of generations past

USAGE SUMMARY

'of generations past' is a correct sentence fragment that is usable in written English.
You can incorporate this phrase into sentences that refer to people or events from the past. For example, "We can look to the wisdom of generations past to guide our decisions today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Despite all the history, despite all the national heroes of generations past, the Chinese have never known a badminton artist like Super Dan.

The New York Times - Sports

On arrival, the newcomers of generations past were fierce in their determination to learn English, the bond that gave America its motto, "Out of many, one".

The New York Times

It is hardly the stuff of generations past, those stung by the Great Depression, who held onto antediluvian dishware and stored canned goods until rust formed on the lids.

The New York Times

We are the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of generations past, and it is a legacy for which my own country is rightfully proud.

Forbes

Since molecular phylogeny studies suggest that many of the most common alleles at BRCA1 and BRCA2 arose as new mutations in the relatively recent (tens of generations) past (Slatkin and Rannala 2000), the prevalence of these apparently deleterious alleles and their persistence in the population raises some interesting issues.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

As the voices of generations past cry out to you, "Honor!" how will you respond?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A cornerstone of the industry for generations past, professional wrestling all but scrapped the art in recent years.

Huffington Post

So how does it feel to be part of "Generation R" – past retirement age but still working?

The Guardian

I also think that the assimilation mentally of generations-past needs to be forsaken.

Huffington Post

As we pay tribute to the fallen, let us draw upon the legacy of generations of veterans past and of those who continue to serve our country -- both in and out of uniform.

Huffington Post

At a chosen genomic site, a pair of modern day individuals from a population will have a common ancestor that lived a number of generations in the past.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical influences or traditions, use "of generations past" to connect current practices with their origins. For example, "The techniques used today are rooted in the wisdom "of generations past".

Common error

While "of generations past" can evoke a sense of history, avoid using it in contexts that require a neutral or objective tone. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly sentimental or nostalgic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of generations past" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe or qualify nouns. It indicates a connection to, or origin in, earlier times.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of generations past" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to reference historical context and acknowledge predecessors. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively connects present actions and ideas with their origins in earlier times. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards formality, particularly in academic and news contexts. To ensure clear and effective communication, use this phrase when you want to highlight continuity between the past and the present or when drawing lessons from historical experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from times gone by

Emphasizes the sense of something that is no longer current or present.

from bygone eras

Emphasizes the temporal distance and the idea of eras that have passed.

from previous ages

Similar to "bygone eras" but stresses the concept of distinct historical periods.

in former times

Highlights a difference in time, suggesting a contrast between then and now.

in earlier periods

Focuses on periods and less on people.

of yesteryear

Evokes nostalgia and a sense of fondness for the past.

of prior years

A more literal and straightforward way of saying "past years".

historical legacy

Highlights the long-term impact and significance of past events or people.

in olden days

Suggests a more distant and sometimes romanticized past.

ancestral heritage

Focuses specifically on the heritage and traditions passed down through families.

FAQs

How can I use "of generations past" in a sentence?

You can use "of generations past" to refer to the collective experiences, knowledge, or actions of people who lived in earlier times. For example, "We can learn valuable lessons from the mistakes "of generations past"".

What are some alternatives to "of generations past"?

Alternatives include phrases like "from bygone eras", "in former times", or "from previous ages", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "of past generations" instead of "of generations past"?

While "of past generations" is understandable, "of generations past" is the more common and idiomatic expression. The latter emphasizes the flow of time and the accumulated experiences of those who came before.

What is the difference between "of generations past" and "historical legacy"?

"Of generations past" refers more broadly to people and times gone by, while "historical legacy" focuses on the lasting impact or influence of past events or individuals.