" is particularly effective when emphasizing the active and systematic nature of the creation process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produces

Replaces "generates" with a simpler and more direct term for creating something.

creates

Offers a basic synonym for "generates", suitable for a wide range of contexts.

yields

Suggests a return or result from something, similar to the effect of "generates".

gives rise to

Implies that something is caused or started by something else, similar to "generates".

brings about

Indicates that something is the cause of something else happening, like "generates".

engenders

A more formal term for "generates", suggesting the fostering or creation of something.

spawns

Often used to describe the rapid production of something, more specific than "generates".

elicits

Focuses on the response or reaction caused by something, a nuanced form of "generates".

fosters

Suggests nurturing and promoting the growth of something, a specialized sense of "generates".

precipitates

Indicates that something triggers or accelerates a process, similar to the impact of "generates".

FAQs

How can I use "generates" in a sentence?

"Generates" is typically used to describe the creation or production of something, often as a result of a process or system. For example, "The engine "generates power"" or "The discussion "generates ideas"".

What are some alternatives to "generates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "produces", "creates", "yields", or "brings about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "generates" or "creates"?

While both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "generates" often implies an ongoing or systematic process of creation, whereas "creates" can refer to a single, discrete act of creation. Choose the word that best reflects the nature of the creation being described.

What's the difference between "generates" and "produces"?

"Generates" often implies a more complex or dynamic process than "produces". "Produces" is a more general term for bringing something into existence, while "generates" suggests that something is actively creating or outputting something as a result of its operation or function.