in two generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in two generations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time span of approximately 40 to 50 years, typically in discussions about changes, developments, or predictions over that period. Example: "The technology we use today will likely be completely obsolete in two generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, modern homozygous lines are generally created in two generations using stocks called haploid inducers (Prigge et al. 2012).

Genetics

In general, behavioural risk factors in two generations of non-Western migrants in the Netherlands seem to converge towards the prevalence rates in the Dutch population.

European Journal of Epidemiology

In two generations, they learned to walk the high wire.

The New York Times

It is striking how much has changed in two generations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's literally famine to gluttony in two generations".

The New Yorker

The state is changing shape in two generations.

The Economist

I saw a culture with thousands of years of tradition behind it vanquished in two generations.

The Guardian - Books

In two generations, most of their grandchildren won't even be Jews.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today, Sweden has done a Japan, undertaking an industrial revolution in two generations.

The Guardian

It described the bill as "the most important change to social care in two generations".

The Guardian

"In two generations, six of us have already been afflicted with it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in two generations", consider the specific context and whether a more precise timeframe (e.g., "within 50 years") would be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a fixed length for a generation; it varies based on social and cultural factors. While roughly equivalent to 40-50 years, specify the timeframe if precision is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in two generations" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a timeframe. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates when a particular action, change, or state is expected to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in two generations" serves as a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase indicating a timeframe of roughly 40-50 years. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific discussions. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and potentially specify a more precise timeframe for clarity. Alternatives such as "within two generations" or "over two generations" can offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within two generations

Emphasizes the timeframe as a boundary, suggesting something will occur before or at the end of two generations.

over two generations

Highlights the duration, implying a gradual change or development spanning that period.

across two generations

Suggests a change or trend that affects both generations involved.

in the span of two generations

Emphasizes the limited duration of the change or event.

within 50 years

Provides a rough estimate of the time frame that “in two generations” refers to.

by the second generation

Focuses on the outcome or state achieved by the second generation.

two generations hence

A more formal or literary way of indicating two generations in the future.

after two generations

Focuses on the time passed before something happens.

in approximately half a century

Provides a numerical approximation of the generational timeframe.

before the grandchildren's generation

Relates the time frame to a specific family relationship, providing a more personal perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "in two generations" in a sentence?

Use "in two generations" to indicate a timeframe of roughly 40 to 50 years, often when discussing changes or predictions. For example, "The effects of climate change will be significantly more pronounced "in two generations"".

What is a good alternative to the phrase "in two generations"?

Alternatives include phrases like "within two generations", "over two generations", or "in the span of two generations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in two generations" or "within two generations"?

Both "in two generations" and "within two generations" are correct, but the latter emphasizes that the change will occur before or at the end of that period, while "in two generations" is a more general statement about the timeframe.

Does "in two generations" have a fixed number of years?

While "in two generations" generally refers to approximately 40-50 years, the length of a generation can vary. For precise communication, consider specifying a number of years instead.