laws of inheritance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laws of inheritance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing genetics, property rights, or any system that involves the transfer of traits or assets from one generation to another. Example: "The laws of inheritance dictate how traits are passed down from parents to offspring in living organisms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gregor Mendel discovered the genetic laws of inheritance by studying inherited traits such as shape in Pisum sativum (peas).

Wikipedia

These two observations are now known as Mendel's Laws of Inheritance.

The Guardian

His belief in eugenics thus led him to try to discover the laws of inheritance.

The New Yorker

Pearson, K. & Lee, A. On the laws of inheritance in man I. Inheritance of physical characters.

Nature

Landholdings are generally small, highly fragmented, and dispersed under traditional laws of inheritance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If confirmed, the finding would represent an exception to the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel.

The New York Times

Mendel established the fundamental laws of inheritance, and Vavilov, among others, was prescient enough to grasp their implications.

The New Yorker

Under Mendel's laws of inheritance, you could thank mom and dad equally for all the outstanding qualities you inherited.

The New York Times - Health

In accordance with Mendelian laws of inheritance, a person obtains one of a pair of chromosomes from each parent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The law of inheritance and inheritance taxation thus functions as an instrument of social policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Wilson, Thatcher, or Blair – the noisy cacophony of Westminster politics – makes no difference to the iron law of inheritance," Clark and Cummins write.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the work of Gregor Mendel, explicitly mentioning the "laws of inheritance" is appropriate. For broader discussions about genetics, consider using alternative terms like "heredity principles" or "genetic transmission" for varied expression.

Common error

Be mindful that the term "laws of inheritance" can refer to both biological inheritance (genetics) and legal inheritance (property). Ensure your context clarifies which type of inheritance you are discussing to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laws of inheritance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a set of established principles or rules governing how traits are passed from parents to offspring, primarily in the context of genetics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "laws of inheritance" is a well-established term, primarily referring to the principles governing how traits are passed from parents to offspring. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives like "heredity laws" or "inheritance principles" exist, it's crucial to consider the specific context—genetics or legal matters—to ensure clarity. When writing, be mindful of potential confusion between biological and legal inheritance, and always strive for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inheritance principles

Focuses on the underlying rules rather than the codified aspect.

heredity laws

Uses a synonym for inheritance, maintaining the legal connotation.

genetic inheritance rules

Specifies the type of inheritance, adding clarity.

rules of heredity

Replaces "laws" with "rules," softening the formal tone and uses a synonym for inheritance.

principles of heredity

Focuses on the fundamental concepts governing heredity.

inheritance regulations

Emphasizes the regulatory aspect of inheritance.

hereditary mechanisms

Shifts focus to the processes by which traits are inherited.

patterns of inheritance

Highlights the observable patterns in how traits are passed on.

transmission of traits

Describes the general process of traits being passed down.

genetic transmission

Focuses specifically on the genetic aspect of trait transmission.

FAQs

How are the "laws of inheritance" applied in genetics?

The "laws of inheritance", primarily referring to Mendelian genetics, explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. These laws include segregation and independent assortment, governing how alleles separate and combine during reproduction.

What's the difference between "laws of inheritance" and "heredity"?

"Laws of inheritance" are specific rules, like Mendel's laws, that describe how traits are passed down. "Heredity" is the broader biological concept of the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

Can "laws of inheritance" be used outside of biology?

Yes, the term "laws of inheritance" can also refer to legal principles governing the transfer of property or titles, though this usage is distinct from its genetic meaning. It's important to clarify the context to avoid confusion.

What can I say instead of "laws of inheritance" in a genetic context?

In a genetic context, you can use alternatives like "genetic inheritance", "heredity principles", or "principles of inheritance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.