generation after generation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generation after generation" is correct and can be used in written English.
This can be used to refer to a certain type of situation or phenomenon that has been experienced or repeated by each generation. For example, "The same struggles and hardships have been faced by the people of this region generation after generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It self-replicates generation after generation.

The New York Times

The selection is repeated generation after generation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it's worked, generation after generation.

The New Yorker

"We're family, generation after generation of family".

The New York Times

I can trace my ancestry back through my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and so on, generation after generation after generation after generation, back through time.

The New York Times

Generation after generation see no glimmer of hope.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our outraged children will follow us, generation after generation".

The New York Times

"Generation after generation has been inspired by him".

The New York Times - Arts

"The Rolling Stones been around forever, but they seem to exist generation after generation after generation," he said.

The New York Times

The same unchanging sequence is repeated generation after generation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And yet, generation-after-generation, the iPhone fails to gain a camera button.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generation after generation" to emphasize the persistence or repetition of a phenomenon, tradition, or problem across multiple generations. For instance, "Poverty has plagued this community generation after generation."

Common error

Avoid using "generation after generation" when simply referring to the future. For example, instead of "We hope this tradition continues generation after generation", consider "We hope this tradition continues for many years to come."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generation after generation" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to indicate the continuous repetition of an action, condition, or tradition across successive generations. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of something through familial or societal lineage, as Ludwig demonstrates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generation after generation" is a prepositional phrase signifying the continuous and repetitive nature of events, traditions, or conditions across successive generations. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, primarily within News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "successive generations" or "from one generation to the next" exist, "generation after generation" effectively emphasizes persistence over time. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a continuing pattern through family or societal lineage, avoiding simple references to future events. Understanding its appropriate context will enrich your writing and provide a clear depiction of enduring legacies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

successive generations

Focuses on the sequence of generations rather than the repetitive nature.

from one generation to the next

Highlights the transition and inheritance between generations.

over many generations

Emphasizes the long duration and cumulative effect across generations.

for generations

A shorter, more concise way to express the concept of a long duration of time passing through many generations.

down through the ages

A more figurative expression indicating transmission across a vast historical timeline.

time after time

Emphasizes the repetition of an event or situation, not necessarily tied to familial generations.

recurring through the ages

Similar to 'down through the ages' but highlights recurrence of a situation.

in every generation

Highlights the presence of something in each individual generation, rather than the continuous link.

across the years

A broader term, less specific to familial or societal generations but indicating the passage of time.

throughout history

Indicates persistence from a historical perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "generation after generation" in a sentence?

The phrase "generation after generation" is used to show that something has been happening repeatedly throughout the lifetime of multiple generations. For example, "Generation after generation, the family has passed down the same values."

What are some alternatives to "generation after generation"?

Alternatives to "generation after generation" include "successive generations", "from one generation to the next", or "over many generations". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does "generation after generation" emphasize?

The phrase "generation after generation" emphasizes the repetitive or continuous nature of something occurring throughout the lifespan of multiple generations. It underlines the enduring quality of a tradition, problem, or characteristic.

Is it redundant to say "generations after generations"?

Yes, "generations after generations" is considered redundant. The phrase "generation after generation" already implies a series of generations, so adding the plural form is unnecessary.