later generations

USAGE SUMMARY

"later generations" is a correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to people of following generations, such as future family members, or the people of times to come. For example: "Later generations will remember her as a pioneering leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later generations clearly thought otherwise.

The New York Times - Arts

Later generations went further.

The Guardian

How is wealth transferred in later generations?

The New York Times

(later generations just made Christmas their own).

The New Yorker

The later generations never captivated me either.

The New York Times

In later generations, everything is a story.

The Guardian - Books

Later generations accepted it as a reliable guide.

The New Yorker

Later generations of Egyptians referred to Akhenaten as "the criminal".

The New Yorker

Many kennings are allusions that become unintelligible to later generations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In later generations this picture was vividly worked out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later generations of Caribbean writers have wrestled with his legacy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of current decisions, use "later generations" to emphasize long-term consequences and legacy.

Common error

Be specific about which "later generations" you're referring to. Instead of saying, "Later generations will benefit," specify, "Later generations of scientists will benefit from this research."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "later generations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showcasing its role in indicating future groups of people or entities, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "later generations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to denote future people or time periods. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and the phrase finds common ground in contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic content. Its primary function is to emphasize the long-term impact of current actions, prompting consideration for future well-being. Though versatile, specifying the scope of these "later generations" enhances clarity, while alternatives like "future descendants" or "coming generations" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following generations

Directly indicates the generations that come after.

next generations

Points to the immediate future and the ones that will follow.

coming generations

Highlights the act of arriving or emerging.

succeeding generations

Stresses the idea of taking over or inheriting roles.

future descendants

Emphasizes the familial aspect and inheritance.

subsequent eras

Focuses on the chronological aspect of time passing.

posterity

A more formal and literary term for future generations.

future societies

Implies broader societal development and structure.

offspring

Highlights the link between current and future relatives.

the future

Broader term indicating what is to come.

FAQs

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

"Later generations" is used to refer to people born and living in the future, often in the context of discussing the impact of current actions or decisions. For example, "We must protect the environment for "future generations"".

What's a good alternative to "later generations"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "coming generations", "future descendants", or "subsequent eras". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize people, time, or inheritance.

Is it better to say "later generations" or "future generations"?

Both "later generations" and "future generations" are correct and often interchangeable. "Later generations" might subtly emphasize a sequential progression, while "future generations" more broadly encompasses all generations yet to come.

What are the implications of using "later generations" in discussions about policy?

Using "later generations" in policy discussions highlights the long-term impacts of decisions. It emphasizes that the benefits or consequences of current policies will extend beyond the present and affect those who come after us.