over two generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over two generations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time span that exceeds two generations, often in discussions about family history, cultural changes, or societal developments. Example: "The tradition has been passed down over two generations, shaping our family's identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's going to take over two generations of scholars to ascertain the significance of the papers he held at the end of his life," Jeanne Newlin says.

The New Yorker

The adoption of women's suffrage is the signal victory of an electoral struggle stretching over two generations and represents the greatest triumph in our day of a generous good sense.

The Guardian

It reflects a triumph over two generations of cultural disruption.

The New York Times - Arts

For fifteen years, over two generations of tennis, Williams has been a spectacular and constant yet oddly uncherished national treasure.

The New Yorker

"Town & Country" never seems more passé than at those desperate moments when it tries to leap over two generations and out-curse the Farrelly brothers.

The New Yorker

In between, it spans almost 50 years, taking in the miners' strike, Aids and the legacy of suppressed secrets and lies in one family over two generations.

The Guardian

The trove, estimated to be worth more than $30 million, was assembled over two generations by William Suida and Robert and Bertina Suida-Manning, all influential art historians.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Bhabha's collection, amassed over two generations, was housed in a 16,000-square-foot four-story bungalow in southern Mumbai that he shared with his mother, his wife and his brother, the nuclear physicist Homi Bhabha.

The New York Times

It is, in its anti-sensational way, a high-quality soap opera about the loves and rivalries of a few local families over two generations, and the soapy stuff is what pulls the reader along.

The New Yorker

True, the hacking and the arrests have been "a sobering experience for our entire industry" (entire industry?) But remember this: "Over two generations The Sun has forged a bond of trust with you, our readers".

The Guardian

Probably over two generations in first-century Jerusalem, no more than 20 people could have been called "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus," and few of them might have been buried in inscribed ossuaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term cultural or societal shifts, use "over two generations" to highlight gradual changes that manifest across a significant timeframe. For instance, "The shift in dietary habits has occurred "over two generations", leading to noticeable health trends."

Common error

Be careful not to use "over two generations" when you actually mean a shorter, more specific time. If you mean approximately 50 years, state that explicitly to avoid implying familial or inherited aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over two generations" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify a timeframe spanning approximately 50 years. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over two generations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that specifies a timeframe of roughly 50 years. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for describing changes, trends, or legacies that unfold gradually, impacting families or societal norms. Predominantly found in news, scientific and formal business contexts, it emphasizes continuity or evolution across time. When using this phrase, ensure you intend to highlight a gradual change across a significant period, avoiding ambiguity with shorter, more specific time spans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spanning multiple generations

Focuses on the breadth and continuity across several generations, rather than a specific number.

across a couple of generations

Emphasizes the familial aspect and a slightly less formal tone.

for more than two generations

Highlights the duration and the continuity beyond a fixed period.

through successive generations

Focuses on the idea of inheritance and the passing down of something through families.

in the course of two generations

Highlights the time period in which something happened.

covering a couple of generations

Emphasizes the scope and the inclusiveness of the generational period.

extending over two generations

Emphasizes the duration and the continuity across the generational period.

lasting two generations or more

Highlights the minimum duration of the generational period.

encompassing two generations

Stresses that the time period completely covers two generations.

during two generations

Simply specifies the duration without extra emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "over two generations" to describe changes, trends, or legacies that have unfolded across approximately 50 years, highlighting the impact on families or societal norms. For example, "The family business has thrived "over two generations", adapting to new market demands."

What phrases are similar to "over two generations"?

Similar phrases include "spanning multiple generations", "across a couple of generations", or "for more than two generations". Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis, such as highlighting continuity or extending beyond a fixed period.

Is it correct to say "in two generations" instead of "over two generations"?

"In two generations" typically refers to something expected to happen in the future, while ""over two generations"" refers to changes or events that have already occurred across that time span. For example, "The technology will likely be obsolete in two generations" versus "The tradition has evolved "over two generations"."

What's the difference between "over two generations" and "within two generations"?

"Over two generations" implies a gradual change or development that occurs throughout the period. "Within two generations" indicates that something happens at some point during that timeframe but doesn't necessarily span the entire period.