generation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "generation" is generally considered to be a word that can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people of similar age, like a "generation of young people", or to describe a period of time in which events or progress occur, like a "new generation of technology." Example sentence: "By empowering the next generation, we can create a brighter future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By any measure, he was one of the outstanding General officers of his generation, helping our military adapt to new challenges, and leading our men and women in uniform through a remarkable period of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he helped our nation put those wars on a path to a responsible end.

The Guardian

In the run-up to the general election, young people were branded the politically apathetic generation by the media.

The Guardian

But with energy security and price now burning issues, locally generated power could become a practical alternative, provided the "cap" on local generation is lifted?

The Guardian

"Austerity, poverty and exclusion risk robbing an entire generation of healthy, productive lives across a continent that undervalues the benefits of universal healthcare.

The Guardian

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

The Guardian - Sport

A generation ago, Warren says, basics (housing costs, health insurance, transportation, education, and taxes) accounted for fifty-four per cent of the average family's income.

The Economist

Read more stories like this: Five memorable movements in public health Eight ways to end Aids within a generation Uganda's tobacco laws could see farmers' livelihoods go up in smoke Advertisement feature: 10 breakthrough innovations Join our community of development professionals and humanitarians.

The Guardian

When Liberal Democrat thoughts do turn to a new leader after the next general election, Chris Huhne, who finished second to Campbell in this year's contest, or a representative of he younger generation like Nick Clegg will inherit his crown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amal Khanum Gadjieva of the Bactria Cultural Centre in the capital says that the low quality of contemporary productions has left the post-Soviet generation uninterested in theatre.

The Guardian

The generation who grew up surrounded by acknowledgements that they had dignity, bravery and the capacity for greatness were, unsurprisingly, nifty voters - the first chance they got, they elected a government which promised to reward their sacrifices with a welfare state.

The Guardian

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal changes, use "generation" to highlight the unique characteristics and experiences of a specific age group.

Common error

Be careful not to make sweeping statements about an entire "generation" as individuals within any age group can have diverse experiences and perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The word "generation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously or a stage in a line of descent. Ludwig confirms its standard grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "generation" is a versatile noun used to describe a group of people born around the same time, a stage in familial descent, or the act of producing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, highlighting social and historical discussions. When using "generation", remember to avoid overgeneralizations and consider the diverse experiences within any age group. Consider alternatives like "cohort" or "era" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cohort

Refers to a group of people born around the same time, similar to a "generation" but emphasizes shared experiences.

age group

A simple and direct way to refer to people of a similar age range, like a "generation".

era

Implies a distinct period in history, often associated with a specific "generation".

progeny

Focuses on descendants or offspring, highlighting the familial aspect of a "generation".

succession

Emphasizes the sequential or hereditary aspect of a "generation".

breed

Implies origin or race, similar to a "generation" in terms of familial ties.

descendants

Highlights the lineage or offspring of a particular "generation".

lineage

Refers to ancestry or family tree, related to the concept of a "generation".

age

A specific period in history, associated with a specific "generation".

coming of age

Focuses on reaching maturity and the start of adulthood for a "generation".

FAQs

How can I use the word "generation" in a sentence?

You can use "generation" to refer to a group of people born and living at about the same time, such as "the younger generation". It can also refer to the average period, generally considered to be about 30 years, during which children grow up and have their own children.

What are some alternative words for "generation"?

Some alternatives include "cohort", "age group", or "era", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "generation" and "era"?

"Generation" typically refers to a group of people born around the same time, while "era" denotes a distinct period in history. An era can span multiple generations.

Is it correct to say "the next generation"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. "The next generation" refers to the children of the current "cohort" and those who will succeed the current one in various roles.