generations to come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generations to come" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about future generations, such as to describe the lasting impact of something. For example: "These lasting monuments will serve as a reminder of our culture for generations to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For all our children and for generations to come.

Independent

"I thought this would be here for generations to come".

The New York Times

Her impact will live on for generations to come.

The New York Times

Historians will judge our actions for generations to come.

The New York Times

— that would empower a party for generations to come.

The New York Times - Magazine

Missing it may well be regretted for generations to come.

The New York Times

And it's going to have impact for generations to come.

The Economist

This is a serious problem for generations to come.

The New Yorker

You had to do it for the generations to come".

The New Yorker

They will be felt by generations to come," she says.

The Guardian

Generations to come need to stay on the cause.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generations to come", consider the specific legacy or impact you want to emphasize. Be clear about what future generations will inherit or experience as a result of current actions.

Common error

Avoid using "generations to come" in overly broad or cliché statements. Ensure the phrase connects to a tangible outcome or consequence, rather than serving as mere filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generations to come" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, often indicating the beneficiaries or recipients of a particular action or legacy. It serves to highlight the long-term implications of present actions. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generations to come" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to refer to future descendants. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It functions as a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the lasting impact of present-day actions, primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts. While it's versatile, it's best to use it intentionally to connect actions to tangible long-term results. Alternatives like "future generations", "descendants", and "posterity" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Ultimately, "generations to come" serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to those who will inherit the world after us.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

future generations

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing the prepositional phrase "to come" with the adjective "future".

later generations

Focuses on generations that appear later in time.

succeeding generations

This emphasizes the act of following or inheriting from previous generations.

onward generations

Highlights the continuous progression of generations forward in time.

posterity

This term is more formal and emphasizes those who will exist in the future.

descendants

This focuses specifically on those who are directly descended from current individuals, removing the broader time frame.

future heirs

This alternative implies inheritance, focusing on those who will receive something from the present.

tomorrow's children

This option uses a more metaphorical and emotional tone.

the next era

This phrase shifts the focus to a period of time rather than people.

the world to come

Implies a future state or existence, often with a spiritual connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "generations to come" in a sentence?

Use "generations to come" to emphasize the long-term impact of decisions or actions. For example, "We must protect our environment for "generations to come"."

What are some alternatives to saying "generations to come"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "future generations", "descendants", or "posterity".

Is it correct to say "for the sake of generations to come"?

Yes, "for the sake of generations to come" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express doing something to benefit future generations.

What is the difference between "generations to come" and "future generations"?

While both phrases refer to people in the future, "generations to come" often carries a slightly more emphatic or formal tone than the more straightforward "future generations".